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0:00:02 > 0:00:08This programme contains strong language

0:00:11 > 0:00:13INDISTINCT SHOUTED COMMANDS

0:00:16 > 0:00:21Squad! To the left in threes, left...turn!

0:00:21 > 0:00:22One, two, three, one!

0:00:22 > 0:00:26Shoulder...arms!

0:00:34 > 0:00:39If we leave Afghanistan now, Al-Qaeda will again use Afghanistan

0:00:39 > 0:00:42as a base from which to attack the West.

0:00:42 > 0:00:45I say, we cannot let that happen.

0:00:45 > 0:00:50But it is what you did that will actually prevent it.

0:01:13 > 0:01:16- NEWSREADER:- 'Tributes have been paid to a North Yorkshire soldier

0:01:16 > 0:01:18'who has died after being wounded in Afghanistan.

0:01:18 > 0:01:21'25-year-old Captain Andrew Griffiths served with

0:01:21 > 0:01:25'Second Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. He died on Sunday in hospital.

0:01:25 > 0:01:28'His father, Brigadier Mike Griffiths,

0:01:28 > 0:01:31'is the head of the regiment in which his son served.'

0:01:33 > 0:01:36- RADIO:- The tributes being paid to Andrew Griffiths today

0:01:36 > 0:01:37are quite exemplary.

0:01:37 > 0:01:39His commanding officer said,

0:01:39 > 0:01:41"The respect he commanded from his men

0:01:41 > 0:01:47"was genuinely the most impressive I have seen in a young officer in all my 24 years in the infantry."

0:01:51 > 0:01:55On you go, sir, you will get briefed by one of the colour sergeants.

0:01:58 > 0:02:04Good afternoon, sir. You're allowed to smile, honest! It's a lovely day to join the Army.

0:02:04 > 0:02:06- It is indeed, the sunshine. - Registration to the left.

0:02:06 > 0:02:10- There's a newsletter here for parents and guardians.- Thank you.

0:02:16 > 0:02:21- Hi there.- Stuart Darrock.- OK, you are in One Platoon Alamein Company.

0:02:21 > 0:02:24What I'd like you to do is to go into the main hall,

0:02:24 > 0:02:25turn right down the corridor.

0:02:28 > 0:02:33Everyone is, "Ooh, the first five weeks are going to be hard."

0:02:33 > 0:02:38Just can't wait to get stuck in. Get my overalls on.

0:02:38 > 0:02:42I think it's blissful ignorance at the moment. Don't know what to worry about.

0:02:42 > 0:02:45- What colour do you wear under? - Dark, he said.

0:02:45 > 0:02:49- Not white.- That's not really dark!

0:02:49 > 0:02:54It's got to be more serious, really, hasn't it?

0:02:54 > 0:02:56You've got to rein yourself in, I think.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59For the first five weeks, you can't have a...

0:02:59 > 0:03:03You can have a personality, but you don't want to stand out

0:03:03 > 0:03:07because to stand out would be to be noticed and I think you don't want to be noticed.

0:03:13 > 0:03:18Six people missing still. We might have some people not turn up.

0:03:18 > 0:03:21At the moment, I'm missing six.

0:03:21 > 0:03:23Unless they are down there at the moment.

0:03:23 > 0:03:27I'd like to give you all a huge welcome, really, to Sandhurst.

0:03:27 > 0:03:32269 British cadets on course 103. 238 male

0:03:32 > 0:03:34and 31 female.

0:03:35 > 0:03:39So let's start with what Sandhurst does.

0:03:39 > 0:03:43The basic aim is to develop leadership.

0:03:43 > 0:03:46And, using Field Marshal Montgomery's great definition,

0:03:46 > 0:03:48what is that leadership?

0:03:48 > 0:03:51It's the capacity and the will

0:03:51 > 0:03:54to rally men and women to a common purpose

0:03:54 > 0:03:58and the character, which will inspire confidence.

0:03:58 > 0:04:02That leadership must be based on a moral authority

0:04:02 > 0:04:05and it must be based on the truth.

0:04:10 > 0:04:12SERGEANT CALLS OUT NAMES

0:04:14 > 0:04:18- Chapman.- Yes.- Darrock.- Yes.- Gillan. - Yes.

