It’s not just for alpha males, says soldier who passed Paras test with flying colours
WOMEN are lining up for an elite fighting course after the first female soldier to pass said she hopes to “dispel” the Parachute Regiment’s alpha male myth.
Pte Addy Carter, 21, said she wants to “inspire” females after she completed the all arms pre-parachute selection (AAPPS), known as Pegasus Company.
The three-and-a-half-week course at Catterick, North Yorks, culminates in the gruelling eight events of Test Week, including loaded marches, log and stretcher races, and an aerial confidence course.
Pte Carter, of 16 Medical Regiment, which provides medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, added that when she expressed interest in doing the course, she was “supported the whole way” by her superiors.
“I’ve always been treated equally to the males and I’ve found there is no difference,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.
“Not many females are attempting it and I think me passing will help other females realise it is achievable.
“I went back to work and lots of females have expressed interest in the next course, which is amazing to hear.”
Pte Carter stressed that in the three years she has been in the military, she has been treated equally. She said an example of this is the Army having created new body armour that fits women better as “it shows the military is evolving and inclusive and everyone is treated the same”.
“It’s not just focused on males,” she said. Pte Carter, from Hereford, follows in the footsteps of Capt Rosie Wild, of 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was the first female officer to pass AAPPS in 2020. She said she was aware of “P Company” before Capt Wild’s achievement.
“It sounded really tough, but I just wanted to give it a go and prove that I could do it,” Pte Carter said.
“Physically I found it very challenging, but it’s about showing that you can deliver when things get hard – I just kept telling myself that every step was a step closer to the end.” She passed it on her second attempt, having dropped out of her first course with a foot injury.
“I never had a moment’s doubt that I wouldn’t try again,” Pte Carter added.
“My unit and colleagues have been supportive, and the build-up training is very thorough. We’re taught about nutrition, mental resilience and injury care – it’s about preparing you to pass, if you put the work in yourself.”
‘We’re taught about nutrition, mental resilience and injury care’
Major Chris Braithwaite, Officer Commanding Pegasus Company, said: “P Company is to test an individual’s physical fitness, determination and mental robustness under stress, to ensure they have the self-discipline and motivation for service in Airborne Forces.
“There is a set standard that anyone who attempts the course must achieve and these are rigidly enforced by my team – of 98 candidates who started this course, 59 were successful. I hope that Pte Carter’s success on AAPPS encourages others to attempt the course. I would like to congratulate all who passed and wish them the best for their future service within Airborne Forces.”
As a Combat Medical Technician, Pte Carter deploys as a medic working alongside the Parachute Regiment. Her next step will be to go on the parachute jumps course to get her wings, which will probably be in the new year.