Annals of wars we don’t know about: The South African border war of 1966-1989

The Parabats were the SADF’s elite airborne soldiers, trained to deploy fast, hit hard, and operate deep behind enemy lines. From Bloemfontein to Angola, they built a reputation on discipline, endurance, and precision. Selection was unforgiving. Physical training pushed limits, ground drills demanded perfection, and the jump course tested nerve and trust. Earning the maroon beret and silver wings marked a soldier who had endured one of the toughest paths in the South African Army. During the Bor