blackswaneuroparedux:Αλωτά γίγνεται επιμελεία και πόνω άπαντα.*-…

blackswaneuroparedux:

Αλωτά γίγνεται επιμελεία και πόνω άπαντα.*

– Menander

*Everything is achievable through diligence and effort.

History was made in October 2022 when Private (Pte) Addy Carter, of 16 Medical Regiment became the first female soldier to pass the British Army’s demanding course the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection (AAPPS) – known as P Company or P Coy for short.

P Coy is one of the most toughest courses in the world. Many tough and physically fit male soldiers fail. To fail can be soul destroying. You have to prove that you have the physical and above all the mental robustness needed to serve in the British Airborne Forces.

Pte. Carter was presented with the coveted maroon beret after she completed the course run by the Parachute Regiment. The three-and-a-half-week course at Catterick culminates in the gruelling eight events of Test Week, including loaded marches, log and stretcher races, and an aerial confidence course.

Pte Carter said: “I heard about P Coy during basic training, it sounded really tough, but I just wanted to give it a go and prove to myself that I could do it. 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.

“As a woman, I wasn’t treated any differently by the instructors, nor did I expect or want to be. I hope that I’ve shown to other female soldiers that it’s achievable. Coming back to my unit, there are other women who’ve said that they’re now more confident to give it a go.”

Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment provides medical support to 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army’s global response force that is specially trained and equipped to deploy by parachute, helicopter and air landing. In her role as a Combat Medical Technician, Pte Carter would deploy as a medic working alongside soldiers from The Parachute Regiment.

Pte Carter passed P Coy 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,” she said. “My unit and colleagues have been supportive, and the build-up training you get 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.”

The next stage for Pte Carter is the Basic Parachute Course at RAF Brize Norton, which will earn her ‘wings’ as a trained military parachutist.

This is what real feminism looks like. No favours, no special privileges, no victimhood. Just a steel will, a quiet determination, focused discipline, and sheer bloody hard work.

As an ex-veteran and army combat pilot, I’m so proud of Pte Addy Carter. I’ve worked with both field medics and the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan and they are such a credit to themselves as the best in the world and to the army in general. Hearing of Carter’s success through a private Whatsapp group amongst female armed forces veterans, it brought a tear and then a smile to my face. What a fantastic achievement. She’s set the bar and now it’s for others to follow.