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- The first training of SA parachutists started on 03 October 1960 at the Royal Air Force Parachute Training School at Abington, Oxfordshire.
- Soldiers were never called up to 1 Parachute Bn – they were selected at other units and joined out of free will
- When a soldier were unsuccessful during the selection phase they were deployed back to their old units (R.T.U)
- The obstacle course was opened at 1 Para Bn on 1 April 1977
- You were required to pass four of the six fitness test at the end of the two week PT course
- The two week PT course was changed to three days and you had to pass five of the six fitness tests
- The six tests you had to pass were: 1. 3600 meter run in full kit in 18 minutes, 2. Skaapdra – to carry your fellow soldier over your shoulder for 180 meters in 75 seconds. Both of you in full kit. 3. Sprint runs between two lines ten meters apart – 250 m in 90 second touching hand over the two lines. 4. 67 sit-ups in two minutes. 5. Climb/jump over a two meter wall in full kit. 6. Climb a six meter high rope and touch the high bar of the training hangar
- The term “skaapdra” means to carry a fellow soldier over your shoulders
- A marble is a block of cement, weighing approximately 30-32kg and was used in physical training in the Parachute Battalion
- Qualifying time for the old mile (1,6km) in full kit was 18 minutes
- “Die Mollers” was a traditional run on a Friday afternoon before troops went on weekend leave. It was named after Col Hans Moller
- Nobody was ever forced to jump
- Before you qualified as a paratrooper you had to complete one night jump
- Basic Parachute Wings were awarded after 8 jumps
- The basic wing colour is blue and white with a bronze wing.
- The “Pakhuis” was a building in the unit lines of 1 Para Bn where parachutes were packed. Troops were also chased around the building with a cut-off time of 90 seconds.
- Today in 44 Reg a PSM is a Parachute Regiment Sergeant Major
- On 5 December 1986 the first HALO course was presented – High Altitude Low Opening Freefall
