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TRANSCRIPT
XXIII
23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) provides, close and general engineer support to 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Regiment is held at Very High Readiness and regularly called upon to deploy on operations across the globe. Insertion can be by parachute, helicopter or fixed wing aircraft.
Based in its flagship barracks just outside Woodbridge in Suffolk, the Regiment consists of 2 parachute squadrons, a headquarters squadron and a field support squadron, all of which are air assault capable. 12 (Nova Scotia) HQ and Support Squadron provide the Regiment’s command and control and reconnaissance capability.
ethos. Indeed, the most notable feature of service with 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) is the pride and mutual respect engendered by being part of a winning team.
With an overall strength of 665 personnel, 366 of these posts are to be filled with parachute trained personnel. So there is always a need for volunteers to attempt P Company and go on to become parachute trained. The majority of volunteers will end up in 9 or 51 Parachute Squadron but there are also jobs in 12 HQ and Support Squadron, within the C3S Troop or Recce Troop, which is trained in the use of static line square parachutes as well as the conventional Low Level Parachute.
9 Parachute Squadron and 51 Parachute Squadron provide close engineer support to infantry and helicopter battle groups within 16 Air Assault Brigade. 61 Field Support Squadron (Air Assault) provides the technical and logistic engineer support to the British Army's largest and most versatile fighting Brigade.
The Regiment reformed in January 2003 and was immediately deployed to Iraq on Op TELIC. It has also played a significant part in Afghanistan since UK troops first deployed there in 2002. Operational tempo is high and therefore the pace of life remains fast and furious.
Arduous t ra in ing condi t ions the Regiment’s soldiers for the challenging operations they must conduct. Every member of the Regiment is highly valued for the part they play. “Esprit De Corps” and regimental identity are central to our
23 ENGINEER REGIMENT (AIR ASSAULT)
The strength of the Regiment comes from its personnel and the “volunteer spirit” is a major factor in the way we do business. As the Regiment increases in size, there has never been a better time to volunteer. Also, with people being posted in and out all the time, there is a need for volunteers across the ranks. So it is never too late to step out from the crowd!
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Volunteers can report direct to the Brigade Pre Parachute Conditioning Course, but the preferred route is to report to 23 Engineer Regiment first, where you will be looked after by Normandy Troop. The Troop will ensure that you have the correct equipment for the courses that follow and that your administration is squared away. There will also be a progressive PT programme but Normandy Troop is not a pre selection. The aim is clear train in not select out.
Officers and soldiers, who wish to serve with Airborne Forces, must attend Pre-Parachute Selection with P Coy.
The Pegasus Company mission is to test the physical fitness, determination and mental robustness, under conditions of stress, to determine whether an individual has the self discipline and motivation required for service with Airborne Forces.
The course last 3 and a half weeks and is split into the following phases:-
1. Phase 1- Screening:- Held on the first Monday of the course.
2. Phase 2- Build Up:- This phase lasts 21/2 weeks and is a progressive physical build up to 'Test Week'. It also includes a military skills revision/instructional package.
3. Phase 3- Test Week:- This is the culmination of what has been an arduous and demanding course. The title alone TEST WEEK is what all your previous efforts will be assessed on.
ALL ARMS PRE- PARACHUTE CONDITIONING COURSE
The Brigade runs a centralised All Arms Pre Parachute Conditioning Course in Colchester and Pirbright. The course is 4 weeks long and is a well structured and valuable training package, whose aim is to develop and enhance physical and mental robustness in preparation for Pegasus Company. The course is physically demanding but prepares you very well and creates a strong bond and team approach to every obstacle. The course culminates in an exact copy of the screening day on Pegasus Company so you can arrive confident you are fit enough.
ALL ARMS PRE-PARACHUTE SELECTION-PEGASUS COMPANY
Pegasus Company (P Coy) is located at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire. From this location, P Coy run Pre-Parachute Selection (PPS) courses for both regular and TA personnel. All
16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE
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REGIMENTAL CONDITIONING
(NORMANDY TROOP)
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a. 8 mile march.
All candidates attempt an 8 Mile squadded march, carrying 35 pounds (+ water) and a weapon. The march is to be completed in a time of one hour fifty minutes.
b. Trainasium Introduction.
This is to assess if you have the coordination and ability to work at height on a given command.
c. 1.5 Mile Run.
All candidates conduct a 1.5 mile individual run, preceded by a warm-up. Candidates MUST complete the run in less than 9 minutes 30 seconds.
