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Another exceptionally busy year in the 3rd Battalion the Parachute Regiment (3 PARA). Being placed on Air Assault Manoeuvre Battle Group 1 with 12 hours’ notice to move for CO’s TAC meant the role of the RAPTCI was at high readiness to deploy at the drop of a hat. With tensions rising in Sudan the inevitable call came. After a 6-hour journey home, a phone call was made and an instant return to Merville Barracks took place. Kit, already packed, was collected and arrival in theatre 24-hours later. Op POLAR BEAR commenced with the mission to evacuate British Citizens and diplomats from the Embassy in Sudan. On completion, the mission then turned to evacuating British passport holders as conflict was at ceasefire. With timing of the essence, the Battalion performed with exceptional standards evacuating a total of 2450 UK personnel. A truly outstanding demonstration of the UK’s high readiness capabilities, echoing the motto of the Regiment ‘READY FOR ANYTHING!’
Following Op POLAR BEAR, there was very little respite. The battlegroup deployed to Kenya for a 6-week validation exercise, Ex HARAKA STORM. With SSgt Ashton fully embedded within CO’s TAC, his previous soldering skills meant he was a key asset to the team. Not only making sure the Battalion was fully fit to deploy, his experience proved invaluable on monitoring heat and offering advice for safe but effective training. Due to the Battalion’s role of being at high readiness, acclimatisation wasn’t opted for, with the unit performing exceptionally throughout. No heat casualties were recorded to an unacclimatised Battalion on one of the
SSgt (SSI) D Ashton RAPTC
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3RD BATTALION THE PARACHUTE REGIMENT
most arduous exercises within the Army. A true testament to the RAPTC making sure the SP were at the levels of fitness to mitigate this risk. A plus side to the 30-miler pre-Kenya which clearly has some benefits. Post Exercise the unit conducted AT through BATUK with many
SP summitting Mount Kenya. Overall, an outstanding arduous exercise.
Returning from Kenya, a spot of leave was due with the Battalion taking some well-earned down time for summer. Post summer leave, daily Battle rhythm commenced with normal day-to-day unit life. Cadres commenced with the gymnasium facilitating numerous screening weeks for PSBC, SCBC and numerous induction cadres. Moving into the colder months and the Xmas period, the annual Xmas X-Country fancy dress took place. A gruelling 5-mile loop in the notorious Friday Woods was a classy send off into the Xmas period.
Upon returning from Xmas leave, the unit focussed heavily on AT and Sport. The football and Rugby teams having great success across the wider Army in numerous competitions. SSgt Ashton planned, executed, and taught a Ski Expedition taking 30 SP from varied companies to undertake Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) in Val Thorens. The Exped met all aims and certainly pushed the course to their limits, both physically and mentally. A fantastic week of AT for the unit. Life as an RAPTCI in 3 PARA is certainly BUSY but just shows how valuable we truly are!
SSgt (SSI) Ashton RAPTC during Ex HARAKA STORM
3 PARA SF1 Course – Val Thorens 2024