Paratroopers are airborne infantry units. They are footsoldiers that are loaded aboard cargo planes or helicopters and ejected, usually behind enemy lines.

Paratroopers are used for strike missions against crucial targets, such as bridges (see Operation Market-Garden). They pave the way for greater invasion forces by holding such targets. The main advantage paratroopers have over ground forces is that they can be dropped into crucial regions quite exactly. Furthermore, they have the element of surprise, though the now widespread use of radar and satellite imaging negates that advantage.

Alas, one of the great dangers of parachuting to the ground is the fact that you are a prime target for enemy fire, while being relatively defenseless yourself.