COLCHESTER’S paratroopers have adopted a “more disciplined” approach to training to balance the need to maintain readiness for global operations with the risks of coronavirus.

The demands of the role have meant the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment has continued training throughout the coronavirus restrictions to maintain its soldiers’ skills.

Gazette:

The battalion has formed itself into bubbles, with companies conducting training separately to reduce mixing between soldiers and to provide the space for socially distanced training.

Face coverings, frequent hand sanitising and use of Covid tests has become routine for the paratroopers.

As part of their training, troops launched helicopter raids from Merville Barracks on Fingringhoe Ranges.

Gazette:

Working in their platoons, the paratroopers were lifted from the barracks’ parade square in two RAF Puma helicopters to attack and seize buildings.

They also had rifle practice at Middlewick Ranges, parachute ground training and annual fitness tests.

Major Shaun Clarke, officer commanding A Coy 3 Para, said: “These are all core skills and ca-pabilities that our role as paratroopers demand and I would say that, by doing the preparatory work remotely, we’ve been able to compact two weeks of activity into the week that we’re together in barracks.”

He added: “We concentrate resources so that when we are bringing the company together what we are doing is important training that justifies the risk.

Gazette:

“A real benefit of working remotely is that we’ve empowered junior ranks.

“A platoon commander or sergeant hasn’t got the time to be checking in on 30 blokes every day, whereas a corporal can speak to the seven guys in his section.”