Recruitment & Recruit Selection
The Parachute Regiment recruits nationally i.e. from all over the U.K, and accepts nationals from commonwealth countries, and elsewhere in the world (subject to eligibility).
First step - Armed Forces Careers Office
At the careers office an applicant will undergo a number of interviews and the BARB test. The BARB test is a very simple aptitude, touch screen test, which you must pass. Potential PARA recruits must achieve a higher score on the BARB tests in order to proceed as a potential PARA. The target score is not so high that it is rendered unobtainable, but you must show that you have the aptitude for the stresses of Parachuting, later in your training. Be confident, determined and ensure you inform you interviewer that you want to join the Parachute Regiment.
Parachute Regiment ‘Insight’ Weekend
This free weekend is for young men who want to join the Regiment but want to see what its like first. It is also ideal for an individual who is still too young to join but still wants to join the regiment. There are two courses held every month at Regimental Headquarters in Colchester. The course is free, we will send you a travel warrant for return tickets to Colchester, food and accommodation are free and it is totally non committal. An introduction to fitness training and the required standards for the course are included in the course programme (which requires a basic level of fitness by the indivdual.) The course also includes presentations on all aspects of the Regiment, simulated parachute training(when available), equipment and weapons demonstrations, and thorough briefings of what to expect in training. Call this number to receive information on course dates and to apply: 01206 782343. The course is open to males aged between 16 and 27 years old. If you’re unsure whether you want to join, come anyway and see what its like.
If you are interested click here.
for a suggested training programme click here
RSC - Recruit Selection Centre
After having gone through the Army Careers Office and the initial selection that happens there, potential recruits get sent to an RSC at an ATR (Army Training Regiment). RSC is a 24hr event, which all Army applicants must pass to enter the Army. RSC consists of the following:
- Full medical by an Army doctor.
- Basic physical tests
- Interviews with Army officers. Again be positive and confident during your interviews.
AFC – Army Foundation College
The AFC is a major new development for young people. It provides school leavers with opportunities for high quality training, and nationally recognised qualifications. Entrants to the college will benefit from a wide-ranging, and enjoyable year of training. During this year they will get the chance to complete a mix of vocational education, leadership, and military training.
The majority of applicants join in their GCSE year, aged between 16 years, and 16, and 11 months. At the end of their foundation year the students will be guaranteed a 3 year engagement in the Army.
To gain entry to the Army Foundation College applicants require to display the mental, and physical potential to become a member of The British Army. No formal qualifications are required, applicants being judged on performance on the Army entrance tests, physical performance, and National Records of Achievement. The student who is successful will gain a series of vocational NVQs, and SVQs. Should they decide to remain in the Army, they may wish to use this as the basis for attaining further NVQs, BTEC, or City and Guilds qualifications.
Speak to your local Army Careers Office for more information.
PRAC - Parachute Regiment Aptitude Course.
PRAC is held in the third week of AFS. It is predominantly a physical assessment to see whether applicants have the physical potential (aptitude) to start training with the PARAs. There are only three events on PRAC, gym tests, a run and a steeplechase. The standards of the course are as follows:
- 15 sit-ups on a bench angled at 45 degrees.
- 10 dips on the parallel bar.
- 10 underarm heaves to the bar.
Note: These tests are not final, if an individual shows determination and the right attitude he will pass. You will not fail PRAC if you cannot pass the gym tests.
- Run - Complete a 5 mile run;
- 3 miles squadded
- 1 & half miles in best time
- Steeplechase Course - Complete the course (2 circuits) in no more than 12 minutes
Summary
The PRAC staff will inform you if you have passed. If you fail, but pass the Army entry test you will be given another chance to pass PRAC. If you should fail a second time you will be offered alternative employment in the Army.
PRAC is not a 'pass' or 'fail' course, if someone shows he is determined, and it is thought he has the potential, he will pass. A pass means the applicant can proceed onto mainstream training.
The Pre PRAC Training Programme
Wk no Day Run (in training shoes) Daily Exercise
1 Mon-Fri 20 Minutes Daily 15 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 15 Sit Ups
Sun 2 Miles in 16 minutes 5 Underarm Heaves
2 Mon-Thus 3-Miles Daily 20 Press Ups
Fri 2 Miles in 15 minutes 20 Sit Ups
Sat Rest Day 7 Underarm Heaves
Sun 3 Miles in 25 minutes
3 Mon-Fri 4-Miles Daily 25 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 25 Sit Ups
Sun 4 Miles in 35 Minutes 9 Heaves
4 Mon-Fri 5-Miles Daily 30 Press Ups
Sat Rest Day 30 Sit Ups
Sun 5 Miles in 45 minutes 10 Heaves
If this programme is followed you should be capable of passing the PRAC physical assessment. So get training now!
Officer Entry
Parachute Regiment potential officers attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst with all other potential Army Officers. Prior to Sandhurst, potential officers attend a Familiarisation visit, and Potential Officer Course (POC) at Regimental Headquarters in Colchester. If deemed suitable on the POC they will be ‘sponsored’ by the Regiment to go to Sandhurst. At Sandhurst there is a final selection board, prior to commissioning into the Regiment. After training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, all Regimental Officers have to pass All Arms ‘P-Coy’, and the military parachutist course, before joining their battalions. For further information on officer entry please contact:
The Regimental Adjutant
Regimental Headquarters The Parachute Regiment
Flagstaff House
4 Napier Road
COLCHESTER
Essex CO2 7SW
01206 782095
E-Mail: officer@parachute-regiment.com
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