A PARATROPPER has earned his Spanish Army wings as part of an exercise bringing together elite soldiers from across Europe.

Private Benjamin Cutts, 19, from Southend, made the jump from a CH47 helicopter alongside troops from the Madrid-based Brigada Paracaidista Almogávares VI (BRIPAC).

The major exercise, Ex Listed Paratrooper, involved British, Spanish and French airborne forces.

Pte Cutts, of C Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, described the descent as one of the standout moments of his career to date.

He said: “It was really enjoyable, a real change from jumping out of a plane. I didn’t really have any problems when I was in the air at all.

“I found the Spanish parachute to be quite interesting with the toggle system they use, where you can rotate and choose your landing.”

Pte Cutts added: “A sense of shared professionalism and the common bond that unites all airborne soldiers have brought the troops together.

“It’s good to see their capabilities, how it could aid us on operations, what weapon systems they use, their tactics – they generally seem to be a good force to work with.

“We seem to have a laugh despite the language barrier, we seem to understand each other and have the same sense of humour. We share the same pride in what we do, and we have that common ethos between us so that helps with the training.”

Having completed their jump, the troops from all three countries moved onto a week-long tactical phase.

Pte Cutts said such experiences were why he had chosen a career with the British Army, and more specifically The Parachute Regiment, over a civilian job.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being in the Army, I’ve had the opportunity to go to quite a few different places around the world and worked with a few different armies. I wouldn’t change it for anything. And this experience has been brilliant – really enjoyable, eye-opening – I’d definitely do it again.”