The Royal Logistic Corps

13 Air Assault Support Regiment

Always ready. Based at Merville Barracks in Colchester, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment (13 AASR) provides specialist logistic capabilities to 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (16 AA BCT), Defence, and other government departments. As part of the UK’s Global Response Force, the Unit is always ready to deploy anywhere in the world to enable 16 AA BCT to be first to the fight and win.

13 Air Assault Support Regiment specialises in delivering a wide range of unique logistic support functions that are specifically designed to support airborne and air manoeuvre forces. The regiment is organised into:

63 Air Assault Support Squadron – a close support sub-unit whose primary role is to support 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.
82 Air Assault Support Squadron – a close support sub-unit whose primary role is to support 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.
15 Air Assault Support Squadron Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment – a close support sub-unit whose primary role is to support the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
8 Parachute Field Company – the Brigade’s equipment support specialists.
47 Air Despatch Squadron – the Squadron provide aerial delivery capability on behalf of Defence.
24 Headquarters Squadron – provides direct support to the regiment itself, ensuring that we are administered and supported across all functions and the Arrivals and Departures Airfield Control Group for Joint Forcable Entry.
65 Troop – a specialised organisation that provides direct support to out of area and discrete operations.

13 AASR maintains an almost permanent commitment to operations through the provision of specialist logistic capabilities to 16 AA BCT, Defence, and other government departments. Those soldiers not deployed are held at high readiness to deploy anywhere in the world.

Our skills include:

Air despatch
Supply and distribution
Mechanical engineering
Fuel support
Catering support
Communication specialists
Human resources
Airborne logisticians

Our sub-units operate the traditional range of logistic support vehicles, including:

Enhanced Pallet Load System (EPLS)
Close Support Tanker (CST)
Logistic Support Vehicles (SV) – 6,9 and 15 tonne variants
Land Rover Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (RWMIK)

In addition, they each have an Airborne Troop responsible for the regiment’s helicopter handling and underslung load capability.

47 Air Despatch Squadron work closely with the Royal Air Force to deliver logistic support.

The regiment has its own integral Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers sub-unit. 8 (Parachute) Field Company work with the full range of equipment support vehicles to ensure that the brigade can move and fight.

Our soldiers are drawn from a wide range of trades from across the RLC, including:

The Regiment also has integral roles for soldiers and officers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and the Staff and Personnel Support (SPS) Branch from the Adjutant General’s Corps.

Private Bladen – Logistic Supply Specialist

I joined the British Army in 2017 and have served with 13 Air Assault Regiment RLC since 2018. As a Class 2 trained Logistic Supply Specialist, I am responsible for the issue and receipt of large volumes of critical kit and equipment, supporting the high readiness 16 Air Assault Brigade. I am also trained to drive MAN Support Vehicle 6, 9 and 15 tonne vehicles.

During my career, I have represented the Regiment and Corps in Boxing events as well as achieving my Level 1 boxing coach qualification. I deployed to Kenya in October 2018 on Exercise Askari Storm supporting 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment.

Sporting Opportunities

13 Air Assault Support Regiment takes immense pride in its soldiers, who are not only physically fit and resilient but also highly motivated and dedicated to excellence. The Regiment has a strong track record of success in competitive events, regularly emerging victorious in the prestigious Army Inter-Unit Boxing Championships. Additionally, its soldiers consistently deliver outstanding performances in demanding military competitions, such as the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Military Skills Competition and the world-renowned Cambrian Patrol, which tests endurance, tactical proficiency, and teamwork under challenging conditions. These achievements highlight the Regiment’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of military readiness, discipline, and operational effectiveness. Through rigorous training, unwavering determination, and a culture of excellence, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment continues to set itself apart as a formidable force within the British Army.

Lance Corporal Limbu

I joined the British Army in 2014 and have served at 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC since 2015. I am trained to drive the Man Support Vehicle EPLS truck, the Jackal mobility and fire support vehicle and the Quad bike. I am also trained to operate underneath helicopters, hooking and unhooking loads and vehicles that are being flown from one location to another.

I am proud to have passed the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection Course (P Company) and earn my British parachute Wings, as well as American parachute wings which I earned jumping in Italy with the American Army. During my career, I have been on exercises in Germany, Croatia and Kenya and have worked with the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Parachute Regiment. I am also a qualified Army Physical Training Instructor and I regularly play for the Regimental football team.