Office worker makes military history

Grace Cussons, 28, became the first female Army reservist to pass the Parachute Regiment's gruelling entry test. She succeeded on her second attempt, joining only a handful of women who have achieved this feat.

The test is brutally demanding

The pre-parachute selection includes a ten-mile march carrying 16 kilograms in two hours, log races, stretcher carries, and an aerial confidence course. It's designed to test fitness, mental strength, and determination.

She juggled corporate job and training

Unlike previous female soldiers who passed, Cussons trained while working as a senior commercial strategy manager at Procter & Gamble, often working 12-hour days. She completed eight training sessions a week.

A friend inspired her journey

Captain Lizzie Godwin, a Household Cavalry officer and close friend, encouraged Cussons to attempt the test. Godwin died in a car crash on September 5, 2025, aged 28, just days before Cussons passed the selection.

Godwin's final words were powerful

Before her death, Godwin told Cussons: 'You need to go and give it a go. What's the worst that's going to happen?' After Godwin passed away, Cussons felt it was her duty to follow in her footsteps.

“You need to go and give it a go. What's the worst that's going to happen?”

Godwin was a trailblazer herself

Captain Godwin rode in the Queen's funeral procession in 2022 and earned the Sword of Honour as the top officer from her intake at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. She was described as utterly dedicated.

First attempt ended at mile seven

Cussons failed her first attempt earlier in 2026 when she quit at the seventh mile of the ten-mile march. She hadn't trained to a high enough fitness level and lacked confidence in her abilities.

Second time, she got serious help

For her second attempt, Cussons enlisted a former Coldstream Guards soldier as a personal trainer. This professional support made the difference in her successful completion of the course.

The test has seven brutal stages

Soldiers face a ten-mile march, trainasium obstacle course, log race, steeplechase with water obstacles, two-mile march, stretcher race, and milling, a 60-second boxing match where soldiers cannot defend themselves.

Milling is the toughest mental test

The final component is milling, a 60-second boxing match where soldiers are not allowed to defend themselves or avoid punches. It tests mental toughness and willingness to endure discomfort.

Only 23 of 87 soldiers passed

Cussons was one of just 23 soldiers out of 87 who passed the selection earlier in September 2026. The pass rate shows how demanding and selective the Parachute Regiment's entry process is.

She joins a small group of women

Before Cussons, only two other women had passed the test as regular soldiers. Captain Rosie Wild became the first in 2020, and Private Addy Carter passed at just 21 years old in 2022.

Passed on a meaningful anniversary

Cussons passed the selection on the anniversary of Captain Godwin's death, September 16, 2026. The timing felt significant, as if her friend was with her during the achievement.

She's incredibly proud of herself

Cussons described herself as incredibly proud of her achievement. She now hopes to inspire other women in the military to put themselves forward for the service's most challenging tests.

Next step is parachute training

Cussons must now complete the basic parachute course, where she will learn parachute proficiency and become a fully qualified airborne soldier. This is the final step in her journey.

She's transferring to elite unit

After receiving her maroon beret, Cussons will transfer from 3 Squadron the Honourable Artillery Company to A Battery, HAC, which is attached to the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

She's also starting a new job

While juggling her military training, Cussons applied for new corporate roles and has now started a fresh position. She's balancing her military ambitions with career advancement.

Six years as a reservist

Cussons has served as an Army reservist for six years before attempting the Parachute Regiment selection. Her long service record shows her commitment to the military alongside her civilian career.