British and American paratroopers are training to be ready to deploy together on operations around the world.

Colchester-based B Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (B Coy, 3 PARA) is on exercise in the USA with their counterparts in the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment (1-325th AIR), nicknamed the Red Falcons.

Major Haydn Gaukroger, Officer Commanding B Coy 3 PARA, said it was “absolutely critical” to build links to international allies.

3 PARA is currently serving as the Air Assault Task Force, held at high readiness to deploy on operations around the world. 1-325th AIR is training to take on the US Army’s equivalent role as the Global Reaction Force. Further joint training is being planned to ensure the two forces would be able to work together on an operational deployment.

Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Burgess, Commanding Officer of 1-325th AIR, said: “It’s really been a unique and phenomenal experience. The day-to-day, bringing them in as part of our team, and operating on the ground, has been seamless. It’s been a pleasure to work with B Coy 3 PARA, which is a very disciplined and professional organization.”