0:00:14 > 0:00:15This should be fun.
0:00:18 > 0:00:21I've driven just about every high-powered vehicle there is,
0:00:21 > 0:00:22but that was just for fun.
0:00:22 > 0:00:26The world's biggest, baddest vehicles are made to work.
0:00:26 > 0:00:31So now I've decided to travel across the United States to see
0:00:31 > 0:00:33if I can conquer the monsters of the work site.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36I'll have just three days to learn how to handle these complex
0:00:36 > 0:00:41and dangerous machines that normally take years of training to master.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45And in the end, we'll find out if I'm good enough to get the job done.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52This is the Abrams M1A2 tank.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55The most feared tank on any battlefield.
0:00:57 > 0:00:58Its nickname is Whispering Death,
0:00:58 > 0:01:04on account of its surprisingly quiet 1,500 horsepower turbine engine
0:01:04 > 0:01:06and its awesome fighting power.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13These are the tanks that spearheaded the capture of Baghdad.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19Not surprisingly, running one of these things is not a one-man job.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21I've got three days to learn not just how to drive it
0:01:21 > 0:01:24but how to act as gunner and as tank commander.
0:01:24 > 0:01:25And at the end, my final exam,
0:01:25 > 0:01:29we do the same test as that faced by real army tankers.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33Fortunately, I have the 1st Armoured Division's top tank crew
0:01:33 > 0:01:34as my teachers.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41Excuse me. I'm Richard Hammond.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44Richard Hammond, nice to meet you. Sergeant First Class Dilling.
0:01:44 > 0:01:45- This is your crew?- It is.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47- I'm Sergeant Shaffer. - Nice to see you.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49- PFC Wyman. - PFC Wyman, hello.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50PFC Vasquez.
0:01:50 > 0:01:51Vasquez. Nice to see you.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54So, can I meet the tank?
0:01:54 > 0:01:55Follow me and I'll show it to you.
0:01:55 > 0:01:56- Follow you to the tank.- Yeah.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Lovely to meet you. I'm just going to go and say hello to your tank.
0:02:02 > 0:02:03- So, this is it, obviously.- It is.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05Here is the beast.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Now, dumb question, I'm guessing, this is the front?
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- It is the front. - And the driver sits there?
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Yes. That's your driver's station.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13Where is the rest of the crew in there?
0:02:13 > 0:02:16Inside of the turret. There's three more inside.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- So they turn with the turret.- Yes.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20And the shape of the thing, it's quite clean-looking.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23It's got a clean shape.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25The way it was designed was for maximum deflection.
0:02:25 > 0:02:30So this isn't streamlining, having this nice, supercar, sloped nose,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33this is to deflect rounds off it in the same with that plane there.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Same as the turret up on top here, yes.
0:02:35 > 0:02:36But, obviously, the critical bit,
0:02:36 > 0:02:39we're all ignoring the elephant in the room here, is that bit, there.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43I mean, it's pretty obvious, that is one big gun.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46That is a 120mm smoothbore main gun.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Also, the gunner has access to a 240 machinegun.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54The loader mounted on top has a 240 machinegun also,
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and the tank commander has a .50 calibre machinegun.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Let's continue walking around.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- Now, the engine.- Yes.
0:03:00 > 0:03:01Lives somewhere in there, yeah?
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Yes. Underneath back deck is the engine.
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- And that's a 1,500 horsepower turbine.- It sure is.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08What's it like in there?
0:03:08 > 0:03:11It feels like you're on top of the world.
0:03:11 > 0:03:16I don't want to say invincible but it's amazing. After 13 years, I still get excited to be around them.
0:03:16 > 0:03:20- So you still feel that I've got the coolest vehicle in the parking lot? - Of course. No doubt about it.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22So if I had a Lamborghini?
0:03:22 > 0:03:25I've got the tank. What does a Lamborghini got on a tank?
0:03:25 > 0:03:27Nothing really. So, can I have a go?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Driving it?
0:03:29 > 0:03:30Yeah.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Absolutely...not.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Oh. Well, can I at least have a ride in it?
0:03:34 > 0:03:35We can give you ride.
0:03:35 > 0:03:37Yeah, yeah. That's what I'll do. Right, OK, where's the door?
0:03:50 > 0:03:51Oh!
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Oh-oh-oh!
0:03:55 > 0:03:56I'm slightly scared now.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05'Nice and easy, keep going.'
0:04:05 > 0:04:08'Slow, slow, slow, steady, steady, on right there.'
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Oh, bang! That's a really...
0:04:18 > 0:04:21Yeah. You probably want to keep your left arm. OK, are you ready?
0:04:21 > 0:04:22- Lower the gun.- Oh, God.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Oh, I don't want to be here when that happens.
0:04:36 > 0:04:42INAUDIBLE CHATTER
0:04:43 > 0:04:44- Fire and adjust. - All right.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Target, ceasefire. Target, ceasefire. Target, ceasefire.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55'I can see now how essential it is for all four members
0:04:55 > 0:04:58'of the tank crew to work as a single unit.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02'If one man is out of sync, the results could be catastrophic.'
0:05:05 > 0:05:09'If I'm to qualify to call myself a tanker, I'm going to have to
0:05:09 > 0:05:12'become a seamless part of Sergeant Dilling's team.'
0:05:12 > 0:05:16Guys, can I just say that it is unbelievable in there.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20When that gun comes back, oh, you can really feel it, it's just chaos.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Thanks for that first taste of it. I've got a lot to learn.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- Once you sit in each position, it'll all come together.- Yep.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28I hope it does. Because that just felt like chaos.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I can still hear it.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38When you're learning to drive any vehicle from scratch,
0:05:38 > 0:05:41inevitably there comes that moment when you have to get in
0:05:41 > 0:05:43and drive it for the first time.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45The thing is, when that vehicle is a tank...
0:05:45 > 0:05:47Well, you're in a tank.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50They needed something to bridge the gap and that's what happens in here.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53These boxes aren't used for storing fruit, or something.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Inside of each of these is a tank.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00It's a virtual tank, but a tank nonetheless, so I start in here.
0:06:00 > 0:06:02Just got to remember where I parked.
