The Paras: Men of War

Episode 1

Episode #1.1

48 mins

The British Para regiment rivals the Royal Marines as crack unit, reputed for the toughest training, which only a minority of recruits 'survives'. That will apply to 41 'boys' of various ages who enter North Yorkshir'es Cattecrick barracks for a long course, during an exceptionally grim winter. Their 'deconstruction' starts with haircuts and losing their identity to become JOEs, motivation ranging from proving oneself -often to lobed ones- to last chance in professional life. Most of the exercises are outside, in the rough, with backpacks over 50 kilos on long marches without proper rest, machine-guns to keep handy even while cooking, numerous survival - and other skills to learn to perfection, testing their physical and mental limits. Various candidates are from overseas, including two South Africans. The native does badly at everything, yet is determined to return with a later class. York Avery, whose army father raised him firmly but well, discovers despite his obvious talents for the military his mindset better fits another, singing, and returns to the Cape.