• Ready for Anything

The Parachute Regiment

The Parachute Regiment leads from the front as airborne Infantry. Of the four battalions, one is permanently at High Readiness for world wide intervention operations. 1 PARA is in role as the Special Forces Support Group

The Parachute Regiment is the airborne infantry regiment of the British Army. The 1st Battalion is permanently under the command of the Director Special Forces in the Special Forces Support Group (SFSG). The other battalions are the parachute infantry component of the British Army's rapid response formation, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.

Paratroopers are trained to conduct a range of missions, from prevention and pre-emption tasks, to complex, high intensity war fighting. Watchwords are professionalism, resilience, discipline, versatility, courage and self-reliance.

ACTIVE FROM

1 August 1942

ROLE

Airborne Infantry

SPECIALISM

Air Assault

The “PARAS” provide the capability to deploy at very short notice, by air, worldwide. They are trained to an exacting standard and form the spearhead of the UK’s rapid intervention strategy. They are professional, resilient, brave and self-reliant.

  • Military Parachutist: Key to hostile entry
  • Agile, lightly equipped warriors
  • High levels of Physical robustness
  • Versatility in operations and training
  • Self reliant in the field
  • Innovative in problem solving
  • Resilient, mentally tough we bend not break
  • Loyal and committed to our friends

Previous deployments:

  • Afghanistan - 2,3 and 4 PARA 
  • Sierra Leone - 1 and 2 PARA

We have an open and engaging  recruiting team who guide and help future “Paras” through the process of joining.  We recruit for the whole Regiment, both our Regular Army and Army Reserve.

 

Captain Si Getty heads up recruitment
Cpl Chris Marenghi is an Elite Bobsleigh athlete
Pte Ricky Lintott served in 3 PARA and now recruits

 

Merville Barracks is a modern, purpose built barracks for 16 Air Assault Brigade. Many units are based there including 2 and 3 PARA, Artillery, Medics, Signallers, Logisticians as well as 16 Brigade Combat Team Headquarters. 

  • 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment

    Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083

  • 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment

    Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083

  • 4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment

    Thornbury Barracks, Leeds 01904 664566

Airborne brotherhood, this is belonging

a line of soldiers with maroon berets

Through the years

The Parachute Regiment were formed in the Second World War and, save 1968, have been in constant action since. Determined and courageous, they earned the nickname “Red Devils” from German Paras in North Africa. Heroic actions in Normandy, Arnhem, the Falklands and Afghanistan are cemented in Regimental folklore.

Following Winston Churchill’s decree, The Parachute Regiment is formed at a time of Total War.

The “PARAS” earn their reputation for daring in North Africa, Normandy, Arnhem the Rhine crossing.

Battalions conduct a series of “post colonial” tours in Palestine, Suez, Cyprus, Borneo and Aden.

The Parachute Regiment rotates through emergency and residential tours of duty in Northern Ireland. 

2 and 3 PARA fight with distinction at Goose Green, wireless Ridge and Mount Longdon.

Join us

Find out more about Full-time and Part-time roles in the Infantry

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Contact us

Tel: 01206 817083

Email: [email protected]

Address: Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7UT

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