0:06:06 > 0:06:07Uh, Vazquez?
0:06:07 > 0:06:08Yes.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10Hi. You look like you got stuck in a fridge.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11Yeah, it looks like it.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- This is it? - So, this is the driver's hole.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- It's snug isn't it?- Yes.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17I don't have to get in there with you to show me the controls, do I?
0:06:17 > 0:06:19I really hope not.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23OK, so if you start the tank, first of all you begin push to start once.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Right here, on the right side, you do have the throttle.
0:06:26 > 0:06:28It's like a motorcycle, you have the handle here
0:06:28 > 0:06:30and then you have another handle on this side.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It's an enormous bike.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- It would be an enormous bike, yes. - Wow!
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- That is amongst the coolest things I've ever seen.- Yes.
0:06:37 > 0:06:39You'll have a lot of fun in here.
0:06:39 > 0:06:40It's absolutely mega.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46- No, that's not allowed. - It's against the law.- OK.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Any questions?
0:06:48 > 0:06:51Yes, you have a go. OK.
0:06:52 > 0:06:54Put this on first, I'm guessing.
0:06:54 > 0:06:55Yes, yes.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- Put both feet...- I can't get both feet, I'm standing on one of them!
0:06:59 > 0:07:01Go ahead and put that one there.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03Put the other one there as well and just slide in.
0:07:03 > 0:07:04Oh, yeah. Here I go.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Oh, that's cosy, isn't it cosy?
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Go ahead, on the throttle, bring it to the right.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15OK, now you have to drive, OK?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I'll drive the tank. So coming off the service brake.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21And...oh, it's already on idle, it's moving a little bit.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24So I'm going to steer around that bush, though I suspect that's not a big problem.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Yeah, they're just bushes, you could run them over.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28It won't hurt you.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31Yeah. I'm in a tank. You're in a tank. Don't worry about that.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34Go ahead and coast it, let go on the throttle.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37It comes to a stop, hit your parking brake.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Oh, this foot down on here?
0:07:39 > 0:07:40Yeah, all the way in.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48Parking brake. It just sounds so mundane, doesn't it? It's a tank!
0:07:48 > 0:07:49"Parking brake".
0:07:49 > 0:07:51- OK, you're all set?- Yes.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Good luck. I'm going to close the door on you
0:07:53 > 0:07:54and you'll be here by yourself, OK?
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Shut the big fridge. OK. This is weird.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01This is out of a space movie.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05If I looked on to this screen and saw X-wing fighters coming at me,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07I wouldn't be entirely surprised.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10This is wild.
0:08:10 > 0:08:11OK, Richard.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Hello?
0:08:13 > 0:08:16At this time, we're going to start the simulator.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Have fun and good luck. And listen to your tank commander.
0:08:19 > 0:08:20Right.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23'For this part of my training, I'm in the driver simulator.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26'And next door Sgt Shaffer and Private Wyman will be in
0:08:26 > 0:08:30'a separate simulator acting as tank commander and gunner.'
0:08:30 > 0:08:33'Meanwhile, Sgt Dilling will be monitoring
0:08:33 > 0:08:38'all of my progress from down the hall in mission control.'
0:08:38 > 0:08:39'No pressure then.'
0:08:39 > 0:08:40Hamster, can you hear me?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42I can. Hamster, that's my handle. Yeah, I can.
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Yeah, Hamster's good.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46We're going to go over some basic movement drills, here.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50So, go ahead and drive straight, see what we got.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52Right. So parking brake coming off.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Oh, ooh, right.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Can't get the parking brake off.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02Release... I didn't have to release this before.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04Be there in a second, sir.
0:09:04 > 0:09:06Did you pull the release all the way out?
0:09:06 > 0:09:10It's come all the way out. Oh, it's off, it's off. It's off now.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13So going into drive, I'm in drive.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15All right.
0:09:43 > 0:09:44See those targets there?
0:09:44 > 0:09:47We've got contact, light in the armour. We're engaging at this time.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- GUNSHOTS - Oh. What was that?
0:09:50 > 0:09:52GUNSHOTS
0:09:52 > 0:09:54Was that leaving the tank or hitting the tank?
0:09:54 > 0:09:56- Fire.- All the way.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58- Get 'em?- Target.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00One thing I should have said,
0:10:00 > 0:10:03any sort of simulator, I believe entirely.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06That's the way my brain works, the moment I get in it, it's real.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08So I'm scared.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Go, go, go. Driver, hard right.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22OK, Richard, at this time, we are going to index your mission.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Go ahead and come out of the simulator
0:10:24 > 0:10:27and we'll meet you outside to give you the verdict on your driving.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29Oh!
0:10:35 > 0:10:38So I finally passed muster on the simulator test
0:10:38 > 0:10:40which means it's now my turn to have a go on the big one.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43My guess is it's going to be loud.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Hello.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Hello, Richard.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48- Is this it?- It is.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- These are my driving gloves. - Yeah?
0:10:50 > 0:10:52And once they're on, I can't take them off until I've driven.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55OK. We'll put you in there. You can drive, this time.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- Thank you. Where's the steps? There must be steps.- Straight up.
0:10:59 > 0:11:00That didn't go well.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01- Hello, guys. - How's it going Richard?
0:11:01 > 0:11:04You'll be fine with me. Don't worry.
0:11:04 > 0:11:05Right. Getting in. Oh.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09This is even less comfortable than the simulator.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11OK. This is your office.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12Yes, welcome to it.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14All the way down through that. There you go.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17- Oh, yeah.- Go ahead and put that on.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Push to start.
0:11:19 > 0:11:20Push to start.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21Push it.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23ENGINE WHIRRS
0:11:23 > 0:11:27That's the turbine firing up. This is suddenly not a simulator any more.
0:11:27 > 0:11:28This is an actual tank.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- Good luck.- Thank you.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Closing. Closing. Closing. There, I'm in the tank.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37I can't see a damn thing.
0:11:37 > 0:11:38Are you good down there?
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I will be in a second. I'm just adjusting the mirrors so that I can see.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44Oh. I can see the barrel. Wow.
