How likely are the Paras to Parachute?

[Aldo]

Not looking to insult or come across as petty. Just making discussion and keen to hear some input? You constantly read that the last time the Paras actually parachuted operationally was Suez in the 1950s. Is it a bit pointless in today’s warfare? I understand how Para training sets the Paras apart from the rest but I’m specifically talking about the need to actually parachute.

 

[Collieryboy]

It depends on the situation. Battalion sized drops are less likely but smaller drops are more palatable. The point is once you lose a capacity it's very hard to get back and things can look useless until they're needed. Much was made about the marines doing beach assaults until the falklands kicked off. If we need the capacity you can't expect any random soldier to jump into a situation with a short life expectancy, isolated, outgunned and actually do well. It takes a certain type of character to want to be in this position. The role attracts innately aggressive men and the training hones its actually what's needed. How can we claim to be world leading military without our world famous airborne forces.

 

[Joe-Singh]

https://www.eliteukforces.info/uk-military-news/281210-paras-jump-into-action.php
SFSG have completed operational jumps in Afghanistan according to a few articles I have read, not sure how accurate they are but I wouldn't be surprised

 

[Iron]

How have the French rapidly deployed forces to remote regions of Mali this year?

 

[DannyMac]

It’s a means of delivering troops into battle, don’t over think it. But yes it’s definitely still a relevant skill. Imagine you had to get boots on the ground in a remote area quick.

 

[Fizz]

When you consider the range of a C130/C17 versus chinooks you can work out why it’s retained. Para insertion allows UK to deploy shock troops rapidly and with an effective show of force. There is a reason why it has existed for so long.

 

[Redders]

There will be times when they will need to get a lot of men in position quickly, and by parachuting them in will still be the quickest way to put Paras on the ground.

 

[Chelonian]

Airborne capability extends the UK's global reach and influence. Picking up the point well made by @Iron France and Belgium understand this. Zaire 1978 is worth researching.
Once a capability is binned to satisfy a short-sighted, short-term budget deficit it is very difficult to regain.

 

[Chelonian]

You constantly read that the last time the Paras actually parachuted operationally was Suez in the 1950s.

At least one 'hearts and minds' freefall para display was made onto a park in Belfast in the 1980s. The local reaction was negative.

 

[UtrinqueParrot]

I have very little knowledge on the subject, but cast your eyes to Rhodesia and their Fireforce teams. Fireforce soldiers were parachuting into action "up to 3 times a day", with some soldiers making in excess of 50 combat jumps. So I wouldn't rule it out.

 

[Joe-Singh]

When you see this guy in short shorts falling from the sky, you know it's over.

 

[Mac_t1lt]

When you see this guy in short shorts falling from the sky, you know it's over.

Looks absolutely mustard. I would hand over all women and jewellery immediately

 

[Joe-Singh]

Looks absolutely mustard. I would hand over all women and jewellery immediately

Steely eyed dealer of death of I ever saw one

 

[Snows]

Echo what @DannyMac says. I know its in the name, but don't get hung up on the parachuting guys. It's not your goal, it's a reward if you achieve your goal.

Any fucker can fall out of a plane. It's what happens afterwards that separates Para Reg from the rest. Arnhem isn't a story about men jumping out of planes, it's a story about men continuing to fight outnumbered against tanks for ten days with no support and no kit. That's the ethos you should focus on.

 

[Mackers]

Echo what @DannyMac says. I know its in the name, but don't get hung up on the parachuting guys. It's not your goal, it's a reward if you achieve your goal.

Any fucker can fall out of a plane. It's what happens afterwards that separates Para Reg from the rest. Arnhem isn't a story about men jumping out of planes, it's a story about men continuing to fight outnumbered against tanks for ten days with no support and no kit. That's the ethos you should focus on.

Well said! It’s nothing more than a delivery mechanism. What matters is what you do on the ground.

 

[Tolley]

Trust me boys the requirement for speedy, preventive deployments is still really important. There will always be a case for airborne troops who can operate at the limits of endurance. There is a reason that the Parachute Regiment survives. 16AA units are all designed to be light and agile and ready to deploy at short notice. The parachutes won’t be going anywhere don’t worry!!