0:04:18 > 0:04:20- Stewart.- Yes.- Stotts.- Yes.

0:04:20 > 0:04:22Do we have Axford?

0:04:22 > 0:04:25Love you.

0:04:25 > 0:04:27Oh, and we've put October 31st in our diary.

0:04:27 > 0:04:29Is that when the first one is?

0:04:29 > 0:04:33Approximately 30 seconds, quickly, say goodbye to mums and dads

0:04:33 > 0:04:34then get but fell back in here.

0:04:36 > 0:04:40- Take care, take care. - Have fun.

0:04:44 > 0:04:46You have a fantastic time.

0:04:46 > 0:04:48You look fantastic.

0:04:48 > 0:04:51By the left, quick march!

0:04:51 > 0:04:54Left, right, left, right, left, right!

0:05:00 > 0:05:02No make-up to be worn at all.

0:05:02 > 0:05:05Do not let me catch you out putting little bits of mascara on.

0:05:05 > 0:05:09No jewellery and, in no way, nail polish.

0:05:09 > 0:05:10Are we all clear on that?

0:05:10 > 0:05:13- Yes, Staff Sergeant. - Are we all clear on that?

0:05:13 > 0:05:16- Yes, Staff Sergeant!- Right.

0:05:16 > 0:05:20This is me and Baroness Thatcher.

0:05:20 > 0:05:24After Sandhurst, and after a few years in the military,

0:05:24 > 0:05:30I would like to be made of the stuff that, you know, a good politician would be.

0:05:31 > 0:05:33I'd like to represent people.

0:05:35 > 0:05:37Some of them think I'm quite brave and some of them think

0:05:37 > 0:05:40it'll be fine and I'll be fine.

0:05:40 > 0:05:43But, yeah, and other people have literally no idea.

0:05:43 > 0:05:48They think I'm going too to some sort of cushty boarding school. It's not quite that friendly!

0:05:48 > 0:05:52Your ablutions and toilets are at the far end of this corridor.

0:05:52 > 0:05:55They are your toilets and your toilets only.

0:05:55 > 0:05:57At no stage should any females be coming in here

0:05:57 > 0:06:03without supervision from their staff sergeant. That's vice versa. You do not start going into their lines.

0:06:03 > 0:06:05I'd been with my girlfriend for a long time

0:06:05 > 0:06:08and we recently split up about a year ago.

0:06:08 > 0:06:11Effectively, kicking me into touch gave me the impetus to think

0:06:11 > 0:06:15I've got to do something for me now, and I've always wanted to do it.

0:06:15 > 0:06:19I thought I might as well give it a crack, I'm not getting any younger.

0:06:19 > 0:06:21One, two, three...one.

0:06:21 > 0:06:24One, two, three...one.

0:06:24 > 0:06:26One, two, three...one.

0:06:30 > 0:06:33I've done uni and I still get homesick.

0:06:33 > 0:06:36One, two, three...one.

0:06:41 > 0:06:47# Send her victorious

0:06:47 > 0:06:51# Happy and glorious

0:06:51 > 0:06:56# Long to reign over us

0:06:56 > 0:07:01# God save our Queen. #

0:07:04 > 0:07:06Right, gentleman, listen to me now, and listen good.

0:07:06 > 0:07:09First morning, you're getting up, not everybody here on time.

0:07:09 > 0:07:13You need to start thinking and you have to be on parade five minutes before.

0:07:13 > 0:07:17If you're not on parade five minutes before that means you are late.

0:07:17 > 0:07:22If you were five minutes late for the Queen's parade, do you think she'd be too pleased?

0:07:22 > 0:07:26- Do we think she'd be too pleased, gentlemen?- No, Sergeant!

0:07:26 > 0:07:29Right, gentlemen, we start the morning to a bad start.

0:07:29 > 0:07:32That is your first and final warning. Everyone understand me?

0:07:32 > 0:07:38- Yes, Sergeant.- OK. Tops on lids, open up your water bottles.

0:07:41 > 0:07:45Gentlemen, drink your water bottles. Once you've drunk it,

0:07:45 > 0:07:49place your water bottle up in the air over your head, to ensure it's empty. All of it.