0:11:44 > 0:11:49OK. What I want you to do now is go ahead and put it in drive by yourself.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51I'm going into drive.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52I'm in drive.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54ENGINE WAILS
0:11:54 > 0:11:59OK. He's saying come on so coming off the brake.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00Oh! Oh, God!
0:12:01 > 0:12:03Nice and easy. There you go.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05That feels fast.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07No, this ain't fast at all yet.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09There you go.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Nice and easy, nice and easy turn.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12Giving it some gas.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Oh, wow.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19It's just a surge as the gear changed there.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Talk about relentless. Wow. I've driven a lot of stuff.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25This is like nothing else.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27What if something's coming the other way?
0:12:27 > 0:12:29Everybody'll get out of the way.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31They do that when you're in a tank, do they?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Ha-ha!
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Wow! Yes.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I've had my first drive. It was a lot of work to get to this point.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17But it was worth it.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19That's an incredible-feeling machine.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24- Richard.- Yeah.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27We are here at the beginning of your driver's course.
0:13:27 > 0:13:31This course has been designed specifically for you.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33It will test your driving abilities
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and to ensure that you listen and pay attention
0:13:36 > 0:13:38to your tank commander at all times.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42I'll listen and pay attention at all times.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44If anything goes wrong, is it my fault?
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Yes. I will blame you.
0:13:46 > 0:13:47OK. Just wanted to clear that up.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- Are you ready?- Yeah.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51Let's put this thing in drive.
0:13:54 > 0:13:55All right, give her some gas.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58We got some hills here as you come to your left.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01Oh. This thing is mighty, mighty.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05All right. I want you take a hard left, right now. Come on. Give it gas. Give it gas.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09Whoa. There's a car in the way. There's a car in the way.
0:14:09 > 0:14:10All right. Stop.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12There's a car in the way. We've gone wrong.
0:14:12 > 0:14:13We're going to run it over.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15That's a Porsche 928.
0:14:15 > 0:14:17I don't care. It's your job to listen to me.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19We're going to run it over.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Well, I had one of those. That looks like a '79, I had that exact car.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27That's OK. There's more of 'em like it out there.
0:14:27 > 0:14:28What if I don't do it?
0:14:28 > 0:14:31We'll kick you out of the driver's hole and you can walk back.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32Oh, OK.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36I will obey my tank commander and run over the Porsche 928.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Let's do it. I want you to aim straight for the driver's door.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40OK.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43All right. Let off the brakes.
0:14:43 > 0:14:44I'm doing this because you told me to.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Left, left, left, left.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48Give it gas, right now, give it gas, give it gas.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50More gas, more gas, more gas.
0:14:54 > 0:14:55That's what I'm talkin' about!
0:14:55 > 0:14:56What have I done?
0:14:56 > 0:14:58You listen to me and we're going to be OK.
0:14:58 > 0:15:03That's a piece of German exotica! It was supposed to replace the 911.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04Not any more.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10We're going to back over it now.
0:15:10 > 0:15:11Oh, God!
0:15:11 > 0:15:14We are. OK.
0:15:14 > 0:15:15On your orders.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Straight back, straight back.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22There you go.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Oh-oh! - How do you like that?
0:15:24 > 0:15:28Stop rubbing my nose in it, boss. Come on!
0:15:30 > 0:15:32All right. I want you to pull forward and go left.
0:15:32 > 0:15:33Drive, going left?
0:15:33 > 0:15:36Yeah. All right, give her some gas.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39To the right, right now. Hard right, hard right.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Oh, no.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- That's OK. - That's a classic Chevelle.
0:15:47 > 0:15:48Come to the right.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55All right. Come left, come left, come left.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Straight on. Give it gas, give it gas. Right now.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Oh!
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Oh.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03It's gone. Where's it gone?
0:16:03 > 0:16:05Stop, back up.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Oh, it's still there, look. It's coming with us.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09No, back up.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11This hurts!
0:16:11 > 0:16:13This is causing me pain.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16We're showing how to graciously let them go.
0:16:16 > 0:16:18That's all we're doing.
0:16:18 > 0:16:22You can't be a tank commander and a poet. Stop it, Sergeant Dilling.
0:16:22 > 0:16:24- I'm trying, I'm trying. OK. - Graciously letting 'em go. Come on!
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- Are we ready?- Yeah.
0:16:26 > 0:16:27All right. Back straight up.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29All right, stop.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32OK, drive's engaged.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36All right, go. Hard left, hard left, hard left. More left. Give it gas.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Ha-ha-ha!
0:16:39 > 0:16:42I shouldn't be enjoying this, I really should not.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49Straight, straight, straight.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Hard right, hard right, hard right, hard right.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- Straight, straight, straight, straight.- Oh, no!
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Hard right. All right. Stop, stop, stop, stop.
0:16:57 > 0:17:02That's a Mustang. That's about a '68. I still have one of...
0:17:02 > 0:17:04I know. That's why we have one here for you.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06It's a pretty little Mustang, sir.
0:17:06 > 0:17:09- We are going to kick you off this tank.- Oh, OK. Sorry, sorry.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12Oh, man, there's bit's off that I could use on mine at home.
0:17:12 > 0:17:13I'm restoring it.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15There might be a little bit left.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19I want you to back up.
0:17:21 > 0:17:24Please forgive me, car guys everywhere, for what I'm about to do.
0:17:24 > 0:17:27OK. Let's do it. Straight on, straight on, straight on.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30Right, right, right, right, right, right.
0:17:31 > 0:17:36What have I done? I can't look, I can't even look.
0:17:36 > 0:17:37All right. Let's stop.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40Oh, I feel filthy and wrong.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45I've destroyed one of your country's finest cars.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50Mustang, a pony car, killed.
0:17:55 > 0:17:58All right. Let's go ahead and hop out.
0:18:00 > 0:18:06That was both unbelievably good and unspeakably bad.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07So, what do you think?
0:18:07 > 0:18:12I think that something in your head is a bit mean.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15The test was to make sure that you would listen
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- to the tank commander as a driver. - I did.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19That's what the test was.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22You don't know what that cost me inside. Deep down here.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25There'll be nights I'll be waking up and seeing that Mustang going under the tracks.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Did I pass my driving bit? I followed orders.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33I think you passed.
