No 1 Parachute Training School

[mitch5075]

Does anyone know what trades in the RAF Reserve (other than Regt) that can do the BPC at No 1 PTS, and therefore qualify for the wings. I was under the impression that this was the preserve of Regt personnel, and other trades could only do the sports parachute type course, however I am told that this is not the case. Anyone got any info?

[airborne_artist]

PTS is backed up right now with lads from the Paras etc. waiting for slots, so I very much doubt a non-airborne trade would get a slot any time soon, and I'd still doubt that a non-airborne trade RAuxF would get a slot, period.

63 Sigs lads couldn't get places when there were slots free, so they took places offered by the Danes, but still couldn't wear UK wings.

[spillage]

Wasn't aware that any elements of the RAuxAF had an airborne role - including the RAF Regt. There are very few units within the RAF that maintain an airborne capability. As far as I am aware the only organisations that had a role outside of the Regt was Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) and Tactical Comms Wing (TCW) - of the 2, TSW is the only organisation that retains the role and maintains a small cadre of trained personnel.
In addition it isn't just a case of rocking up and doing the BPC you should expect to do Pre-para or P-Coy or have already done the All-arms Cdo Cse or SF selection. Some units/specialists are exempt any pre cses, however this exemption is granted by Comd 16 AAB on the basis of the role of the unit - TSW falls into this catagory due to the nature of the job. The is no bar to completing any pre cses if the individual wishes.

[The Helpful Stacker]

As far as I'm aware one RAuxAF squadron provides 'non-cadre' personnel for TSW, 606 (Chiltern) Squadron. I suppose it could be possible to get yourself fit enough to do the PTS course but convincing TSW to allow a non-regular wing mong* to take one of their hard fought for places at Brize will be quite another.


* Said as an ex-wing mong myself.

[teeteringhead]

As far as I am aware the only organisations that had a role outside of the Regt was Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) and Tactical Comms Wing (TCW) .... and Tac ATC.

Plus of course individual reservists (I assume he means oggies) rather than formed units might be attached to in-role units.......

[spillage]

I am pretty sure that, although there may be members of TAC ATC (TCW) who may be para-trained, they no longer have an airborne role and, unless things have changed, they are no longer allocated slots on BPC. For the sake of completeness, there are personnel within the MAOT fraternity who are trained and have a role within 16 AAB.

[Rheinstorff]

Slots on the BPC are very titghtly controlled (it all costs apparently). Only individuals filling a tactical parachutist post will be allowed to attend undertake the BPC.

Even if you did attend, without first having done one of the approved arduous selection courses (All Arms Commando Course, Army P-Company or RAF Regt Pre-Para Selection Course) you'd just appear silly and your achievement would have no credibility. Anyone can jump out of an aicraft, it's what you do when you get to the ground that counts.

[The Helpful Stacker]

Slots on the BPC are very titghtly controlled (it all costs apparently). Only individuals filling a tactical parachutist post will be allowed to attend undertake the BPC.

Even if you did attend, without first having done one of the approved arduous selection courses (All Arms Commando Course, Army P-Company or RAF Regt Pre-Para Selection Course) you'd just appear silly and your achievement would have no credibility. Anyone can jump out of an aircraft, it's what you do when you get to the ground that counts.

Well the TSW paras set up a tactical refuel point from their ADFARP, not much running with logs, trinasium or AACC training needed for that.

As you say yourself, anyone can jump out of an a/c (well as long as they are reasonably fit), the pre-selection training is basically trade training. Army personnel are solider first tradesmen second whereas the RAF are the other way round. Operating their refuel point is the TSW para cadre primary duty, thats not saying they can't dig shell scrapes and do all the other fieldcraft things but fuel is their reason to be there, something covered by TSW training. The parachute should be a means of transport, not a reason for being.

[Rheinstorff]

Well the TSW paras set up a tactical refuel point from their ADFARP, not much running with logs, trinasium or AACC training needed for that.

As you say yourself, anyone can jump out of an a/c (well as long as they are reasonably fit), the pre-selection training is basically trade training. Army personnel are solider first tradesmen second whereas the RAF are the other way round. Operating their refuel point is the TSW para cadre primary duty, thats not saying they can't dig shell scrapes and do all the other fieldcraft things but fuel is their reason to be there, something covered by TSW training. The parachute should be a means of transport, not a reason for being.

Hmm, sounds like a case of over-sensitivity. We're talking about the difference between someone who is capable of parachuting (in which case it is just a means of transport) and someone who is capable of fighting as part of an airborne unit. This requires fortitude, courage and subscription to the airborne ethos etc. The selection courses seeks to prove this by testing individuals who volunteer. It is not trade training; it is selection and is undertaken by all trades (in all services) who volunteer for airborne duties, less those on TSW or TCW. Presumably, it is not mandated for these individuals because they do not require it as they will not be employed in a manner that necessitates it. Hardly an issue is it?