Imagine a superhero who jumps out of aeroplanes and helicopters to help people and keep places safe. That is a bit like what a Paratrooper does! Paratroopers are very brave and highly trained soldiers in the British Army. Their special skill is jumping out of aircraft using parachutes to land wherever they are needed, sometimes in faraway or difficult places. They work together as a team to protect the country and its friends. They might go on missions to help people in emergencies, stop bad guys, or provide support in different parts of the world. It is a very demanding job that needs lots of fitness, courage, and teamwork. They train very hard, learning how to use different equipment, work together in tough situations, and, of course, how to parachute safely. They are always ready for action and help keep us all safe. Being a Paratrooper is not just about jumping; it is about being a highly skilled soldier in every way. They learn lots of different things, like how to navigate, how to use special equipment, and how to work really well as part of a team. They are often the first ones to arrive in difficult situations. They also need to be very disciplined and follow instructions carefully. Their training prepares them for all sorts of challenges, making them incredibly strong, both in their bodies and their minds. It is a very important job for people who want to serve their country and are up for exciting and challenging adventures.
When you first join the British Army as a soldier, your starting salary is around 18,687 pounds a year during basic training. Once you are fully trained as a Paratrooper, this goes up to about 23,496 pounds a year.
With more experience and as you move up the ranks, a Paratrooper in the British Army can earn over 30,000 pounds a year. Higher ranks and specialist roles can earn even more.
The Parachute Regiment is a special part of the British Army. While the exact number of Paratrooper roles can change, the entire British Army has over 80,000 regular soldiers. Being a Paratrooper means being part of a highly trained and smaller group within that bigger number.
An RAF Pilot flies amazing planes for the Royal Air Force. They might fly big planes to carry things or people, or fast jets for exciting missions. It's a job where you get to see the world from above and help keep everyone safe.
An Army Commando is a very fit and brave soldier who is part of a special team in the British Army. They train really hard to be good at lots of different things, like climbing, swimming, and working together to complete important missions.
A Royal Marine is a super strong and clever soldier who is part of the Royal Navy. They are trained to work on land and at sea, often arriving by boat to help people or protect places. They are known for being very determined and working well in a team.
To be a Paratrooper, you need to be very strong and healthy. This means eating good food, running around, and playing lots of sports to make your body fit and ready for adventures.
Start by being active every day! You could join a sports club at school, like football or netball, or just enjoy playing outside with your friends. Learning to swim is also very useful. Eating colourful fruits and vegetables will give you lots of energy to run, jump, and play.
Paratroopers need to be smart and good at listening to instructions. Pay attention in school, try your best with your homework, and learn new things every day, especially about working as a team.
Reading books, asking questions, and understanding maps are all super important skills. Being good at maths can help with things like distance and speed, and learning about history can teach you about important events and places. Practice working with others on projects too.
Paratroopers always work together, like a big family! Practise being a good friend, helping others, and sharing, because teamwork makes everything easier and more fun.
Join groups like Scouts, Guides, or a youth club. These places are great for learning how to work with others, follow leaders, and even help lead small activities. You'll learn how to communicate clearly and support your teammates, which is vital in the Army.
When you're a bit older, you can join the Army Cadets. It's like a special club where you learn about the Army, do fun outdoor activities, and make new friends, all while getting ready for your future.
The Army Cadets is for young people aged 12 to 18. You'll learn about things like map reading, first aid, fieldcraft, and even some basic military skills. It's a brilliant way to see if you like the idea of the Army and to meet real soldiers who can tell you more about their jobs.
Keep up your healthy habits! As you get older, you'll need to be super fit for Army training. Running, doing push-ups, and being able to carry things will be very important.
Focus on building your stamina through running and swimming, and your strength with exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. It's not just about muscles; it's about having enough energy to keep going when things get tough. Try setting yourself small fitness goals and working towards them.
When you're old enough (usually 16 or 17 with parent's permission, or 18), you can apply to join the British Army. This is the first big step to becoming a soldier and maybe a Paratrooper!
You'll need to pass some tests, including health checks, fitness tests, and interviews, to make sure you're ready for Army life. They'll also check your basic school skills. There are lots of different roles in the Army, and you'll get to choose the path that's best for you.
Everyone who joins the Army goes through special 'Basic Training'. It's like a really big, exciting school where you learn all the important things about being a soldier, like how to be disciplined and work as a team.
This is where you'll learn all the fundamental soldiering skills, from looking after your kit to firing a rifle safely. You'll become very fit and learn to work with your squad. It's challenging, but it builds amazing friendships and teaches you a lot about yourself.
After basic training, if you want to be a Paratrooper, you'll need to pass an even tougher selection course to join the Parachute Regiment. This is where they choose the very best and bravest soldiers!
The Parachute Regiment's selection course, known as 'P Company', is one of the hardest military courses in the world. It tests your fitness, endurance, teamwork, and mental strength to the absolute limit. Only those with exceptional determination and courage make it through.
The final big step is learning how to jump out of aeroplanes safely! You'll go to a special school called the Parachute Training Centre to become an expert in parachuting.
At the Parachute Training Centre in Brize Norton, you'll be taught by expert instructors how to use a parachute, how to jump from an aircraft, and how to land safely. You'll do several practice jumps to earn your 'wings' and officially become a qualified Paratrooper, ready for any mission!
An infantry soldier is a ground soldier who fights on foot. They are very fit and learn many of the same combat skills as a Paratrooper, but they do not specialise in parachuting.
Royal Marines are also highly trained and very fit soldiers, often working in special units. They specialise in amphibious warfare, which means operating from the sea and landing on shore, sometimes in difficult places.
An Airborne Engineer is a special type of engineer in the army who also jumps out of planes. They use their engineering skills, like building or fixing things, in places that are hard to get to, often alongside Paratroopers.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Paratrooper. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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A Paratrooper is a highly specialised type of Soldier whose primary role involves combat operations, often requiring parachute jumps into operational areas, aligning perfectly with the broader 'Soldier' classification.
You can get into this job through:
You can apply to join the army through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You apply directly to the army to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in, for example, engineering, health or logistics.
You can join the Army Reserve to get experience of what life is like in the regular army. You'll also learn new skills at the same time.
You'll need to:
If you're between 12 and 18 years old, you can join the Army Cadet Force.
You can apply directly to join the army. You do not need any specific qualifications unless you're applying for a technical role like engineering or communications.
You'll also need to be:
If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local army careers centre about the opportunities available to you. You'll then attend a 2-day assessment, which includes medical and fitness tests.
You'll find more information about becoming a soldier from Army Careers.
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