A ‘lair’ for parachutists

Inside the Command Post (Photo: BRIPAC)

The sappers at work (Photo: BRIPAC)

The “parachutists’ lair” – an underground Command Post for the Parachute Brigade – can be ready in 18 hours, as demonstrated by the 1st Company of the 6th Light Sappers Battalion which was charged with setting it up in the training area of the “Principe” base in Paracuellos del Jarama (Madrid).

A parachute sappers section, reinforced by a backhoe and a minidigger, started digging whilst other soldiers stockpiled supplies, assembled the surface module and filled sandbags.

Once digging of the Tactical Operations Centre, the Intelligence Integration Centre and the access routes was completed, it was time to level out the inside area and fit it out with wood structures and sandbag walls. After the telephone lines were laid, personnel from the different groups within the Parachute Brigade moved in to put the Command Post to the test.

The “lair” is characterised by its light components, limited volume and weight and ease of transport. In addition, it grants proper protection to the command and control organs of the light units in all types of actions, both defensive and offensive.