0:18:33 > 0:18:34I think you did.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36So, I've got to be honest and tell you the truth.
0:18:36 > 0:18:37What?
0:18:37 > 0:18:40All the cars, they came from a junk yard.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- They weren't runners? - No, they were junk already.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- Well, you know how to test a guy don't you?- Sure do.
0:18:45 > 0:18:48Well, now I feel a lot happier. Thanks for that.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Well, it's day two for me here at Fort Bliss, Texas,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57where I've tasked myself with learning to drive and operate
0:18:57 > 0:18:59the Abrams M1A2 tank.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Well, the day begins with, well, no tank.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05This physical training.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08It's oh-my-goodness o'clock,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11and they told me I have to do this.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Right.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18You'll be OK. You drank a lot of water last night, right?
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- No.- No?- Not really.
0:19:20 > 0:19:21You might be in trouble, then.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24'When they said physical training, I was expecting, oh,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29'I don't know, a couple of push-ups, maybe a squat-thrust or two.'
0:19:29 > 0:19:31'But as it turns out, to be a tanker,
0:19:31 > 0:19:35'I have to complete 39 different exercise stations.'
0:19:35 > 0:19:39I think this would be a good moment to go to a TV montage.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05Oh, that hurts a lot.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Is that it?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Good job. - Thanks for killing me, guys.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17Well, now PT's done, we all go and get a shower and then back to work.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19I have a headache.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21I do.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25I'm blending.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Is that eggy bread? Yes. Oh.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Can I have some of that?
0:20:29 > 0:20:31We call it eggy bread at home,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33and I just called it eggy bread with these guys.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34They don't know what I mean.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38Eggy bread doesn't sound very tough. French toast. Thank you.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Oh, this is just like school all over again
0:20:40 > 0:20:42and I don't know where my friends are.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Your military-grade forks aren't as tough as I'd expected.
0:20:50 > 0:20:51I've just bent it.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- You know where that's from. From PT this morning, you got stronger. - Already. Bang.
0:20:54 > 0:20:58So, what's your mood when you're here?
0:20:58 > 0:20:59Better than being deployed.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02Yeah. Because, well...
0:21:02 > 0:21:04You'd go home every night, drink beer.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Yeah. And, you know, you're not actually in a theatre of war.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09But it doesn't not hang over you?
0:21:09 > 0:21:14That's just one of those thoughts. It can happen.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17So you just enjoy the time that you have, you know, not deployed.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Sorry, I don't want to be sombre over your breakfast.
0:21:23 > 0:21:28This is a .50 cal. It's a machine gun.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31It fires at up to 100 rounds a minute, effective up to 1,800 metres,
0:21:31 > 0:21:33and it's been around pretty much unchanged
0:21:33 > 0:21:35since the Second World War,
0:21:35 > 0:21:38but it remains a very familiar and very effective weapon.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41And I'd love to, you know, give it the old "dukka-dukka-dukka".
0:21:41 > 0:21:43But they won't let me. This is the Army.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46For some reason, not very trusting. I can see why.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47So there's training to be done
0:21:47 > 0:21:50and then I get to do the "dukka-dukka-dukka" thing.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51It's coming. It's going to happen.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58This is the M2 heavy barrel flex machine gun.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00It's chambered for the .50 calibre ammunition.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01The tank commander's weapon.
0:22:01 > 0:22:03It's an intimidating-looking weapon to look at.
0:22:03 > 0:22:05It's terrifying to look at.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09- That is the scariest looking thing I've ever seen.- It sounds mean on the battlefield, too.
0:22:09 > 0:22:10It's frightening.
0:22:10 > 0:22:13I'm going to walk you through clearing and then have you do it.
0:22:13 > 0:22:16If I can get an assistant here. Just before I charge,
0:22:16 > 0:22:18I'm going to lift up the cover, raise this piece,
0:22:18 > 0:22:22it's called the extractor, remove source of ammunition.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Now, I'm inspecting the chamber. Push this button.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29That releases the bolt. It goes forward.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31I close the cover, and this butterfly trigger right here
0:22:31 > 0:22:34is what fires the weapon. I'm going to fire it.
0:22:34 > 0:22:35CLICK
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- You hear it fire? - He flinched.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- Any questions on clearing? - Er, no. So, here we go. Safe.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45Open, lift extractor, clear source of ammunition,
0:22:45 > 0:22:51replace extractor, uh, right, so that's...and there.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53It doesn't work.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58Let me give it a try, real quick.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01CLICK
0:23:01 > 0:23:03'OK. For the sake of everyone's time,
0:23:03 > 0:23:06'let's just say I will eventually master the .50 calibre.'
0:23:06 > 0:23:08All right, good job. Now, you're ready to fire this .50 cal.
0:23:08 > 0:23:12- Fire it for real?- For real. - I've earned it?- You have.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17My next step towards my final exam is I get to practice
0:23:17 > 0:23:20with the .50 cal for real.
0:23:20 > 0:23:22Out here on the range, I have to locate and engage
0:23:22 > 0:23:25with the enemy using live rounds in the .50 cal.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29And the target - well, it's my enemy.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32I mean, look at it, it's just asking for it.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36When they give us the go-ahead, we're going to be firing at the van.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Yeah.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- All right, you ready? - Yeah, yes, I am.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Scouts report you have an enemy personnel carrier in your sector.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Defend your position and report. Out.
0:23:46 > 0:23:48Calibre .50.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Here we go! Bring it up! Keep going! Bring it up! There you go!
0:23:53 > 0:23:54- Whoa! - Keep going, keep going.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Calibre .50.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00That's it.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02- Go ahead and lock and load another can of .50 cal.- Yeah!
0:24:02 > 0:24:04That's White Four, roger.
0:24:05 > 0:24:06OK.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09All the way back, then let it go right forward.
0:24:09 > 0:24:10Come on.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12Put some man strength into it.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15I am. This is all I have.
0:24:15 > 0:24:17LAUGHTER
0:24:22 > 0:24:24Sorry, Cap. Made a bit of a hash of that.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Identified PC, calibre .50.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31There you go. Bring your right, bring your right.
