Being a Paratrooper in the British Army means you are part of an elite fighting force that is trained to deploy rapidly, often by parachuting from aircraft, into difficult situations. You would be a highly skilled soldier, ready to go anywhere in the world at short notice to protect the UK and its allies. Your daily life could involve intense physical training, learning advanced combat skills, operating a variety of weapons, and working as part of a close-knit team. It is a demanding but rewarding career for someone who is exceptionally fit, brave, and committed to serving their country. You would learn essential skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving under pressure, which are valuable in many parts of life. Becoming a Paratrooper involves passing a tough selection course called 'P Company', which tests your physical and mental strength to the absolute limit. You will learn how to parachute safely and effectively, operate in diverse environments, and carry out a range of military tasks. It is not just about fighting; Paratroopers are also involved in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian aid, and providing security. You will travel, experience different cultures, and make lifelong friends within your regiment.
A newly qualified Paratrooper in the British Army (Lance Corporal) could expect to earn around 26,000 to 28,000 pounds per year, plus benefits like free accommodation and subsidised food. This increases significantly with experience and rank.
The Parachute Regiment is a specialised unit within the British Army. While exact recruitment numbers fluctuate, they recruit new soldiers regularly each year. It is a competitive role, and candidates must pass a rigorous selection process to join one of its three regular battalions.
Paratroopers are among the fittest soldiers in the British Army. Their training includes challenging physical tests, such as long-distance runs, loaded marches, and intense circuit training, far exceeding the basic army fitness standards. Around 1 in 5 applicants successfully complete the P Company selection course.
Being a Royal Marine Commando means you'd be part of an elite fighting force, trained for missions on land, sea, and air. You'd need to be super fit and brave, just like a paratrooper, but with extra skills for operating from ships and in coastal areas.
An RAF Regiment Gunner protects airfields and RAF bases, often operating in challenging environments. Like a paratrooper, you'd be highly trained in combat and infantry skills, but your main job would be to secure vital air assets and personnel.
As an Infantry Soldier in the British Army, you'd be at the sharp end of land operations. You'd learn essential soldiering skills, including combat, navigation, and teamwork, and be ready for action anywhere in the world, similar to a paratrooper but within a standard infantry unit.
Start building your physical fitness now! Paratroopers need to be incredibly strong and fit.
Focus on activities that build stamina and strength, like running, swimming, cycling, and team sports. Incorporate bodyweight exercises such as press-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep are also crucial for your overall health and energy levels. It's about building healthy habits for life.
Doing well in school shows you can learn new things and are dedicated, which is important for any military role.
While specific academic qualifications aren't always strict for entry-level roles in the Army, achieving good grades, especially in subjects like English and Maths, demonstrates your ability to understand complex instructions and learn quickly. Developing good problem-solving skills and a strong work ethic at school will be very helpful when you undergo demanding military training.
Paratroopers work as a team. Joining clubs or sports can help you learn to work well with others.
Participating in team sports like football or rugby, joining a scout group, or getting involved in school projects that require collaboration will teach you about communication, trust, and supporting your teammates. These are vital skills for a paratrooper, where lives often depend on the ability of the team to work together seamlessly under pressure.
Learn about what the British Army does and what it's like to be a soldier.
Visit the official British Army website (army.mod.uk) to find out about different roles, lifestyle, and entry requirements. Look for videos and stories from serving soldiers. Understanding the Army's values and mission will help you decide if it's the right path for you. You can also explore specific roles within the Parachute Regiment.
Joining the Army Cadets or Army Reserves can give you a taste of military life.
The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is for young people aged 12 to 18 and offers activities like adventure training, fieldcraft, and first aid, building confidence and discipline. The Army Reserve is for adults who want to serve part-time. Both can provide valuable insight into military culture, training, and teamwork before you commit to a full-time career.
When you're older, speak to someone from the Army to get real answers to your questions.
Once you're nearing the age where you can apply (16 for some roles with parental consent, 18 for full entry), an Army Recruiter can provide detailed information about the application process, fitness requirements, and specific pathways to the Parachute Regiment. They can also offer advice on how to best prepare yourself for selection.
Make sure you meet the age, fitness, and other requirements for joining the Army.
The minimum age to apply is 16, but you can't begin training until you are 16 years and 6 months old. For the Parachute Regiment, the standards are particularly high. You'll need to pass a medical examination, an interview, and a demanding physical fitness test. Research these specific requirements thoroughly to ensure you are fully prepared.
All new soldiers go through an intensive training course to become a soldier.
This is often called Phase 1 training. It teaches you the basics of soldiering, including drill, weapons handling, first aid, fieldcraft, and military discipline. It's physically and mentally challenging, designed to turn civilians into capable soldiers who understand teamwork and can operate effectively in a military environment.
After basic training, you'll need to pass an even tougher selection course to join the Parachute Regiment.
This is known as 'P Company' (Pegasus Company) and is one of the most gruelling selection courses in the British Army. It involves a series of physically and mentally demanding tests, including long marches, arduous physical challenges, and tests of courage and determination. Only those who demonstrate exceptional resilience, fitness, and teamwork will pass and earn the right to wear the maroon beret.
An Infantry Soldier is a general combat soldier in the army, involved in ground combat operations. While not always parachute-trained, they share many core skills and duties with Paratroopers, focusing on direct combat and physical fitness.
Royal Marines are an elite amphibious special forces unit of the Royal Navy, similar to Paratroopers in their high level of training, fitness, and ability to deploy rapidly in challenging environments, often from the sea.
While civilian, an Armed Response Police Officer requires exceptional physical fitness, discipline, quick decision-making under pressure, and specialist training in handling firearms, much like a Paratrooper in a different context.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Paratrooper. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
A paratrooper is a highly specialised role within the military, specifically an infantry soldier trained to deploy by parachute. Therefore, 'Soldier' is the overarching and most accurate official job title from the provided list.
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.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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