16 Medical Regiment (16 Med Regt) is a highly specialized unit headquartered at Merville Barracks in Colchester, Essex. Uniquely, it is the only medical regiment in the British Army dedicated to supporting the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the UK's rapid reaction airborne force. Its personnel—comprising Combat Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Nurses, and Doctors—are trained to deploy by parachute or helicopter directly into austere and hostile environments. The regiment's core role is to provide "Role 2 Light" capabilities, meaning they can establish an air-droppable surgical facility capable of performing life-saving damage control surgery within hours of landing. Staff are expected to maintain high levels of fitness and fieldcraft, with many earning the maroon beret after passing P Company (All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection).
