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I don't really understand in what order things are, first you do the initial tests like 70 pushups, situps and the 1.5 mile run.

Does P-company start after that? (if passed) or is there other military training before that?

And what exactly is P-Company ? The only thing i know is that its supposed to be bloody hard

Gary
Amsterdam

First there is the basic fitness test (pressups, situps, sprints etc...) to see if you are a fat knacker or fit enough to start training
then combat training (how to shoot folks and not get shot by them)
then P Company (demanding runs and other physical stuff to push you to your limits so the staff can see how you perform under stress and fatigue)

what exactly are the initial test requirements again?

Never mind about tests, pre test, how many sit up, how many push ups… the regiment isn’t looking for super fit guys or inflated pretty boys from the gym.

They need recruits to be able to go through a series of physical tests and give 100% to everything … not just what you think need effort, in the cold, the heat, without water or food and in great pain – blisters and Bergen burn hurt.
That means 100% effort even when you think no one is looking or you good give a little less and still come in within the specified times.

During my time at depot, I saw plenty of super fit guys hobble off into the Jack Wagon because they either didn’t have the rugged fitness and ‘physical brutality’ to push themselves when it feels that the skin on their back is peeling off, or their feet are blistered to bits, or they needed a 2 minute break to attend to an uncomfortable boot.

The staff are all well aware of the type of people who are attracted to the glamour of the regiment, but will always try to do less if given the option. They will be watching for the person who is not gifted with the body of a Greek Adonis, but is prepared to suffer twice a much as everyone else rather than drop behind on a 20 mile tab, who will keep his weapon in his shoulder, look alert and switched on, Those that are copping are expected and encourage thier mates to keep up by example and responsive support, should anyone start to falter.

My advice to anyone considering the regiment: get a decent day sack, fill it with 6 points of water for weight and run five miles twice weekly, this will build up stamina and load carrying ability for what is to come. If you can do this straight after a meal without chucking up then you will stand a chance in the first few weeks – with the right attitude: keep quite, ask sensible questions, give 100% always.

During the Falklands, blokes were going down with dysentery - dehydrated due to s***ing themselves constantly. They just cut out their underwear, carried on tabbing with 120 lbs and still fought at the end of it. This is what is meant by ‘rugged fitness’ & ‘physical brutality’.

Its just a button in your head called pain that you have to learn to switch off, I think its more of a test to see if you REALLY want to be in the paratroopers. But I know I can do it, there is no point thinking any differently.

I am going to N-Ireland in a weeks time or so, while I am there I will probably go to the careers office and fill in the forms. Then I will stay with familly there and probably do lots of cycling/running up hills.