0:24:31 > 0:24:32Calibre .50.
0:24:32 > 0:24:35There you go.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I think I got it a couple of times there, didn't I?
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Target seeking complete.
0:24:39 > 0:24:40There you go.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44I can't look. I just can't bear, it's too upsetting. No, wait.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46Hang on, I can. I can look. Oh!
0:24:46 > 0:24:48Look at it. Look what you did.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51Got some holes, yeah, look. This is... It's got some holes in it.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53I put that in it there. That was me.
0:24:53 > 0:24:54You want to see the back of it.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58I can't bear, I can't bear to see it. Oh. Oh, oh, dear.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01It definitely does more damage on the way out than on the way in.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04Doesn't it just? Now that won't buff out will it?
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Just tears it apart.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Oh, we had a camera in here, so we could film.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09There was?
0:25:09 > 0:25:11Yeah, there was. Yeah. We hit it.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15It's all that's left.
0:25:15 > 0:25:16There you go. That's...
0:25:20 > 0:25:21Another one gone.
0:25:25 > 0:25:28'It's day three here at Fort Bliss, Texas, where I've tasked myself
0:25:28 > 0:25:32'with mastering the mighty Abrams M1A2 Tank.'
0:25:32 > 0:25:37'Now, to pass my final exam and to be able to call myself a tanker,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39'I'm going to have to prove that I can act as tank driver,
0:25:39 > 0:25:43'tank commander, and gunner.'
0:25:44 > 0:25:47Well, today is the day when I was told I get to fire the big gun.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51But for some reason they're a bit nervous about me
0:25:51 > 0:25:54just jumping in with a box of giant bullets and having a go.
0:25:54 > 0:25:56I know, I've got to do some training.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58What could go wrong?
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Me, this... Anyway, it's their tank.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05Oh. They're big.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07So, what am I looking at?
0:26:07 > 0:26:10This a 120mm ammunition.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12This the M829 Alpha2.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Now, you don't have to tell me all that. It's a mouthful.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21As it's announced in the fire command, it's sabot.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And it's primary use is for tank and tank-like targets.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28So that's a big heavy solid slug that penetrates
0:26:28 > 0:26:30and then kind of inputs its weight out back.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32Right. The penetrator itself is what you see here.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34It's runs down to about this point in the round itself.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36This is just what guides it down the tube,
0:26:36 > 0:26:39and these petals will actually separate once it exits the gun tube.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41So it goes out as a big spike?
0:26:41 > 0:26:42It's just a long dart.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46This represents the M830 high explosive anti-tank round,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49- or HEAT. You've heard of a shape charge before?- Yes.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52Essentially, that what's inside this guy right here.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54You've got a copper cone inside here.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57You've got a shaper right here at the spike.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59When it hits the target, copper cone becomes a slug,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02and that slug is what penetrates the armour.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Now this is used for light skin vehicles, bunkers,
0:27:05 > 0:27:08fortifications, that type of thing.
0:27:08 > 0:27:12This is the M830 ALPHA1 multi-purpose anti-tank round,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14MPAT.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17This functions very similar to the HEAT round.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19However, this has the capability to go to air mode.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22You have a ground switch here and an air switch.
0:27:22 > 0:27:23If I'm in ground mode,
0:27:23 > 0:27:26I'm using it the same way I would use the HEAT round.
0:27:26 > 0:27:30Light skin vehicles, bunkers, field fortifications, that sort of thing.
0:27:30 > 0:27:34If I switch to air mode, now I can take out choppers.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36It's got a Doppler radar inside there.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40When it gets in proximity of a target, it's going to explode.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Without actually hitting the target? When it gets near...
0:27:42 > 0:27:43Doesn't need to hit it.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46So that's a sophisticated item in it's own right.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47It's a fantastic round.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Finally, over here, we have the M1028 canister round.
0:27:50 > 0:27:52This is basically a shotgun shell.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55This is used for troops. It can also be used to remove light
0:27:55 > 0:27:59obstacles like razor wire, concertina wire, things like that.
0:27:59 > 0:28:04Inside here you got approximately 1,097 3/8th inch,
0:28:04 > 0:28:05tungsten steel balls.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08So when you fire this guy, you're doing a lot of damage.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12If these were live rounds, they would have a sponge covering
0:28:12 > 0:28:16over the tip because they're a very, very sharp tip.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18You have to be careful, you don't poke your finger.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20It's not the biggest danger, almost poking your finger.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22Yeah.
0:28:22 > 0:28:25Enormous anti-tank round.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27- Right, you don't want to hurt your finger.- Ow!
0:28:29 > 0:28:31All right, Richard.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33This is the AGTS, the Advanced Gunnery Training System.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36When we take you in here, basically this is where the gunner and the
0:28:36 > 0:28:39TC hone their skills to get on the range and fire bullets for real.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41Right. From out here, it's just a big white box. Lead on.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- Come on in. - I have no idea what's in here.
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Watch your step, there's a lot of headaches in here,
0:28:46 > 0:28:47so watch what you're doing.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50This is actually where the crew compartment is.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52This is where the tank commander sits.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54And that's where the gunner's going to sit.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Before I get you in there and start touching stuff,
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- I want to show you some stuff real quick.- OK.
0:28:59 > 0:29:03Basically, this is where the instructor operator runs the system.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06- When you're looking through your sight, I'll see everything you see. - OK.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- So, If you want to go in here, I'll show you the gunner station.- OK.
0:29:10 > 0:29:11Gunner station.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17'This will be the most intensive part of my training.'
0:29:17 > 0:29:21'In this simulator I'll learn to fire the 120mm cannon
0:29:21 > 0:29:25'from the gunner's position, and to act as tank commander.'
0:29:25 > 0:29:30'Sgt Dilling will be assisting in my training by alternating
0:29:30 > 0:29:33'with me at the commander and gunner positions.'
0:29:33 > 0:29:36Reach up here and grab that handle and just slide yourself in there.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Oh, it's cosy.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42All right. I'll give you a brief once-around-the-world for the switchology here.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Over here, this is going to be your ammo select.
