TRAININGÂ
This next phase in the parabats life is his training, which consisted of a strengent six weeks of advanced individual training, during which subjects such as driving and maintenance, supporting weapons, signalling and unarmed combat are covered. Their instructors, however, always find that something is left to be desired with the inspection which invariably follows. To harden their muscles, trainees are made to carry a telegraph pole for two days, at a rate of 20km daily. Back at base, the ‘marble’, a stone weighing about 25kg which the soldier must carry wherever he goes, is used as a substitute for the same purpose.
The original weapon of choice was the prolifict FN rifel which was later replaced by the R4 which was adapted from the Israel Galli. Later on a smalled version was adapted for urban warfare called the R5.
Hardened by gruelling training and conversant with fighting tactics honed through 20 years of war, the South African parabat rightfully ranks among the world’s toughest airborne soldiers.