Christmas comes early for latest Para and All-Arms soldiers passing P Company

Nearly 100 soldiers have passed the latest two P Company intakes, earning the right to wear the coveted maroon beret.

Forty-nine out of 56 recruits passed Pre-Parachute Selection as they start their career in the Parachute Regiment, while 49 out of 69 soldiers passed the All-Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (AAPPS) to join 16 Air Assault Brigade.

Pegasus Company, a three-and-a-half-week course run at Infantry Training Centre Catterick, culminates in Test Week and its eight physically and mentally demanding challenges.

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The events are spread over five days and include an aerial confidence course, a log race and steeplechase.

One of the elements, the loaded march, is 20 miles long and must be completed in under four hours and 10 minutes while carrying a 35lb backpack and a rifle.

The final event on P Coy is milling, which is similar to boxing, but with fewer rules. It involves 60 seconds of controlled physical aggression against an opponent of similar height and weight.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, recruits are permitted only two attempts at passing P Company.