0:29:44 > 0:29:47Over here is your gun select switch. This is your blasting machine.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49We use this to actually fire the weapon.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52And then, basically, all these other controls
0:29:52 > 0:29:54are pretty self-explanatory.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56OK. That is a crash course.
0:29:56 > 0:29:57Yeah.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00All right, I'm going to get Sergeant Dilling.
0:30:04 > 0:30:05All right, if you guys are set,
0:30:05 > 0:30:08you're going to have a squad of troops coming up.
0:30:08 > 0:30:09Gauge and report, out.
0:30:09 > 0:30:11So you're looking, I'm waiting.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13Uh, you can look, too.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- Oh.- Troops? - Identified.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18CANNON FIRES
0:30:18 > 0:30:19- I fired instead! - No firing yet!
0:30:19 > 0:30:23That's why we do this before we go to the range.
0:30:23 > 0:30:26You've got to wait until I say fire and adjust.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Yeah, what I wanted to do was say "identify" and give you a range.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30Yeah, just the range.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34All right, we're rolling. You've got a squad of troops coming up.
0:30:34 > 0:30:36All right, you can go ahead and scan, Richard.
0:30:36 > 0:30:37I'm scanning.
0:30:38 > 0:30:42Ah. Identified, 2.30.
0:30:42 > 0:30:45Fire and adjust.
0:30:45 > 0:30:47- You've got to say on the way. - On the way.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49All right, scouts report you have an RPG.
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- Identified them? - Ah...
0:30:53 > 0:30:55This is horrible!
0:30:55 > 0:30:58Come and swing it back right.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01The key is to identify them quick. Designate troops.
0:31:01 > 0:31:02Identified.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04CANNON FIRES
0:31:04 > 0:31:06You've got to get quicker.
0:31:06 > 0:31:07Yeah.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09You've got a squad of troops coming up.
0:31:09 > 0:31:10Got them?
0:31:10 > 0:31:13- Identified. - Gunner, troops. Driver, move out.
0:31:17 > 0:31:21- As soon as we identify them, you've got to get on them. - Troops identified, 2.30.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Fire and adjust.
0:31:23 > 0:31:24On the way.
0:31:24 > 0:31:26All right, target, ceasefire. Back up.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28All right. Good job.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32- All right. This is your roll-up, here.- Yeah.
0:31:32 > 0:31:36You qualified three out of ten engagements.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39- That's not a brilliant score there, is it?- Nothing to be proud of yet.
0:31:39 > 0:31:40I'll get there.
0:31:40 > 0:31:42Yeah, we'll get you there. We'll get you there.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44OK.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47All right. Ready to start over again?
0:31:47 > 0:31:49Yeah. Back in the box.
0:31:49 > 0:31:50- Good to go? - Designate target.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52CANNON FIRES
0:31:52 > 0:31:53Those were bushes.
0:31:53 > 0:31:55Yeah. But they were nasty bushes. Identified.
0:31:55 > 0:31:57CANNON FIRES
0:31:57 > 0:32:00No, it's a tree, it's a tree. Sorry. Can we do that again?
0:32:03 > 0:32:04Ouch.
0:32:04 > 0:32:05After you, gunner.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08It's about time.
0:32:08 > 0:32:11I don't know why I'm surprised at how intense
0:32:11 > 0:32:14and how difficult that is, but that's central to what you do, isn't it?
0:32:14 > 0:32:16Yes, it is. But you did really well.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I also see why you practice it in here.
0:32:18 > 0:32:20My mistake at the very beginning of that.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Hey, if we've done that on the range, they'd have pulled us.
0:32:23 > 0:32:24I might have got fired.
0:32:24 > 0:32:26- Identified. - CANNON FIRES
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Gunner, wait until I say fire and adjust.
0:32:28 > 0:32:29Yeah. That was really hard.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31That's why we spend hours in here.
0:32:31 > 0:32:32Let's do it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33Thanks for your patience.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41OK. Great. Slide down in there.
0:32:41 > 0:32:42Yeah. Can I hang on there?
0:32:42 > 0:32:44Yeah. Just kind of slide right in there.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46This is the real deal right now.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- Guys.- Yeah? - What if I need to go?
0:32:48 > 0:32:50What if you need to go?
0:32:50 > 0:32:51Pee.
0:32:51 > 0:32:53- You got a water bottle. - Don't worry.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55All right. Let's go.
0:32:55 > 0:32:58'Now it's my turn to fire the main gun.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01'For this exercise, I'll be using two types of rounds.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03'A non-explosive sabot round
0:33:03 > 0:33:07'and a canister round, which is basically a massive shotgun shell.'
0:33:07 > 0:33:10'Now, I just need to find the enemy.
0:33:11 > 0:33:12'Woop! Got 'em.'
0:33:12 > 0:33:15That was a convenient target to find lying around here.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17Nice and easy. We're going all the way up this dune.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- All right, Richard. - Yes.- Are you ready?
0:33:20 > 0:33:22So we are firing for real this time?
0:33:22 > 0:33:24Yep. This is for real.
0:33:24 > 0:33:25Oh, God.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26All right.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28Don't worry. We'll take care of you.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29Arm your laser.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Laser armed.
0:33:31 > 0:33:32Now, give me a crew report.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34- Sabot autoloader ready. - Gunner ready.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35All right. TC is ready.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four. We are recon one.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43Scouts report enemy PC in your sector, defend and report. Out.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46All right. Go ahead and grab the control handles and start scanning.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- Let me know if you see anything. - All right. PC.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52- Range?- 700.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54Main gun is armed.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56- Fire and adjust. - On the way.
0:34:01 > 0:34:03Target. Target. Cease fire. Driver, back up.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08That sounds good.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Waiting for that all day!
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- You see the hole you put in the side of it?- Yeah.
0:34:17 > 0:34:18That was good. You hit it centre mass.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20How do you describe that feeling?
0:34:20 > 0:34:22But if you were to imagine what it's like hitting the button
0:34:22 > 0:34:26on a massive tank to fire a huge round, that's what it's like.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30Make your way to battle position two, this time. Over.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34OK, this next one, we're going to pick up the pace a little bit, OK?