Screening day takes place on the first Monday of the course. Failure to meet the appropriate standard for each event will result in failure and the candidate will be returned to his unit (RTU). All candidates that have completed Normandy Troop will be capable of passing all the mandatory screening tests, candidates will not be admitted onto Pre-Para unless this has been achieved. The screening events are:-
SCREENING
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1. Load-Carrying Marches. Carrying a bergan weighing 35 pounds (+ water) and a weapon, a number of theses marches include 'hill repetitions'.
The build-up phase aims to prepare a candidate physically and mentally for Test Week. The phase is used to fatigue candidates, thereby creating the conditions of mental and physical stress under which they will be assessed during Test Week. The build-up phase consists of 2.5 weeks physical preparation of 2 sessions of development training per day. Candidates conduct the following types of PT during this phase:-
c. Soldier Skills. Exercise PEGASUS DAGGER is a 24 hour exercise during which candidates administer themselves in the field under tactical conditions.
Candidates also take part in blank-firing attacks up to section level and a day/night navigation exercise.
d. Bayonet Fighting. Candidates carry out bayonet fighting techniques on the Infantry Training Centre bayonet 'run'
e. Military Swim Test. A Basic test which all serving soldiers must attempt.
2. Increased Pace Runs. Candidates take part in demanding runs up to a distance of 11 miles dressed in T Shirt, trousers and trainers. Candidates are required to carry a water bottle in 'stripped-down' webbing.
3. Circuit Training. Candidates attend a number of Circuit Training sessions in the gymnasium. These sessions concentrate on upper-body strength as well as the legs.
4. Military Skills. Candidates take part in a number of basic military skills lessons. These include:-
a. Map Reading. After some revision periods candidates sit a basic map reading test.
b. First Aid. Revision periods concen t ra te on bas i c f i r s t a id techniques.
BUILD-UP
Page 4
It's about having the "mental fight",
the desire to succeed.
This place is special and one that
glues you together through mutual
trust and a shared harshness we all
know and respect.
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Regular Parachute Regiment Recruits and All-Arms officers/soldiers undertake the same basic tests. Parachute Regiment recruits attempt Test Week at week 20 of their CIC Course. All-Arms candidates attempt Test Week after a two and a half week 'build up' phase.
During Test Week, candidates will be expected to run, march and carry dead weights over 1-20 miles on undulating terrain. Test Week consists of 8 separate events over a four and a half day period. 7 events are scored; one (the Trainasium) is a straight pass/fail. Each event is designed to assess a candidate’s physical fitness, mental robustness and
determination. A candidate who fails to display the appropriate level of self discipline and motivation throughout Test week will fail the course. Test week starts on a Wednesday morning and will finish the following Tuesday.
The Tests are as follows:
1. 10 Mile March. The 10-mile march is conducted as a squad, over undulating terrain with each candidate carrying a bergen (Back Pack) weighing 35 pounds.(+ water) and a weapon. The march must be completed in 1 hour and 50 minutes.
2. Trainasium. The Trainasium is an 'Aerial Confidence Course' which is unique to P Company. In order to assess his suitability for military parachuting, the Trainasium tests a candidate’s ability to overcome fear and carry out simple activities and instructions at a height above ground level. The event is a straight PASS/FAIL.
3. Log Race. A team event with 8 individuals carrying a 60 kg log over a distance of 1.9 miles over undulating terrain.
TEST WEEK
Page 5
I attempted "P Company" after 3
years service in the Corps.
For me it was the personal challenge,
that test of guts and determination
required to serve with Airborne
Forces. I've never looked back since.
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XXIII4. 2 Mile March. The 2-mile march is conducted over undulating terrain with each individual carrying a bergen (Back Pack) weighing 35 pounds (+ water) and a weapon. A helmet and combat jacket is also worn. The march must be completed in 18 minutes or under.
5. Steeplechase. An individual test with candidates running against the clock over a 1.8 mile cross country course. The course features a number of 'water obstacles' and having completed the cross country element, candidates must negotiate the 'Assault Course' to complete the test.
6. Milling. 60 seconds of 'controlled physical aggression' against an opponent of similar height and weight.
TEST WEEK - Continued
7. Endurance March. A squadded march conducted over 20 miles of severe terrain. Each individual carries a bergen (Back Pack) weighing 35 pounds (+ water & food) and a weapon. The march must be completed in under 4 and a half hours.
8. Stretcher Race. The final event of Test Week. Teams of 16 men carry a 175 pound stretcher over a distance of 5 miles. No more that 4 men carry the stretcher at any given time. Individuals wear webbing and carry a weapon.
9. Pass Fail Parade. On completion of test week successful candidates will attend the pass fail parade. Here candidates will be told whether they have been successful in displaying the right qualities to serve with Airborne Forces. Candidates are then awarded their highly prized maroon berets and have earned a place on the Basic Parachute Course.
