A British Army officer becomes the first woman to get through a grueling parachute Regiment entry tests. Captain Rosie Wild, 28 can now call herself trailblazer after passing the Para assignment which not many men pass. Several women have entered the P company, all known as the All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection or AAPPS since they were first able to apply for the program in 90s.
The participants are faced with grueling physical tasks for five days and have to pass a timed 20-mile endurance march and an aerial assault course. Wild upon passing the test was decorated with maroon beret of the Parachute Regiment or the Paras on Tuesday – though she will not become part of the regiment.
The big achieving solider will serve in 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery linked with 16 Air Assault Brigade, Army’s rapid responders. Brigadier John Clark while praising the Capt. Wild’s for achieving the first said he hopes this will encourage other women to have a go.
“A more representative force will only make us stronger,” he added.
The eight challenges in P Company’s rigorous course include a tough round of:
10 miles timed March (in 1 hour and 50m max) while carrying a 16kg backpack.
Passing an aerial assault course given to assess candidate’s ability to absorb fear.
Moving a 60kg telegraph pole in a formation of 8 over a distance of 1.9 miles.
Completing 2 miles run with a backpack and assault rifle in 18 min.
Finishing a 2.2-mile steeplechase followed by an assault course.
Milling – a boxing faceoff in which soldiers face point deduction for dodging or blocking punches.
Completing a 20m March with a backpack and rifle, within 4 hours and 10 min. Carrying a 79kg stretcher for more than 4 miles or 8 kilometers in a 16-member team.
Captain Wild, who also happens to be a competitive triathlete go enrolled in the Army 3 years ago. She was awarded sword of honor at a ceremony in the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst.
