Office Worker Becomes First Female Army Reservist to Pass Parachute Regiment Entry Test

A high-flying office worker has become the first female Army reservist to pass the grueling entry test for the United Kingdom's Parachute Regiment. Grace Cussons, 28, was among 23 soldiers out of 87 to successfully complete the all-arms pre-parachute selection earlier this month, demonstrating her capability to serve in airborne forces.

Cussons achieved this success on her second attempt, marking the occasion on the anniversary of the death of her friend and colleague, Captain Lizzie Godwin. Captain Godwin, who rode in the Queen's funeral procession in 2022, had inspired Cussons to undertake the challenging test before her death in a car crash on September 5 last year. Cussons stated her friend would have been pleased with her accomplishment and hopes to encourage other women in the military to attempt demanding service tests.

The Parachute Regiment's entry test is designed to assess soldiers' fitness, mental resilience, and determination. It includes a ten-mile march carrying a 16kg rucksack in under two hours, log and stretcher races, and an aerial confidence course. Few regular servicewomen have passed the test, with notable exceptions including Doctor and Captain Rosie Wild in 2020 and Private Addy Carter in 2022.

Cussons juggled training for the test with her role as a senior commercial strategy manager for Procter & Gamble, which often involved 12-hour workdays. She began a new job shortly after completing the selection process, having applied for roles while training up to eight times a week.

Lance Corporal Cussons, who serves with 3 Squadron of the Honourable Artillery Company, will now transfer to A Battery, HAC (Tactical Control 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery). She received her coveted maroon beret upon completion of the course.

She explained her motivation stemmed from her close friend, Captain Lizzie Godwin, a member of the Household Cavalry. "She was a huge, huge inspiration for me as a woman in the military, and the last conversation that we had before she passed, she said to me: 'You need to go and give it a go. What's the worst that's going to happen?'" Cussons said. "And so after she passed, it felt like my duty to try and follow in her footsteps."

Cussons, who has been a reservist for six years, had previously failed her first attempt after struggling with the ten-mile march. The test also comprises a steeplechase, a stretcher race, and a two-mile march with the same weight rucksack in under 19 minutes. A final component known as milling involves a 60-second boxing match where participants are not permitted to defend themselves or evade punches.

For her second attempt, Cussons sought additional support, including training with a former Coldstream Guards soldier. She described herself as "incredibly proud" and aims to assist more women in completing the Army's rigorous courses.

Following this achievement, she must complete the basic parachute course to become an airborne soldier. Captain Godwin had also achieved notable distinctions, including participating in state ceremonial duties with the Life Guards, playing a role in the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III. Captain Godwin was awarded the Sword of Honour at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, recognizing her as the most impressive officer from her intake. She was serving at the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright at the time of her passing.