“THE PARAS” BRITAIN’S ELITE AIRBORNE INFANTRY
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
FACTS & FIGURES
ACTIVE FROM
1 August 1942
ROLE
AIRBORNE INFANTRY
SPECIALISM
AIR ASSAULT
our skills
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
our deployments
Previous deployments:
- Afghanistan - 2,3 and 4 PARA
- Sierra Leone - 1 and 2 PARA
Our People
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.



Our Location
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 Headquarters.
Airborne brotherhood, this is belonging. DAVE, 19 - THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT
THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT
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.
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.
Through the years
The Parachute Regiment were formed in WWII 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.
Our Locations
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2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083
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3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Merville Barracks, Colchester 01206 817083
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4th Battalion the Parachute Regiment
Thornbury Barracks, Leeds 01904 664566

Eyes in the sky help paratroopers hit the target
Paratroopers have experimented with how they could use drones to spot targets and correct the fire of mortars during combat missions as the British Army’s global response force.

Paratroopers train for global missions in their own backyard
Without leaving their hometown, paratroopers have trained to be ready to carry out air assault missions while deployed overseas as the British Army’s Global Response Force.
Documentary
The Paras: Men of War
Interested in joining the Parachute Regiment
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