Members of The 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, get ready to assault a position. Balancing the need to maintain readiness for global operations and the risk of coronavirus has led to a more focused and disciplined approach to training for Colchester's paratroopers.  3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA) is currently serving as the Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup, held ready to respond at short notice to international crises. The demands of the role have meant the unit has continued training throughout the coronavirus restrictions to maintain its soldiers' skills and readiness.  The battalion has formed itself into bubbles, with companies conducting training separately to reduce mixing between soldiers and to provide the space for socially distanced training. Within the companies, platoons are training amongst themselves to further reduce risk.  This week (15-20 Feb), it is A Company's turn to be at Merville Barracks for a concentrated week of training, following a fortnight where its troops were at home carrying out distance learning and personal fitness.  On Monday and Tuesday, A Coy troops planned and launched helicopter raids from the barracks onto Fingringhoe Ranges. Working in their platoons, the paratroopers were lifted from the barracks parade square in two RAF Puma helicopters to attack and seize buildings. The rest of the week includes rifle practice at Middlewick Ranges, parachute ground training and completing annual fitness tests.
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