Private Carter becomes the first female soldier to complete the ultimate army course

Private Carter becomes the first female soldier to complete the ultimate army course


EMBARGO UNTIL 0001 SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER Undated handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Pte Addy Carter standing in front of the WW2 Dakota aircraft at Merville Barracks, Colchester. Private Addy Carter, of the Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment, is the first female soldier to pass the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection. Release date: Sunday, October 23, 2022. PA Photo. The course - known as P Company - is designed to test a person's physical fitness, determination and mental robustness under stress, to ensure they have the self-discipline and motivation for service in Airborne Forces. Pte Carter, 21, is following in the footsteps of Captain Rosie Wild, of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was the first female officer to pass the course in 2020. See PA story DEFENSE Para. Photo credit must be: Cpl Danny Houghton/Ministry of Defense Crown copyright/PA Wire EDITORS NOTE: This handout photo may be used for editorial reporting purposes only for the simultaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the picture or stated facts in the caption. Reuse of the photo may require further permission from the copyright owner.
Not a single female soldier had passed this grueling army course – until now (Picture: PA)

A soldier has become the first female soldier to pass one of the military’s toughest training programs.

Addy Carter, 21, said it was all about “showing you can deliver when the going gets tough” after successfully completing the Parachute Regiment’s grueling P Company course.

The three-and-a-half week course in Catterick, North Yorkshire, tests both physical and mental toughness, finishing in a series of challenges including fraught marches, log and stretcher races and an air confidence course.

Pte Carter, of 16 Medical Regiment, was awarded a coveted maroon beret this week, following in the footsteps of Captain Rosie Wild, who was the first female officer to pass P Company in 2020.

As a medical technician with the 16 Medical Regiment, Pte Carter provides support to the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team – the Army’s global response force deployed by parachute, helicopter and airborne.

The next stage for Pte Carter is the basic parachute course at RAF Brize Norton, where she was able to earn her ‘wings’ as a trained military paratrooper.


EMBARGO UNTIL 0001 SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER Undated handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Pte Addy Carter. Private Addy Carter, of the Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment, is the first female soldier to pass the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection. Release date: Sunday, October 23, 2022. PA Photo. The course - known as P Company - is designed to test a person's physical fitness, determination and mental robustness under stress, to ensure they have the self-discipline and motivation for service in Airborne Forces. Pte Carter, 21, is following in the footsteps of Captain Rosie Wild, of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was the first female officer to pass the course in 2020. See PA story DEFENSE Para. Photo credits should be: Department of Defense Crown copyright/PA Wire EDITORS NOTE: This handout photo may be used for editorial reporting purposes only for the simultaneous illustration of events, things, or the people in the image or facts presented in the caption. named. Reuse of the photo may require further permission from the copyright owner.
Private Carter on bet (Picture: PA)

EMBARGO UNTIL 0001 SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER Undated handout photo issued by the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Pte Addy Carter standing in front of the WW2 Dakota aircraft at Merville Barracks, Colchester. Private Addy Carter, of the Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment, is the first female soldier to pass the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection. Release date: Sunday, October 23, 2022. PA Photo. The course - known as P Company - is designed to test a person's physical fitness, determination and mental robustness under stress, to ensure they have the self-discipline and motivation for service in Airborne Forces. Pte Carter, 21, is following in the footsteps of Captain Rosie Wild, of the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who was the first female officer to pass the course in 2020. See PA story DEFENSE Para. Photo credit must be: Cpl Danny Houghton/Ministry of Defense Crown copyright/PA Wire EDITORS NOTE: This handout photo may be used for editorial reporting purposes only for the simultaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the picture or stated facts in the caption. Reuse of the photo may require further permission from the copyright owner.
Private Carter’s next step is to earn her ‘wings’ as a trained military paratrooper (Photo: PA)

Major Chris Braithwaite said: ‘There is a set standard that anyone attempting the course must meet and these are strictly enforced by my team – of 98 candidates who started this course 59 were successful.

“I hope Private Carter’s success on P Company encourages others to try the course. I would like to congratulate all graduates and wish them all the best for their future service with the Airborne Forces.’

Secretary of Defense, Veterans and Service Families Sarah Atherton said Pte Carter is “a role model for women to aspire to, proving that no job is out of reach.”

“This is a clear example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors in the military.”

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