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The Basic Parachute Course is administered and run at RAF Brize Norton. The aim of the course is to train personnel in basic parachute skills.
BASIC PARACHUTE COURSE
On completion of 8 Parachute descents you will qualify to wear the British Military Parachute Wings.
On completion of the Basic Parachute Course you will receive additional pay known as Para pay which is approximately £5 a day. More importantly earning your Parachute Wings brings with it a real sense of pride in what you have achieved that will remain with you for the rest of your life.
THE PERSONAL REWARDS
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COMPLETE THE E
COMPLETE THE EPage 8
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THE EXPERIENCE
THE EXPERIENCE Page 9
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Nothing can be done by anyone else to prepare you mentally. However, the right physical preparation will do much to help you pass. In order to assist you in your build up training an outline training programme has been included and compiled by the APTC Instructor serving with the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection Team.
Do not over train. You will be exhausted before starting the course. If you are injured - rest. Allow your body to heal itself. Should you have an injury on arrival you will not last the course. It is too physically demanding. Lastly have a robust and sound mental approach towards the course.
Any individual wishing to attend the course
Warm Up. A warm up decreases the chance of injury by raising the muscle temperature, increasing blood flow and by stretching muscles, ligaments and connective tissues. It improves physical efficiency and prepares the body for work by raising the metabolic and respiratory rates. Guidelines for warm up are as follows:-
a. Adopt a whole body warm up which raises the muscle and blood temperature and which gradually increases the heart rate (light running is an example of this kind of activity).
b. Careful ly stretch muscles and connective tissues. All the main joints should be worked by concentrating on any muscle group to be used in the main
needs to concentrate on his all-round physical fitness. Physical fitness can be broken down into seven areas, which are known as the Seven Components of Fitness. No one component is more important than the other. There is, however, a great deal of emphasis placed on the development of endurance. The seven components of fitness are as follows:-
a.Strength. b.Speed. c.Endurance.
d.Flexibility. e.Skill. f.Nutrition.
g.Rest and Recovery.
It is important that every training session should be well balanced and follows a set procedure. This procedure is as follows:-
a.Warm up. b.Main theme.
c.Cool down.
activity.
c. Use related warm up exercises so that practice may be achieved simultaneously (ie going through the motions).
d. Warm up should be suited to both the individual and the activity.
e. A warm up programme should be a combination of intensity and duration without due fatigue.
f. Avoid time lag between warm up and training.
g. A warm up should typically last between 8 to 10 minutes.
The Main Theme. The main theme must be purposeful. It is pointless to do a training session that does not help the individual to achieve his aim. A training session without a purpose will eventually contribute to receiving an injury, as the
PRE COURSE
TRAINING
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individual will train typically too hard or too often. Guidelines for the main theme are as follows:-
a. Set an ult imate goal (to pass AAPPS).
b. Establish secondary goals.
c. Make the main theme work towards all goals.
Cool Down. Cooling down is one of the main aspects to a training session, yet is widely ignored by many. During physical activity, the body has gone through many changes and it is important to gradually bring the body back to a near normal state after training. Without a cool down
POINTS TO NOTE ON TRAINING.a. Thorough warm ups are needed prior to any physical exercise (speak to a PTI for advice).b. Thorough cool downs and stretching off required after any physical exercise (again, speak to PTI for advice).c. I t is appreciated that t raining programmes like this cannot be strictly adhered to whilst in training; however you
the body will remain stiff and sore and will eventually lead towards injury. Guidelines to cooling down are as follows:-
a. Gradually reduce heart rate, this will help the body to reduce waste products within the body system (light running through to steady walking is a good example).
b. Stretch the muscles that have been used during the activity. This will be discussed in detail later in the handout.
c. A cool down typically lasts between 8 to 10 minutes.
PRE COURSE
TRAINING
can only ask for time to train.d. All gym exercises can be carried out on improvised equipment - take advantage of this.e. If some of this is missed due to commitments in training, work slightly harder to compensate the next time.f. Remember, if you feel an injury coming on, seek advice. Rest rather than train, or it will deteriorate.
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INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PROGRAMME3 WEEK PRE-CONDITIONING
TIM
E
Mo
n
Tues
W
eds
Th
urs
F
ri
Sat
S
un
WE
EK
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ady
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40 M
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ith h
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Pyr
amid
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PM
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ore
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wim
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0 M
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tabi
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AM
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6 M
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with
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tren
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(T
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Ber
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PM
F
lexi
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20 M
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lexi
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Fle
xibi
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R
ES
T
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C
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Sta
bilit
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tate
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Qty Item
2 Complete set of Regimental
Working Dress
1 Para/Mk 6 Helmet and Helmet
Cover
2 pairs Boots (not Hi-Tec Magnum)
suitable type.