0:07:49 > 0:07:52It is not a race, however, it needs to all go.

0:07:52 > 0:07:56Gentlemen, we sing the national anthem, we sing it with pride.

0:07:58 > 0:08:03Right, upside down on top of your head so I can see it's all empty.

0:08:06 > 0:08:10Are you going to be sick? Let me know if you're sick.

0:08:12 > 0:08:13Keep going.

0:08:13 > 0:08:17I can't stress the importance that you need water in the morning,

0:08:17 > 0:08:20for you to keep fluids on board.

0:08:20 > 0:08:23It is important that you do and throughout the day continue.

0:08:23 > 0:08:25Everywhere we go...

0:08:25 > 0:08:27HE VOMITS

0:08:29 > 0:08:32- Are you going to be sick again?- No. - OK.

0:08:32 > 0:08:35It's important we continue to take the...

0:08:35 > 0:08:37HE VOMITS AGAIN

0:08:37 > 0:08:41Right, gentlemen, you're not having mobile phones.

0:08:41 > 0:08:43It's all right, it's only water, calm down.

0:08:43 > 0:08:47Are you going to be sick again? If you're going to be sick again, go to the toilet.

0:08:47 > 0:08:50Right, gentlemen, that's it, water bottles down.

0:08:50 > 0:08:54Next parade you are on 0600 hours, outside, ready to rock and roll,

0:08:54 > 0:08:56to go and do areas.

0:08:56 > 0:08:58Are there any questions?

0:08:58 > 0:09:01Correctly dressed, ie coveralls with your boots on.

0:09:01 > 0:09:02The only person...

0:09:02 > 0:09:04HE VOMITS AGAIN

0:09:04 > 0:09:08Are you making a trail of it all the way down my corridor?

0:09:11 > 0:09:14Right, in you come, please

0:09:14 > 0:09:15Permission to come in, sir.

0:09:15 > 0:09:17Yes.

0:09:18 > 0:09:21Just a quick one because I know you're quite busy.

0:09:21 > 0:09:25I spoke to the padre today and he explained about your friend.

0:09:25 > 0:09:29We're very sorry to hear that. When did it happen?

0:09:29 > 0:09:32He died not the Sunday just gone, but the Sunday before

0:09:32 > 0:09:35and was injured nine days prior to that in Afghanistan.

0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Was he in Selly Oak?- He died in Selly Oak, of his injuries, sir.

0:09:38 > 0:09:39Who was he?

0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Captain Andrew Griffiths from the Duke of Lancaster.- Lancs, yeah.

0:09:43 > 0:09:45I didn't know him, but I saw that.

0:09:45 > 0:09:47Because he's a close friend it is quite important

0:09:47 > 0:09:50to try and get you the chance to go up there.

0:09:50 > 0:09:52Would you want to go?

0:09:52 > 0:09:54I would love to go if I could, if it was possible.

0:09:54 > 0:10:00I think it is quite important that you pay your last respects, if possible.

0:10:00 > 0:10:02INDISTINCT SHOUTED COMMANDS

0:10:06 > 0:10:12- Hello.- Hello, how are you?- This is a set haircut.- OK, no problem.

0:10:14 > 0:10:16- Did you go to university? - I did, yes.

0:10:16 > 0:10:19I went to Loughborough Uni. A few years ago now. 2007 I finished.

0:10:19 > 0:10:24- Did you study anything interesting? - Geography.- Geography - map colouring!- A little bit!

0:10:24 > 0:10:27- Did you enjoy it?- I did, yes. - That's the main thing.

0:10:27 > 0:10:30Been travelling since, so.

0:10:30 > 0:10:33I've had a good last six years.

0:10:33 > 0:10:35Right, tell me about your family.

0:10:35 > 0:10:39I live with my mother and my stepfather.

0:10:39 > 0:10:42My father died when I was 14.

0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Sorry about that.- It's fine.

0:10:44 > 0:10:49And he... I kind of decided to join the Army at the age of 15

0:10:49 > 0:10:52so I don't know whether that was a turning point.

0:10:52 > 0:10:56I kind of thought maybe I should, find out what I'm going to do with my life.

0:10:56 > 0:10:58After that.

0:11:01 > 0:11:05I've had it short before. I've had so many different haircuts.

