This paper focuses on the para-aramid, poly p-phenyleneterephthalamide, its basic structure/property relationships, its engineering properties, and applications in fiber-reinforced composites. Para-aramid technology will continue to advance toward achieving fiber tensile properties closer to theoretical. New systems engineering design options will be possible in the future spectrum of composite applications. In aircraft, composite design will emphasize p-aramid damage tolerance and crashworthiness for primary structures. The knowledge base will broaden for hybrides of p-aramid and carbon fiber. As aircraft composite technology advances, it will be applied to the redesign of automotive parts. In communications, p-aramids will provide lightweight flexible support structures for fiber optical cables and help meet high circuit density needs for printed wiring board composites. Para-aramid engineered short fibers will continue to replace asbestos composites in a range of applications.