British soldier becomes first female to pass 'brutal' Army course

An officer in the British Army has become the first female to pass the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection course in history.

Upon completing the gruelling fitness test, 28-year-old Captain Rose Wild was described as a "trailblazer" by John Clark, Commander of the 16 Assault Brigade.

The course, which has been described as "brutal", is made up of eight challenges that take place over a four-and-a-half-day period, according to ParaData.

According to the airborne forces site, the tests include:

10 Mile March: March 16km carrying a 16kg backpack in one hour and 50 minutes.

Trainasium: An aerial confidence course, which "tests a candidate's ability to overcome fear".

Log Race: Carry a 60kg log across 3km of terrain with seven other soldiers.

Steeplechase: Complete a 3km cross country course, which includes water obstacles and an assault course in 19 minutes.

2 Mile March: March 3.2km carrying a 16kg backpack and weapon within 18 minutes.

Endurance March: March 32km of "severe terrain" carrying a 16kf backpack and a weapon in less than 4.5 hours.

Stretcher Race: Carry a 79kg stretcher across 8km with 15 other soldiers, with no more than four carrying the stretcher at any given time.

Milling: Endure one minute of "controlled physical aggression" against an opponent, without defending yourself.

Following Wild's achievement, Clark said he hoped more women would be inspired and attempt the test.

"A more representative force will only make us stronger," he said.

Wild will join the 7 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery in a parachute role supporting the British Army's Air Assault Task Force.

The British Army offered their congratulations to Wild on Twitter, writing, "Congratulations to Captain Rosie Wild, who has become the first woman to pass 'P Company', the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection.

"The course is one of the most gruelling challenges for soldiers to undertake. She received her maroon beret at Catterick yesterday. #inspiration."

Wild is known to be a competitive triathlete who joined the Army three years ago, being awarded the sword of honour at the Royal Military Academy in 2017.