COLCHESTER paratroopers are in the USA to train with the world-famous US Army 82nd Airborne Division.

The 950-strong unit from 3 Batallion, the Parachute Regiment, based at Colchester Garrison, is training with their US counterparts in Fort Bragg, in North Carolina.

The six-week exercise is part of the Combined Joint Operational Access Exercise, which will take place next month.

It is designed to test the ability of the two formations - which both serve as their respective armies’ rapid reaction forces - to deploy together on operations.

The training will finish with the two groups parachute into ‘action’ together.

Brigadier Nick Borton DSO MBE, commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: “We are developing interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade and 82nd Airborne Division and [the combined exercise] will be an important milestone in the process.

“With the end of combat operations in Afghanistan, both formations are looking to future challenges.

“We both serve as high readiness reaction forces and it makes sense to train with a key ally so we are able to operate together.”