The Parachute Rifle Battalion Portuguese Paratroopers

the first female paratrooper nurses , instructor in 1961.

the first portuguese paratroopers group of 12 timorese soldiers trained in australia in 1942, participate in fight against japanese forces occupying portuguese timor. of them launched in rearguard of japanese forces.

after successful use of airborne forces in second world war germany , allies, other armed forces began examine possibility of forming parachute troops special missions. in 1955, portuguese defense minister approved request funds airborne paratroop training. 2 portuguese army captains went france take french parachute course @ École des troupes aéroportées.

after portuguese air force created independent service branch, decided paratroopers part of air force, german organizational structure during world war ii. parachute rifle battalion (batalhão de caçadores páraquedistas) or bcp formed in 1956. paratroopers issued unique green berets , camo uniforms, being first portuguese military unit wear these items of uniform. paratroopers jumped using venerable german tri-motored junkers ju 52 aircraft.

the bcp provisionally installed in carregueira military camp, near lisbon, moved tancos, still serves today main base of portuguese paratroopers.