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3 Episodes 2019 - 2019
Episode 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.
Episode 2
48 mins
The crucial 'P week' has arrived, the most relentless test series, when most dropouts occur as a specialist 'P team' takes over from their platoon instructors to put them through a standardized series of tests of endurance, dedication, ingenuity and comradeship. It's physically exhausting and mentally crushing, like dragging along a heavy log or a metal stretcher for miles, ideally as a well-oiled machine. Some men are expelled for lack of total effort, some crash on site, some change their mind, feeling insufficiently motivated, and return to civilian life request a transfer to a regular regiment. Who fails may however opt to recover and join a later class for a last try.
Episode 3
48 mins
The Parachute Regiment take part in a major international joint exercise alongside the U.S. Airborne Division parachuting along the Latvian border.