The Making of a Para

This behind the scenes look at the selection, training and life of a modern Parachute Regiment soldier concentrates on the qualities required to be a good "para". It covers the tests of "P company", the experience of parachuting and the fighting in which the regiment was involved in the Falklands. The book uses graphic first-hand accounts to portray the essence of the regiment and the people of whom it is comprised. It details their daily life - eating, sleeping and living in barracks - as well as the military side of their lives. Separate chapters discuss the "Airborne Brotherhood", looking at the Parachute Regiment's relationship with other nations' paratroopers. Also the support that the regiment receives from other British airborne units, and the role of the Territorial Army. Containing specially commissioned photographs, this book is written by a researcher on military and aviation subjects.

This great book was written by a TA Para, alongside a large stock of regimental contributions (mainly by way of quotes from interviews) so it already has a certain degree of authority that often lacks from outsiders looking in. The contents are essentially broken down as: Preface (7) The Maroon Machine (8) This chapter over the course of a few pages goes into what makes the Parachute Regiment the Parachute Regiment, its ethos and strategic purpose. No Pain, No Gain (14) This covers the Para portion of your Army training, the dreaded 'P Company'. Its physical tests, along with the neglected mental aspect of this hellish week. And interestingly, goes into the changing aspects of recruits, the difficulties of the modern recruit compared to a few decades ago. Green On, Go! (38) As the title would suggest, this is about the parachuting training at Brize Norton. A Tom At Last (62) Life after training, in your battalion. MSPs and Craphats (86) Ready For Anything (104) A chapter on the regiments training program and operational rotation and working with the UN in Cyprus etc. Weekend Warriors (122) The Airborne Brotherhood (140) The Regiment At War (158) Into The 1990's (182) Appendices (188) So, as you can see, the book has a fairly nice spectrum of topics about the Parachute Regiment. A word of caution though. Alot of the information is clearly dated. My edition was published in 1995, and it really shows, particularily with the weapon systems. With it rapidly heading towards two decades old, it is not reference material for current operations. If you have clicked on this page I'm assuming you have slightly more than just a passing interest. In that case, I recommend this book. --By J. McGhee

This book provides the reader with a high level perspective of "a-day-in-the-life" of a Para. From Basic Training, through the rigorious selection process, to walking the streets of Belfast. The photos provide a vivid look at the hardships and professionalism of these specialized soldier from the sky. --Larry Petersen