Training 1 Parachute Battalion

1 training

1.1 recruitment
1.2 initial evaluation
1.3 basic training – 10 weeks
1.4 parachute qualification training – 5 weeks
1.5 individual training – 8 weeks
1.6 conventional warfare training – 10 weeks
1.7 counter-insurgency (coin) training – 9 weeks
1.8 active operational duty
1.9 other training

training

qualification jump

1 parachute battalion sole military parachute training institution in south africa, parachute school being responsible training. school has had 4 fatalities in existence. 1 parachute battalion full-time unit in addition parachute training conducts force training recruits inducted unit , other units in south african army.

the average age ranges in mid-twenties. selection , training of paratroops rigorous ensure standard of combat efficiency retained @ high level.

recruitment

members of 1 parachute battalion visit various battalions each year in training cycle volunteers. these must pass physical test @ unit prior appearing before selection board, examines character , motivation.

initial evaluation

to give would-be members endurance , fitness need operations in harsh african conditions, instructors of 44 parachute brigade place particular emphasis on basic physical training. soldiers volunteering service parachute forces first undergo battery of medical tests – similar flying personnel – before setting off on 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) timed run. before can recover breath, tackle second test: 200 metres (0.12 mi) run in each man carries comrade on back.

the applicants put through various psychological , physical tests – though these within reach of sufficient motivation , willpower.

the real ordeal start: 4 long months, recruits bats endure forced marches, physical exercises, shooting sessions , inspections — barracked screams of eagle-eyed instructors. south african paratroop instructors, british counterparts, enforce strict discipline. example, trainees take grooming kit along them on 30 kilometres (19 mi) marches , @ dawn, when @ base aching bones, devote whatever little time left have rest spit , polish .

those accepted transferred 1 para, first complete normal three-month basic training course, differences: pt 3 times day, no walking in camp under circumstances , 10 15 kilometres (6.2 9.3 mi) run end each day. 20 kilometres (12 mi) runs carrying tar poles; car tyres attached candidates long rope; or dreaded 25 kilograms (55 lb) concrete slab has carried everywhere candidate goes. 10 20 percent drop out during phase, returning original units. builds called koeikamp ( cow camp ). 3 days of ultimate challenge of physical , psychological endurance.

the would-be paratroops 24-hour ration pack or rat pack duration of selection. during these days, given several tasks perform in allocated time: several 20 30 kilometres (12 19 mi) night marches/runs 25 kilograms (55 lb) bergens, boxing, 75 kilograms (165 lb) stretcher run on 20 kilometres (12 mi), digging trenches , carrying of artillery canisters on 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) during timed run few of tasks has completed. on top of candidates out in african bush no showers, hot meals or beds after each gruelling day. each year sequence of tests done strongest out of wannabees changes, comes quite surprise each year. due lack of sleep, hunger , extreme physical tasks many of men give up. after above tests, few remaining soldiers head camp have complete obstacle course called elephant . foreign elite soldiers claimed 1 of hardest bone breaking obstacle courses ever. again, timed exercise, has completed several times, done full battle kit. again instructors looking hesitant students during high obstacles , underwater swim through narrow tunnel. @ end of elephant several more students drop out due injury or not completing course in required time. @ point course has been completed. however, there bad surprise has historically become part of selection phase.

after six-month ordeal, selected few (about 40% of original intake), make 12 jumps required obtain wings. during time, chances of being disqualified still high. phase followed advanced individual training, during such subjects advanced driving, demolitions, tactics , patrolling, unarmed combat, survival skills, escape , evasion, aspects of guerrilla warfare, tracking, raiding, counter-insurgency operations, fast rope skills, ambush , anti-ambush techniques , foreign weapons , techniques covered.

their instructors, however, find left desired inspection invariably follows. harden muscles, trainees made carry telegraph pole 2 days, @ rate of 20 kilometres (12 mi) daily. @ base, marble , stone weighing 25 kilograms (55 lb) soldier must carry wherever goes, used substitute same purpose. detailed training programme listed below:

qualifications




physical training marble



obstacle course, elephant


basic training – 10 weeks

musketry
field craft
drill
map reading
buddy aid
physical training – important

parachute qualification training – 5 weeks

parachute selection – 2 weeks (8 hours physical training every day 2 weeks)

running 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) , more boots
running 21 kilometres (13 mi) logs
battle pt logs, concrete blocks , rifles
route marches of 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) full kit
boxing, soccer, wrestling, rugby car tyre ball
callisthenic exercises
qualification tests (60% must attained after 2 weeks parachute selection)

3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) full kit in 18 minutes
40 shuttle runs in 90 seconds
200 metres (0.12 mi) fireman s lift full kit
climb 6-metre rope
climb on 2-metre wall full kit
50 pushups without resting
67 sit-ups in 2 minutes
120 squat kicks without resting




parachute training – 3 weeks following successful parachute selection

ground training in hangar
jumping aapkas (outdoor exit trainer)
jumping dakota aircraft
jumping c130 / c160 transall aircraft
jumping includes day , night jumps, , without kit using standard , steerable parachutes
a total of 8 jumps must completed before sought after paratrooper wings awarded

current day selection , training physical portion of parachute course
until 1991 physical portion of parachute qualifying course 2 weeks, due national service being shortened 1 year, army had need change , make training more compact , fast paced. of older paratroops still physical training courses ensure standards not drop.





individual training – 8 weeks

platoon weapons
battle craft
specialist training (in 1 of following mustering)

section leaders
rifleman
mortar man
anti-tank gunner
machine gunner
signaler
intelligence nco
medical orderly
driver
clerk
parachute packer
store man



conventional warfare training – 10 weeks

advance
defence
withdrawal
cooperation armoured, artillery, air force etc.
airborne operations including air assault battle handling on sub-unit level

counter-insurgency (coin) training – 9 weeks

bush warfare techniques
reaction force operations
specialized air operations
airborne raids

active operational duty


once paratroop trained, takes part in normal operational , training activities of unit.

other training

specialist parachute , other training courses include:

pathfinder training
basic fast-roping/rapelling skills

fast roping south african air force atlas oryx



fast-roping/rapelling dispatchers
fast-roping/rapelling instructors
static line dispatchers course
basic parachute instructors course
advance static line jump course
basic free fall course
free fall dispatchers course
free fall instructors course
advanced free fall course
advanced free fall instructors course
drop zone safety officers course
parachute packing , checking course
tandem parachuting






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