70 years ago today, North Korean (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) forces – supported by the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China – crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded the Republic of Korea (South Korea). At the end of World War II, the Soviet Union and the United States liberated Korea from Japanese […]
22nd June 1940: The Formation of Airborne Forces. On the 22nd June 1940, Winston Churchill sent a letter to General Ismay requesting a corps of at least 5000 airborne troops. Churchill had been impressed by the successes of German parachute and glider-borne troops in securing vital objectives ahead of the armoured ‘Blitzkrieg’ that had steamrolled […]
The field test phase of the Nordic Combat Uniform project has ended. Extensive field tests of temperate and cold weather uniform configurations were carried out in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark, with a total of 420 military personnel taking part. At the same time that tests were being carried out in the Nordic Countries, field […]
The National Defence Training Association of Finland (MPK), established in 1993, is a national training organisation, which trains and educates citizens to be prepared for and to survive dangerous situations in everyday life and under exceptional conditions. The association aims to improve and support the readiness of the Finnish Defence Forces and civil authorities. One […]
“Battlefield (2020)” is an educational film created by The Finnish Defence Forces specifically for conscript training. The film is part of the combat training material provided in the beginner period and in the non-commissioned and reserve officer courses. In addition, the video is used in the training of reservists and staff. The purpose of the […]
The Platatac Jungle Uniform takes old school inspiration and incorporates it with a modern, innovative and cutting-edge fabric to bring one of the lightest and most functional jungle/hot weather operations uniforms ever made. The Platatac Jungle Uniform is made from a lightweight, durable, quick-drying and breathable 100% rip-stop nylon fabric called “Apocalypse” that was developed […]
This year’s D-Day anniversary, the 76th, is a lot more low key than last year’s – primarily because of the restrictions on travelling and large gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So we’re going to mark the occasion in our special way, with a collection of genuine photos of Allied airborne and commando forces from […]
23.30hrs 5th June 1944 – The Final Embarkation: Four ‘stick’ commanders of 22nd Independent Parachute Company, British 6th Airborne Division, synchronising their watches in front of an Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle of 295 Squadron, No 38 Group, Royal Air Force, at about 23.30 on the 5th of June, just prior to take off from RAF Harwell, […]
28 May 1982, Goose Green, Falklands. Soldiers of 2 PARA prepare for battle. Photo credit: Airborne Assault – The Museum of the Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces. […]
Royal Marines stormed a tanker off Plymouth as they sharpened their board and search skills – crucial in the wars against drug-running and terrorism. Marines from 42 Commando and 47 Commando (Raiding Group) headed into Plymouth Sound to practise maritime interdiction operations – the art of intercepting, boarding and securing vessels suspected of involvement in […]