Para Wings and Red Berets
Posted: Sun 17 Jun, 2012 11:52 am
My experience goes back to the 1960`s and I am not aware of current practise. Please can anybody with accurate knowledge of this matter either confirm or correct the following.
The earning and award of para wings seems to be unclear, which is why I am asking this question. Standards may have dropped like many other aspects in life.
1. Airborne Forces
Principally controlled by the Parachute Regiment.
Candidates must pass P-Company, before parachute training.
Successful candidates pass P-Company and the RAF parachute course of 7/8 jumps before regular para wings are awarded and a red beret.
2. Other Parachute needs
Other military personnel who need a parachute qualification must take the RAF parachute course, but need only make one aircraft jump.
They are awarded the Lightbulb.
3. SAS
These candidates do not have to pass P-Company, the SAS have their own selection course. They do have to pass the RAF parachute course and their wings which are different to regular wings are awarded by the Regiment.
4. Complimentary/Honorary wings and red beret
Question ? Are complimentary wings and red berets awarded to high ranking officers, CO`s and Colonel-in-Chiefs who have neither passed P-Company or the RAF parachute course of 7/8 jumps ?
Reason for asking - I have seen military personnel wearing full wings and red berets who have never qualified to wear them, mostly of senior or high rank.
The earning and award of para wings seems to be unclear, which is why I am asking this question. Standards may have dropped like many other aspects in life.
1. Airborne Forces
Principally controlled by the Parachute Regiment.
Candidates must pass P-Company, before parachute training.
Successful candidates pass P-Company and the RAF parachute course of 7/8 jumps before regular para wings are awarded and a red beret.
2. Other Parachute needs
Other military personnel who need a parachute qualification must take the RAF parachute course, but need only make one aircraft jump.
They are awarded the Lightbulb.
3. SAS
These candidates do not have to pass P-Company, the SAS have their own selection course. They do have to pass the RAF parachute course and their wings which are different to regular wings are awarded by the Regiment.
4. Complimentary/Honorary wings and red beret
Question ? Are complimentary wings and red berets awarded to high ranking officers, CO`s and Colonel-in-Chiefs who have neither passed P-Company or the RAF parachute course of 7/8 jumps ?
Reason for asking - I have seen military personnel wearing full wings and red berets who have never qualified to wear them, mostly of senior or high rank.