Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade sends paratroopers to Corsica for demanding training

Paratroopers carrying out the exercises. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC) / MoD Crown. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC)/ MoD Crown (Image: MoD Crown Copyright)

The group are from A Company, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, which is part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, stationed at Merville Barracks.

The training aims to prepare paratroopers to be able to operate in any environment and involves the group roping up to ascend, traverse and abseil on the rugged granite peaks around Col de Vergio.

Lieutenant James Robson, 24, said: “As a high readiness force it’s important that we can operate in any environment that we may be sent to. Mountains are popular area for insurgents to base themselves in, because it’s inhospitable terrain that’s easy to defend and regular forces may be reluctant to pursue them into. This training is giving us the skills to find the enemy and defeat them.

“The key to operating in the mountains is having confidence, to trust the equipment and that everyone is working together for each other’s safety. Paratroopers have that attitude in large measures, and the blokes have really enjoyed this different challenge.”

The team in the mountains. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC) / MoD Crown. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC)/ MoD Crown (Image: MoD Crown Copyright)

The training lasts for two weeks, ending on October 1, and will also see troops use their navigation skills.

A paratrooper carries out an exercise. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC) / MoD Crown. Picture: Corporal Tom Evans (RLC)/ MoD Crown (Image: MoD Crown Copyright)