0:34:34 > 0:34:35OK.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36Take us down the course road.
0:34:36 > 0:34:42Scouts report you have an enemy PC with dismount in your sector.
0:34:42 > 0:34:44Identified.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47PC. Fire and adjust.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50On the way. I'm not live.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52- Go to main.- I'm live.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- Fire and adjust.- On the way.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Target. Target. Cease fire. Whoo! This is White Four.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Engaged and destroyed one PC.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Driver, back up.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15You're liking it?
0:35:15 > 0:35:17Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four,
0:35:17 > 0:35:19engaged and destroyed one PC.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21Oh. How do you like it Richard?
0:35:21 > 0:35:24It's kind of real, isn't it?
0:35:24 > 0:35:26How can you do that to that van and say kind of real?
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Well, there's nobody shooting back.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Oh, that is a lot of holes.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- Definitely don't want to be on the receiving end.- No.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39Covered the entire length of the minivan.
0:35:39 > 0:35:41There's over a thousand of these isn't it? So a lot of these.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44But even so, this far out from where the tank was,
0:35:44 > 0:35:47gives you an image of how many there are that it's still this dense.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49Look, they're just peppered all across the hood there.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51It'll do some damage.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Yeah. Sorry, minivan. But it was worth it.
0:35:54 > 0:35:57And it serves you right for being a minivan.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00That's one less. Come on.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02Be proud of the service we provided there.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05You're not going to encounter that ugly monstrosity on the road,
0:36:05 > 0:36:06are you?
0:36:07 > 0:36:09I'm back at the Fort Bliss gunnery range,
0:36:09 > 0:36:11only this time it's for my final exam.
0:36:11 > 0:36:12So, here's how it's going to work.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15I will be put into a simulated battle scenario out there
0:36:15 > 0:36:18with four targets to hit.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20But I've got to go through that scenario three times
0:36:20 > 0:36:22in each of the three key positions.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25I'll be acting as gunner, as driver and as tank commander.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27So that's 12 potential targets to hit overall,
0:36:27 > 0:36:29and here's the thing.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33To pass, I've got to hit no less than 11 of them.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38I'm allowed one miss. I've got to score at least 11 out of 12.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40Out there.
0:36:41 > 0:36:43Confident...ish.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Well, this is it. I'm about to do my final exam.
0:36:52 > 0:36:55I'm starting off in the driving position, appropriately enough.
0:36:55 > 0:36:57I was fairly confident in this position.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59Unfortunately, a lot of stuff's happened since,
0:36:59 > 0:37:02and I've got to remember.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- OK. You ready to go?- Yeah.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08OK. Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four, we are recon one.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Roger. This time set at the beginning of Firebox one.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13I'm putting it back in. Service brake.
0:37:13 > 0:37:16All right. Let's go. Back straight up. Hold on.
0:37:16 > 0:37:17Driver, stop.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- Sorry, I was putting it in drive. - What you doing down there?
0:37:25 > 0:37:26I didn't have my feet on...
0:37:26 > 0:37:28You trying to knock some teeth out?
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- I'm sorry. - You good now?- Holy cow.
0:37:35 > 0:37:36Nice and easy.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39Keep going, on right there.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four. We're set.
0:37:42 > 0:37:47White Four, Mike Golf, scouts report enemy PCs in your sector.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50Notionally bound to BP two, defend and report.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52White Four, roger.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55Put it in drive, move out.
0:37:55 > 0:37:56I'm driving, I'm driving.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59PC, stationary PC.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Fire and adjust.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Whoa!
0:38:04 > 0:38:06Target. Identified moving PC.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07At your range.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Fire and adjust.
0:38:11 > 0:38:12All right.
0:38:14 > 0:38:18Target, target. Cease fire and driver stop.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19White Four, Mike Golf.
0:38:19 > 0:38:22Scouts report enemy truck with dismount in your sector,
0:38:22 > 0:38:24bound for checkpoint two.
0:38:24 > 0:38:25Engage, report out.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27All right, start to move out.
0:38:27 > 0:38:29Identified PC.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- PC!- Fire and adjust.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34Target, cease fire. Designate two. Fire and adjust.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38Target, target. Cease fire, driver, stop.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44Engaged and destroyed one truck and one set of troops.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46White Four, Destroyer Mike Golf.
0:38:46 > 0:38:50At this time, clear and elevate all weapon systems, go ahead and make your crew change
0:38:50 > 0:38:53and back back up to the beginning of your fire box once you're cleared.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Right, get settled in.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58This time, I am the gunner. This is the critical one.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01Remember, I'm only allowed a maximum of one miss.
0:39:02 > 0:39:07And it's all my responsibility this time. I can't afford to miss.
0:39:07 > 0:39:09- You're good to go, Richard? - Yes, I am.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four, we are recon one.
0:39:14 > 0:39:16White Four, Destroyer Mike Golf.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19Scouts report enemy PCs in your sector. Defend and report. Out.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21All right. Go ahead and scan.
0:39:21 > 0:39:24I got a stationary PC. Designate stationary PC.
0:39:24 > 0:39:25PC.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26Driver move out.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30PC identified. 11.20.
0:39:31 > 0:39:32- Fire and adjust. - On the way.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36Target.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40- Where is, where is... - Designate moving PC.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42Moving PC identified.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Centre mass, centre mass.
0:39:44 > 0:39:45- There you go.- 4.70.
0:39:45 > 0:39:47Relay 6.40.
0:39:47 > 0:39:48Fire and adjust.
0:39:48 > 0:39:49On the way.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54Still up.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- What happened? Did I miss? - Yeah, we missed.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Cease fire, cease fire.- Oh.
0:40:00 > 0:40:06Well, that's used my one life. I can't afford to miss another.
0:40:21 > 0:40:22White Four, roger.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24500 metres?
0:40:28 > 0:40:29Give me crew report.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32- Driver ready.- Loader ready. - Gunner ready.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35Destroyer Mike Golf, this is White Four. We are recon one.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38White Four, Destroyer Mike Golf,
0:40:38 > 0:40:41scouts report you have an enemy truck, dismounts reported in sector.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43Defend and report. Out.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Go ahead and scan, Richard.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47- There you go.- Looking.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50- I got the PC and the troops, I'm going to designate you the PC, OK?- OK.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52PC, designate PC. Driver, move up.
