In order to adapt to the forms of combat that appeared in the early 2000s, specific training centers for those engaged were created. Paratroopers from the four components of the French Army receive intense training at the Airborne Troop School (ETAP) in Pau, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Trainees agreed to be filmed.
Paratroopers are known as force multipliers, shock troops, hell from above. These uniquely trained and incredibly hardy soldiers are tougher, faster and deadlier than normal foot soldiers. They can go where others cannot, jumping from aircraft from as low as 600 feet behind enemy lines in the darkness of night. We join soldiers the members of the famed 82nd Airborne as they train for future combat.
Since World War Two there has existed a small but effective group of paratroopers trained to go behind enemy lines. Their principal job is to light the way" for massive air insertion missions or paratrooper operations. But they do far more than that. From ambushes to intelligence gathering, Pathfinders in most NATO armies are specially trained to tackle difficult and dangerous missions. They are absolutely deadly soldiers who can get the job done."
