Tri-Service
Life On The Falklands: The Paras & The Penguins
The 'RIC' or 'roulement infantry company' are the ground force responsible for patrolling the Falklands.
As the name suggests – it's a rolling deployment with units posted for several months at a time.
This year – for the first time - that deployment was assigned to a reservist regiment.
One of their duties whilst deployed in the Falklands are reassurance patrols - visiting isolated farms to see if they need any help.
The farmers are used to the British Army coming to call, but the reservists bring something a little different.
Some of the reservists need less instruction - as their day jobs as builders, roofers and carpenters turn out to be a big help to the islanders.
And in return for their hard labour – they're taken in and treated to fresh steaks from the farm.
It's been a busy 2 months but no serviceman can leave the Falklands without seeing penguins:
The deployment complete, 4 para prepare to leave the Falklands and return to their day jobs. It's hard to find a reservist who hasn't enjoyed his time here. And they will perhaps be the first of many.
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