A RIVALRY between two of the country’s elite military units has been reignited after the official motto of one was used in a recruitment drive for the other.

The Latin phrase Utrinque Paratus, which means “Ready for Anything”, has been the official motto of the Colchester-based Parachute Regiment since it was created during the Second World War.

The phrase has become synonymous with the unit, which are known as one of the most elite fighting forces in the world.

Some troops even have the motto tattooed on themselves to show their commitment to the Paras.

However, a light-hearted row has erupted after the Royal Marines used the phrase “Ready for Anything? Apply Now” in an online recruitment campaign on Facebook.

  • Rivalry - the Royal marines used the words of the Paras motto in a recruitment campaign. Picture: Royal Marines Recruitment/Facebook

Colchester’s 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Army’s rapid response airborne unit, responded directly on the Facebook post.

They said: “Or as The Parachute Regiment would say ‘Utrinque Paratus’.”

The Parachute Regiment’s official Twitter page said the unit was “amused rather than furious” at the appropriation of its motto by its fiercest rivals.

The unit said: “No escaping that it is best motto there is.

“It’s healthy to have someone to look up to, even for Royal Marines.”

The intense rivalry between the Parachute Regiment and the Royal Marines, known as the UK’s most elite military units, has existed in military circles for decades.

An MoD source told the Gazette: “These are elite forces with proud histories, a healthy rivalry is only to be expected.”