16 Air Assault Brigade
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| 16 Air Assault Brigade | |
|---|---|
 Wrekin762 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source | |
| Unit name | 16 Air Assault Brigade |
| Caption | The formation badge of 16 Air Assault Brigade |
| Dates | 1999 – present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army |
| Type | Air assault infantry |
| Role | Rapid reaction force |
| Size | Brigade |
| Command structure | 1st (United Kingdom) Division |
| Garrison | Merville Barracks, Colchester Garrison |
| Nickname | The Sky Soldiers |
| Motto | Ad Unum Omnes (All as One) |
| Battles | War in Afghanistan, Iraq War, Operation Telic, Operation Herrick, United Nations Peacekeeping |
| Notable commanders | General Sir John McColl |
16 Air Assault Brigade is the British Army's primary air assault formation and the nation's core rapid reaction force. Formed through the amalgamation of key parachute infantry and aviation assets, it represents a potent combination of light infantry mobility and attack helicopter firepower. The brigade is designed to deploy worldwide at short notice, capable of conducting airborne operations, helicopter assaults, and other complex expeditionary warfare missions.
History
The brigade was established on 1 September 1999, following the Strategic Defence Review, by merging elements of the 24th Infantry Brigade with the 5th Airborne Brigade. This created a unique formation integrating Parachute Regiment battalions with the Army Air Corps' Attack Helicopter Force. Its early operational history was defined by major deployments to Sierra Leone and the Balkans. The unit saw intense combat during the Iraq War, notably in Basra and Al Amarah, and throughout the War in Afghanistan, particularly in Helmand Province.
Organisation
Headquartered at Merville Barracks within Colchester Garrison, the brigade is a component of the 1st (United Kingdom) Division. Its core infantry strength is provided by two battalions of the Parachute Regiment, typically the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. Aviation support is delivered by the Attack Helicopter Force, comprising regiments equipped with Apache AH1 helicopters. Other integral units include the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, and the 16 Medical Regiment.
Role and capabilities
As the British Army's rapid reaction force, the brigade is held at high readiness to respond to global crises, ranging from non-combatant evacuation operations to warfighting. Its signature capability is air assault, enabling the insertion of combat forces by parachute, helicopter, or air landing. The brigade can conduct deep operations behind enemy lines, seize and hold key terrain like airheads, and provide a forced entry capability for follow-on forces. Its integrated Apache helicopters offer formidable close air support and anti-armour capabilities.
Equipment
The brigade's infantry are equipped as light role soldiers, utilizing the SA80 rifle and L7A2 general purpose machine gun. Key support weapons include the L16A2 81mm mortar, Javelin anti-tank guided missile, and Starstreak high-velocity missile system. Mobility is provided by the RWMIK Land Rover and the Foxhound protected patrol vehicle. The Attack Helicopter Force operates the Apache AH-64E, while tactical transport is provided by the Royal Air Force's A400M Atlas and C-130J Hercules fleets.
Deployments and operations
The brigade's first major deployment was Operation Palliser in Sierra Leone in 2000. It played a leading role in Operation Telic during the Iraq War, with battalions engaged in heavy fighting in Basra and Maysan Governorate. In Afghanistan, under Operation Herrick, its units undertook numerous tours in Helmand Province, including the pivotal Operation Panther's Claw. More recent deployments include providing the Spearhead Lead Element for national crises, United Nations Peacekeeping in Cyprus, and contributing to NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence in Eastern Europe.
Training
Personnel undergo rigorous pre-Parachute selection, known as P Company, at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick Garrison. Qualified soldiers complete basic parachute training at RAF Brize Norton. The brigade conducts large-scale collective training exercises, such as Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Swift Response, often alongside allies like the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division and French Army's 11th Parachute Brigade. Aviation crews train extensively at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.
Category:Airborne units and formations of the British Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1999 Category:Air assault brigades