A SOLDIER at the Colchester-based 16 Medical Regiment has become the first ever woman to pass one of the army’s most demanding courses.

Private Addy Carter, who is 21 and a combat medical technician with 16 Medical Regiment, passed what is known as the Pegasus Company course.

The course assesses whether recruits can serve in the airborne forces.

The gruelling test, which is nearly four weeks long and based in Catterick, north Yorkshire, examines physical and mental robustness, and culminates in a series of challenging tasks including loaded marches, log and stretcher races, plus an aerial confidence course.

Out of the 98 candidates for the course, Pte Carter was one of 59 soldiers successful in passing the course – and was the only successful woman.

The Pegasus Company course is organised by the parachute regiment, and following Pte Carter’s successful completion of all the tests part of the All Arms Pre Parachute Selection (AAPPS), she was presented with a coveted maroon beret last week.

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The 16 Air Assault Brigade is headquartered at Colchester’s Merville Barracks, and is tasked with being the British Army’s first response unit to all forms of global missions, from non-combat evacuations to war fighting.

As a private in the 16 Medical Regiment, Pte Carter would deploy as a medic working alongside soldiers from the parachute regiment.

The Pegasus Company is the British Army’s training and selection organisation, and Major Chris Braithwaite, the commanding officer of the company, said Pte Carter’s success should be an encouragement to those aiming to complete the course.

He said: “Pegasus Company is designed to test an individual’s physical fitness, determination and mental robustness under stress, to ensure they have the self-discipline and motivation for service in Airborne Forces.

“I hope that Private Carter’s success on All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection encourages others to attempt the course. I would like to congratulate all who passed and wish them the best for their future service within Airborne Forces.”

The next stage for Pte Carter is the basic parachute course at RAF Brize Norton, where she aims to earn what are referred to as “wings” as a trained military parachutist.