SPECOPSLAB

Parachute Regiment vs 21 & 23 SAS (R)

Fitness test and pay side by side. The published minimum fitness standards of Parachute Regiment and 21 & 23 SAS (R), event by event, with pay where we have it. Higher levels are in the paid report.

UNITED KINGDOMThe Parachute Regiment (British Army)Role Fitness Test (Entry) — ParatrooperOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →UNITED KINGDOM21 and 23 Special Air Service (Reserve) — UK Special Forces (Reserve)Role Fitness Test (Entry) — SAS ReserveOFFICIALlast verified 2026-10-18Open the calculator →

Minimum standards, event by event

EventParachute Regiment21 & 23 SAS (R)
Mid-Thigh Pull (MTP), peak force76 kgstricter50 kg
Seated medicine ball throw, 4 kg (MBT)3.1 mstricter2.7 m
2 km run8:25only this unit—
Multi-stage fitness test (bleep), level.shuttle—5.8only this unit

Higher levels (e.g. competitive or elevated standards) and your gap to each are in the paid report.

Where the bar is higher

Parachute Regiment sets the higher minimum in: mtp and med ball.

Parachute Regiment tests 3 events, 21 & 23 SAS (R) tests 3 events.

Pay

PARACHUTE REGIMENT
£35,310–£37,407 / yearWhat a Paratrooper earns · OR3 · Lance Corporal · OR3-01 · default scenario, gross
21 & 23 SAS (R)
£47,426 / yearSpecial Forces pay for 21 & 23 SAS (R): annual pay spine and day rates · SF Range 1 (OR2–OR3) · Private, Lance Corporal · L1 · default scenario, gross

Amounts are in each country’s own currency and are not converted.

Questions

Is Parachute Regiment or 21 & 23 SAS (R) harder to get into?

Parachute Regiment sets the higher minimum in: mtp and med ball. These are only the published fitness minimums; selection itself, medical and other requirements differ, and passing the minimum does not guarantee selection.

How do the Parachute Regiment and 21 & 23 SAS (R) fitness tests differ?

Parachute Regiment: 3 events (mtp, med ball, 2 km run). 21 & 23 SAS (R): 3 events (mtp, med ball, bleep).

Does Parachute Regiment or 21 & 23 SAS (R) pay more?

Parachute Regiment: £35,310–£37,407/year (OR3 · Lance Corporal · OR3-01); 21 & 23 SAS (R): £47,426/year (SF Range 1 (OR2–OR3) · Private, Lance Corporal · L1) (default scenarios, gross). The default scenarios use different ranks and seniority, so this is not a like-for-like comparison — set the same rank in the pay calculator on each unit page.

Sources:
Parachute Regiment
21 & 23 SAS (R)