The Paras

Lore & Background

The series was produced during the Falklands War and filmed at the Depot of the Parachute Regiment in Aldershot Garrison. It followed recruits of 480 (Training) Platoon from January to June 1982, capturing their basic training in a fly-on-the-wall style that gave the public a unique view of military life. The series was later repeated in 1984, with an update on the platoon members' lives in the final episode.

Reader's Guide

The Paras is significant as a rare, unfiltered look at British Army paratrooper training during a pivotal period, just before the Falklands War. Its fly-on-the-wall approach influenced later military documentaries. The series also highlighted the careers of recruits like Dean Ward and Rod Stoner, who had long and distinguished service, and staff corporal Al Slater, later killed in Northern Ireland while a member of the SAS. The accompanying book and score further extended its cultural footprint. Its legacy includes providing historical insight into the training and lives of Parachute Regiment soldiers in the early 1980s.

Did You Know?

• It was narrated by Glyn Worsnip, who did not write or present it.
• Some recruits, including Dean Ward and Rod Stoner, went on to have long and distinguished careers.
• Staff sergeant Al Slater was later killed in Northern Ireland while a member of the SAS; his rank at death was sergeant major.