A few questions about joining the paras

[Foyle]

Hi, I've recently decided I want to join the Parachute Regiment after reading Patrick Bishops book about 3 Paras operations in Afghanistan in 2006. I've already been to my local recruiting office and sat the BARB test and scored high enough to be considered for the regiment. I got some info on basic army standards but wanted to know how these standards differ for the paras. Particuarly the 1.5 mile time and the required levels of eye sight. My eyesight isn't too bad but I do wear glasses, it's -2.00 in both eyes which I know is well within the requirements for the army in general, however I want to know if this is going to cause a problem for joining an elite regiment such as the Paras.

[jcclimber]

There were a few blokes who wore glasses in depot-I think they opted for contacts most of the time. There are quite a few differences between Para depot and the rest of the infantry. Obviously fitness springs to mind.

[803troop]

Go to:

http://www.army.mod.uk/para/insight_course/index.htm

See how you get on.

Baz

[sterion66]

I got told 1.5 mile is 9m 18s realistically but you can do 9m 30s although this means lifting a higher amount on the static lift

I'm sure someone will be along to verify.

Mike

[just_me]

http://www.army.mod.uk/para/recruitment.htm - that should help a bit

[sterion66]

Never knew about the whole PRAC bit??

I thought it was just barb test, interview, adsc, interview then onto 6 month para training. When it says its held in the 3rd week of AFS what is AFS meant to stand for?

What are underarm heaves aswell?

I'm starting to get worried again now thought i had it sorted out in my head what goes off. Can do a runtime under 9mins 60+ situps/pressups in 2 mins and 10+ pullups. Is there anything else?

[just_me]

I think underarm heaves are when you're on the chin-up bar (or pull-up or whatever you call it), your fingertips are facing your face. So when you pull up you use your underarm. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong though.

[sterion66]

That's how I do my pullups, maybe it's just a fancy name for doing pullups?

[just_me]

I know. I think that's what a heave is.

[McGuire86]

Never knew about the whole PRAC bit??

I thought it was just barb test, interview, adsc, interview then onto 6 month para training. When it says its held in the 3rd week of AFS what is AFS meant to stand for?

That's what I thought and have been told recently. No one has mentioned this PRAC thing to me ??

Can someone shed some light on this please ??

[KieranFitz]

A heave is a suppernated chin up, as earlier mentioned just a chin up with the palms of your hands facing towards you. They are easier than the alternate grip however If you train reverse grip (or palm facing away) then this will be of more benifit as you are then training your rhomboids and Lats and therefore your form should be better when you alternate your grip. Might be useless info just thought I'd add it anyway and good luck!

[just_me]

Never knew about the whole PRAC bit??

I thought it was just barb test, interview, adsc, interview then onto 6 month para training. When it says its held in the 3rd week of AFS what is AFS meant to stand for?

That's what I thought and have been told recently. No one has mentioned this PRAC thing to me ??

Can someone shed some light on this please ??

This is from the Para site, hope it helps:

PRAC - Parachute Regiment Aptitude Course.

PRAC is held in the third week of AFS. It is predominantly a physical assessment to see whether applicants have the physical potential (aptitude) to start training with the PARAs. There are only three events on PRAC, gym tests, a run and a steeplechase. The standards of the course are as follows:

Gym tests
15 sit-ups on a bench angled at 45 degrees.
10 dips on the parallel bar.
10 underarm heaves to the bar.
Note: These tests are not final, if an individual shows determination and the right attitude he will pass. You will not fail PRAC if you cannot pass the gym tests.

Run - Complete a 5 mile run;
3 miles squadded
1 & half miles in best time
Steeplechase Course - Complete the course (2 circuits) in no more than 12 minutes
Summary

The PRAC staff will inform you if you have passed. If you fail, but pass the Army entry test you will be given another chance to pass PRAC. If you should fail a second time you will be offered alternative employment in the Army.

PRAC is not a 'pass' or 'fail' course, if someone shows he is determined, and it is thought he has the potential, he will pass. A pass means the applicant can proceed onto mainstream training.

Can someone also tell when AFS is and what it stands for? I gather it's early on but does anybody know when?

[Stacka83]

Whats AFC?

[just_me]

AFC or AFS? AFC is the Army Foundation College, a training college for school-leavers. I'm not sure what AFS is though.