What are the roles of paratroopers?

Answer 1

Paratroopers were originally trained and used by the Russian soldiers, under the Czar. This is a little known fact. They were never used in combat by the Czar's Army. The purpose of the paratroopers was to parachute infantry and support soldiers in areas of high intensity, to weaken and soften enemy Resistance while the main invasion force eventually linked up with them. Paratroopers were more extensively trained in physical fitness, especially running, because they would need to move fast an quick to get away from the enemy if they were detected. Paratrooper training was nothing more than another mode to transport soldiers. The last combat jump was during Operation Iraqi Freedom, in the NW corner of Iraq. It was one Battalion of the 173rd Inf Bgd (Abn) out of Vicenzia, Italy. The jump was considered a combat jump, and they were fighting the enemy within a few hours. Each participant in the jump was awarded a bronze star on his jump wings, to designate a combat jump.

Answer 2

Both answers so far are mistaken. Paratroopers made two official combat jumps since 9/11 occurred. The first was in Afghanistan when Rangers secured the Kandahar airport. The second jump, as jftdv2000 said occured in Northern Iraq. They did not, however, engage anyone though for a few days till after the jump, and the airfield was secured prior to the jump by Special Forces.

Answer 3

The original role of paratroopers was to go behind enemy lines and prevent the enemy from resupplying equipment and reinforcements to a battle area. In Afganistan and Iraq, they just got off the planes like everyone else.