THE
BATTALION
THIRD PARATROOPERS
TIELEN
ALWAYS READY,
DEPLOYABLE ANYWHERE
3 PARA
THE THIRD PARATROOPERS BATTALION
The 3rd Paratroopers Battalion is a unit of the Special Operations Regiment, specialised in rapid deployment and airmobile operations.
SEMPER PARATUS
The Third Paratroopers Battalion is part of the Special Operations Battalions within the SOR. Our soldiers are deployed in locations where other units cannot operate. We are deployable on land, at sea, and in the air — through parachute jumps, with our Zodiac boats, and by specialised infiltration techniques on foot or transported.
THE THIRD PARATROOPERS BATTALION
3 PARA
THE THIRD PARATROOPERS BATTALION
We train year-round with the latest military techniques and the most advanced equipment to continuously improve our elite soldiers. Many of our soldiers have already participated in various NATO operations worldwide, including missions in Afghanistan and Congo.
FUNCTIONS
EACH UNIT HAS ITS OWN SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS.
EACH UNIT FULFILS A DISTINCT ROLE WITHIN THE WHOLE. THROUGH SPECIALISATION AND CLOSE COOPERATION, THE DIFFERENT UNITS REINFORCE ONE ANOTHER, ENSURING EFFICIENCY, PRECISION AND OPERATIONAL STRENGTH. TOGETHER, THEY FORM A COHESIVE AND CAPABLE FORCE, READY TO RESPOND TO A WIDE RANGE OF MISSIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS.
PLATOON COMMANDER-PARACOMMANDO
The platoon commander is an officer (usually a lieutenant) who leads a platoon of about 30 paratroopers. He plans the missions, makes tactical decisions, and ensures that his men work well together during dangerous missions.
VOLUNTEER-PARACOMMANDO
(ASSAULT)
This is a combat soldier who is in the assault line. He is trained in shooting, combat techniques, commando techniques, and parachuting. He carries out direct actions such as taking buildings, neutralizing the enemy, or securing objectives.
(Assault)
This is a combat soldier who is in the assault line. He is trained in shooting, combat techniques, commando techniques, and parachuting. He carries out direct actions such as taking buildings, neutralizing the enemy, or securing objectives.
VOLUNTEER-PARACOMMANDO
VOLUNTEER-PARACOMMANDO
Pl Boats: specialists who carry out silent infiltrations over water using boats.
(SOED)
Sappers
Military engineer soldiers who clear obstacles or place/remove explosives. They also search the terrain or buildings for useful information such as documents, electronic devices, or traces that can provide intelligence about the enemy.
EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOG TEAMS
Soldiers working with specially trained dogs to detect explosives or weapons.
SOED is thus a technical and tactical support unit for the paratroopers, requiring additional specialized training.
QUESTIONNARE
How is the training?
Joining Defence as a civilian is exciting. Everything is new: you learn how the army operates, what the rules and principles are, how to handle a weapon, and so on. During the 10-week MIP (Military Initiation Phase), you learn the absolute basics needed to become a soldier. The training is intensive, and you are expected to give your maximum effort to succeed.
After the MIP – which facilitates your transformation from civilian to soldier – you move on to the SPI (Specialised Professional Instruction). Here, you learn all the basic techniques needed as a paracommando: shooting, attacking, defending, fighting, and so on.
During this phase, you are truly shaped into the paracommando that Defence needs. You are heavily tested both physically and mentally to determine if you have what it takes to be part of this elite unit.
How is it in the unit?
After passing the training, you start the real work in the unit. You bring your backpack full of knowledge and techniques, but you quickly realise that the level here is even higher.
You are expected to apply and further develop your basic skills. You are further shaped and moulded into a fully-fledged paracommando, ready to be deployed on missions.
This process is not done alone: both your platoon and the unit's cadre support you in your growth. However, it remains important to constantly show your maximum effort and tenacity.
Why did you become a paracommando?
I was looking for a job where I would be physically very active and that offered adventure. The profession of paracommando is demanding, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices, but you get a lot in return.
Your colleagues become like a second family, your body gets into top condition, and you stay mentally and physically sharp. As you take more courses, do exercises, and go on missions, your salary and experience grow.
Moreover, you have the chance to be deployed worldwide, which makes the job even more exciting. All these elements sparked my interest in this position. And let's be honest: for many boys, it's a dream to be part of an elite unit like this.
STORIES FROM THIS UNIT
DID YOU KNOW?
3 Para has adopted the traditions and insignia of the Volunteer Corps for the Korean War.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our battalion is based in three locations: Tielen, the SOED platoon in Burcht, and the 17th Company in Gavere.
DID YOU KNOW?
Since the closure of 1 Para in 2010, we have been the only Dutch-speaking combat battalion within the SOR.
DID YOU KNOW?
Each company has its own colour.
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