Sandhurst documentary on BBC iplayer

[AW8]

Happened to stumble across the 3rd of a total of 3 episodes on BBC4 last night.

The programme follows trainee officers at various stages of initial army training.

Found it to be compellling viewing so then watched all 3 on iplayer.

Very mentally & physically & demanding stuff.....e.g One training excercise involved tabbing 70 k in 36hrs (across tough terain with packed & heavy bergen).

The documentaries don't just glorify the army but also give pleny of reference to brave soldiers including one highly repected young platoon commander tragically killed in recent conflict.

A few memories for me of military field training in the 80's albeit I only served a few years - not in the Army &/or active service, (no comparison to tougher training &/or modern active tours) .

I am quite cynical of those who overly praise & encourage H.M. Forces when in reality they might not have the mental & moral qualities to do that job, however,I personally feel genuine need to show my acknowledgement & respect to those who rise & have risen to such challenges.

Don't wish this thread to turn into a debate about the rights & wrongs of war, contraversial deployments or global politics........For anyone intersted then just watch it.

.........3hrs total viewing time (but note that episode 1 expires on bbc iplayer after today).

More interesting viewing to me than Formula 1 but maybe thats just me !

[IanP]

Interesting that one of the guys had signed up without thinking through the fact that he may have to kill someone (or order someone else to kill someone, which may be worse). Wonder what he thought he was getting into?

[AW8]

Indeed........IMO better he left when he did, (rather than to danerously hesitate or fail to lead well in later active op's). Of course he had choice many others haven't had .......to walk away.

[lezmtaylor]

Have watched previous 2 episodes, recorded last nights, looking forward to seeing it, 1st rate tv.
Lez

[Ranger 6]

Back in my day it was much harder......
[/pythonesqueyorkshireaccent]

I've recorded them - I'd like to see if it's changed much. I think they may have smoothed some of the rough edges, but I think the core will still be there.

[AW8]

I doubt the army would allow BBC to film anyhing that might leave them open to significant reprecussions.......Plenty of aggressive & familar barkings from instructors & recruits clearly under pressure to perform, but no beatings seen.