0:40:53 > 0:40:54You got 'em?
0:40:54 > 0:40:56PC, 9.20.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Up!
0:40:58 > 0:41:00- Fire and adjust. - On the way.
0:41:02 > 0:41:03Target, cease fire.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07Ha-ha, that's how it's done.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09Fire and adjust.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11SCATTERED GUNFIRE
0:41:13 > 0:41:16Engaged and destroyed one truck and one set of troops.
0:41:16 > 0:41:19Richard Hammond signing out of gunner position.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Destroyer Mike Golf, go ahead and make your crew change.
0:41:21 > 0:41:23OK.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Last run of the battle scenario,
0:41:26 > 0:41:27tank commander.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30Everything you need to know about that is in the title,
0:41:30 > 0:41:31Tank commander.
0:41:31 > 0:41:35I'm in charge. I can't afford any misses.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I've got to hit every one of four targets.
0:41:40 > 0:41:43Destroyer Mike Golf, now we are at recon one.
0:41:44 > 0:41:47Hamster, Destroyer Mike Golf has got a first engagement.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Scouts report you have enemy light armour moving into your sector.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51Defend and report. Out.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53What have we got?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Nothing, nothing.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Identified PC.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00PC, driver move up.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02Wait.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05PC, fire and adjust.
0:42:05 > 0:42:06On the way.
0:42:10 > 0:42:11Identified moving PC.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13- Range.- 11.20.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15Up.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Fire and adjust.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18On the way.
0:42:19 > 0:42:21Target, cease fire.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23- There you go.- Driver move back.
0:42:24 > 0:42:26- Crew report.- Loader ready.
0:42:26 > 0:42:28- Gunner ready.- Driver ready.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Mike Golf, this is Hamster, we're recon one.
0:42:30 > 0:42:33Hamster, Destroyer Mike Golf, scouts report you have an enemy truck
0:42:33 > 0:42:35with dismount support in sector.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37Defend and report out.
0:42:37 > 0:42:40Identified troops, identified PC.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42PC, driver move up.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44Right side, 20.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46- PC, fire and adjust.- On the way.
0:42:47 > 0:42:51- Ceasefire.- Identified troops.
0:42:51 > 0:42:52Range?
0:42:52 > 0:42:535.90.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55All right.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01Identified PC, calibre .50.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04Bring it up.
0:43:04 > 0:43:05Oh, calibre .50.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09There you go.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12It's OK. I'll pass.
0:43:12 > 0:43:18Destroyer Mike Golf, third target PC and troops engaged and destroyed.
0:43:19 > 0:43:24Well, that's it. I think that was 11 out of 12. I think I did it.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Let's find out.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Oh!
0:43:29 > 0:43:30Uh.
0:43:31 > 0:43:33What do you think?
0:43:33 > 0:43:35Thank you, all right, lads. Thank you.
0:43:35 > 0:43:36LIGHT APPLAUSE
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- I've got to tell you, though. - Yeah?
0:43:39 > 0:43:41- You might have got 11 out of 12. - Yeah.
0:43:41 > 0:43:42But the one that you missed...
0:43:42 > 0:43:46- Yeah. - You were off by 600 meters...short.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- That's more than half a kilometre. - Yeah.- It's terrible.
0:43:50 > 0:43:52- I did not miss by more than half a kilometre.- You did.
0:43:52 > 0:43:55How much did I miss by? Does anyone know for real?
0:43:56 > 0:43:58No way. That is more than half a kilometre.
0:43:58 > 0:44:01That's a distance your car would measure.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04Oh, mind you, in the tank, everything is big, isn't it?
0:44:04 > 0:44:07The noise is big, vehicles are big...
0:44:07 > 0:44:09Well, it misses by that much.
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- It doesn't matter. - You don't want to miss by that much.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14You miss by a big old chunk of distance, and I did.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16Well, Richard, or should I say, Hamster.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19Yeah, that sort of stuck, didn't it?
0:44:19 > 0:44:22You passed your gunner's test, got you in the tank, you shot,
0:44:22 > 0:44:24you hit, your fire commands were good.
0:44:24 > 0:44:27As far as I'm concerned, you're an honorary tanker,
0:44:27 > 0:44:29so, congratulations.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32Oh, man, thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. It was a big miss.
0:44:32 > 0:44:33It was a big miss.
0:44:33 > 0:44:36Now, of course, we can't let you go home empty-handed,
0:44:36 > 0:44:38so we've got a couple things we want to give you.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41Here's your half-cap for your canister round that you shot.
0:44:41 > 0:44:42Thank you.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44You can shine that up, put it on your desk,
0:44:44 > 0:44:46- put it on your garage, wherever you want to put it.- Thank you.
0:44:46 > 0:44:50The other thing I got for you, this is our unit crest,
0:44:50 > 0:44:51and it's a stained glass.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54As we say here, "Once a regular, always a regular."
0:44:54 > 0:44:56Oh, wow, thank you. Thank you. I am touched with that.
0:44:56 > 0:44:58Thank you very much indeed.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01And I'd like to say thank you to you, Lieutenant Colonel,
0:45:01 > 0:45:03for letting us come along and thanks to all the guys.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05Normally, at the end of these shows, I'll say,
0:45:05 > 0:45:07"Can I take the vehicle with me?"
0:45:07 > 0:45:09Do you know what, for the first time,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12this comes with too much responsibility. I don't want it!
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- Keep it, take it to work and do what you're doing with it.- Sure?
0:45:14 > 0:45:16Yeah, I'm really, really sure.
0:45:16 > 0:45:19Really sure. I've tried it. It's an awesome thing,
0:45:19 > 0:45:21but you've got to be a special kind of guy to work it.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24So I'd like to say on behalf of me, the crew and everybody watching,
0:45:24 > 0:45:27thanks to you guys for everything that you do
0:45:27 > 0:45:29and carry on doing for all of us, so thank you.