Issue Boots only
for P Coy Trainasium
2 pairs Denims (lightweight trousers)
1 Norwegian Shirt
1 Head-Over
2 pair Training shoes
(Running) - Civilian
2 pairs PT Shorts (as issued)
4 PT Vests-Green
(Offrs-White & SNCOs-Red)
White nametags 200 x 75 mm
sewn on the front.
Surnames in black permanent
pen (Upper Case)
2 LONG SLEEVED Green
Thermal Vests
1 pair Swimming Trunks
2 Towels
1 pair Ear Defenders (as issued)
5 pairs Socks (as issued)
1 Shoe Whitener
(for marking AAPPS Number)
1 set Waterproofs (as issued)
1 pair Combat Gloves (as issued)
Qty Item
1 Housewife Selection
Waterproof Bags
1 Washing/Shaving Kit
1 Bergan Complete
1 Bergan Liner
2 Side Pouch Liners
1 Sleeping Bag
1 Sleeping/Roll Mat
1 Bivi Bag
1 Poncho
5 Bungees
1 set Mess Tins and KFS
1 set Webbing COMPLETE
(full CEFO)
1 Notebook and
Pencil/Writing Equipment
1 Silva Compass
1 Protractor
1 Map Case
2 Passport Photograph
1 Torch (plus red filter)
1 set SMART Civilian Clothes
(plus jacket/tie for Officers
and SNCOs)
1 Complete Rifle Cleaning Kit
1 Weapon Sling
Foot Powder
Boot Polish
1 Small Padlock for Locker
INDIVIDUAL KIT AND
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All kit and equipment must be in a fully serviceable condition.
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OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE REGIMENT
Recce Troop. The Troop work alongside 16 Air Assault Brigade Pathfinder Platoon. If you have the aptitude, the Regiment will train you to work with Advanced Forces.
UKSF. The Regiment is a feeder Unit for Special Forces. Individuals who aspire to join an SF organisation have gained sufficient ground work and training to be a suitable candidate. Having passed P-Coy the basis for arduous training is set for future aspirations.
Sport & Adventure Training. Sport creates a competitive nature that fosters team spirit. For this reason, the Regiment takes sport very seriously and is strong in football, cross country, rugby and boxing.
The Regiment seeks to be represented in as many competitions and events as possible. Other sporting opportunities include shooting, martial arts, rock climbing and free fall parachuting. If you enjoy sport the Regiment will do its best to ensure you have the opportunity to participate.
Adventure training is essential. The Regiment supports and partially funds adventure training. All soldiers are encouraged to take part in the activities which vary from sailing, skiing, freefall parachuting and diving.
Unique Challenges. There are many unique physical challenges to be had. The Regiment actively encourages and supports such ventures that develop both individual and team spirit. The opportunities to step out from the crowd are endless.
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Regimental Diving
The Regiment has the largest number of active divers of any Regiment in the Corps. The team gives the Regiment an operational diving capability and can undertake a wide spectrum of engineering tasks.
These tasks range from underwater searches and surveys including a fast water capability to heavier engineering tasks such as demolitions, concreting cutting and the use of underwater hydraulic tools.
Additional pay for the AD2 is approximately £7+ per day, this also combined with Para Pay gives in excess of £300 per month over the standard pay scales.
The Regiment is an Air Assault organisation that requires its soldiers to work closely with Helicopters. Those who do not wish to fill a parachute slot will be required to operate as Landing Point Commanders and Helicopter Handling Instructors to ensure that combat configured loads are flown forward to the right place at the right time.
Specialist Trades
Specialist tradesmen have the opportunity to work in an environment with assets that are unique to 16 Air Assault Brigade.
CAREER OPTIONS
Plant Operator Mechanics will operate equipments designed for light and air portable roles, the Deuce and light weight plant for airfield repair and opening tasks.
Design draftsmen, machine operators, artisan tradesmen all have a role to play in supporting both the Regiment and
Brigade. Your skill is valued; if you have a desire to work within the Regiment then come and join us…..You won’t be disappointed.
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ROCK BARRACKS
FACILITIES
Rock Barracks is a purpose-built facility designed to meet the needs of today’s soldier. The accommodation has ensuite showers, with phone and internet access.
The Gymnasium boasts the full range of facilities from a free standing weights room to cardiovascular equipments. There are three glass backed squash courts and a challenging indoor climbing wall.
Outdoor facilities include an flood lit all weather football pitch, and a well designed assault course.
The "Pay As You Dine" system is operating and the Regiment is constantly seeking to improve it so that our soldiers get the high standard of service they deserve.
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