0:11:05 > 0:11:10- The experimenter. - Yeah. It was really bad, like.

0:11:13 > 0:11:16By the right, quick march!

0:11:16 > 0:11:20Left, right! Left, right!

0:11:21 > 0:11:23Turn!

0:11:23 > 0:11:27- One, two!- Quick march.

0:11:27 > 0:11:28Left, right! Left, right! Turn.

0:11:30 > 0:11:31Turn!

0:11:33 > 0:11:35Make sure the arm is shoulder-high all the time.

0:11:35 > 0:11:39Let's try it again. Halt! Check.

0:11:39 > 0:11:41- Mr Darrock.- Yes, Staff Sergeant.

0:11:41 > 0:11:45Walk as if you're walking naturally. You're like moon walking.

0:11:45 > 0:11:48Halt, there we go. Check, one, two.

0:11:48 > 0:11:50Better, better.

0:11:50 > 0:11:52Squad, halt!

0:11:56 > 0:12:00- Hello.- Hello, sir.- What's your name? - David Stewart, sir.- Mr Stewart.

0:12:01 > 0:12:04- Come and sit down over here, please. - Thank you, sir.

0:12:06 > 0:12:07How old are you?

0:12:07 > 0:12:10- I'm 22 years old, sir. - Where are you from?- Edinburgh.

0:12:10 > 0:12:13Currently residing in the Isle of Skye.

0:12:13 > 0:12:18- Currently residing in A Block, A Company.- Sorry, sir.

0:12:18 > 0:12:22- What did you do at uni? - I did history and English.

0:12:22 > 0:12:28- Anything interesting about yourself? - No, I'd probably say no, not really.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31I was going to go to King's College to do War Studies

0:12:31 > 0:12:33but I needed BBC and I got BCD.

0:12:33 > 0:12:34What did you do?

0:12:34 > 0:12:41I started doing a job labouring and got offered a job as an electrician's mate.

0:12:41 > 0:12:44And done my apprenticeship and become an electrician.

0:12:44 > 0:12:47OK. Electrician...

0:12:47 > 0:12:50What about any issues you might have, which you think

0:12:50 > 0:12:52I should know about before we sort of...

0:12:52 > 0:12:55Other than me not being able to march, not really, sir.

0:12:55 > 0:12:57The marching issue will come, I assure you.

0:12:57 > 0:13:00Thank you. Good to meet you. Thank you very much.

0:13:00 > 0:13:03- Uh-uh-uh.- Am I...

0:13:03 > 0:13:05- Am I supposed to...?- Yes.- Oh, sorry!

0:13:05 > 0:13:06I didn't realise, cos... Right.

0:13:09 > 0:13:11(Leave to carry on, sir, please.)

0:13:11 > 0:13:14Leave to carry on, please... Sir, please.

0:13:14 > 0:13:19- Leave to carry on, sir, please. - Leave to carry on, sir, please. - Yes, please do. Thank you very much.

0:13:19 > 0:13:21Well done, good effort.

0:13:21 > 0:13:23Kind of.

0:13:24 > 0:13:29He's quite old. 25. 25 and a non-grad.

0:13:29 > 0:13:31He's got to be the oldest non-grad I've had,

0:13:31 > 0:13:34but we find he seems pretty dedicated,

0:13:34 > 0:13:36anyone who comes to Sandhurst aged 25.

0:13:38 > 0:13:39It's good.

0:13:47 > 0:13:50Here we go, then. Number ones, out you come.

0:13:50 > 0:13:55Too slow, change! Too slow, change! Too slow, change!

0:13:55 > 0:13:58Too slow, change!

0:13:58 > 0:14:00From day one, everything's hitting you at 50mph.

0:14:02 > 0:14:05It's a military regime. They've got to have a regime like that.

0:14:05 > 0:14:09If we don't, when we go on operational tours and things like that,

0:14:09 > 0:14:13how can we expect people to perform and fight for their country?

0:14:15 > 0:14:19One minute, you're sitting there,

0:14:19 > 0:14:23and you can go to the pub, and you can just turn on the telly,

0:14:23 > 0:14:25or you can just do whatever you want.

0:14:25 > 0:14:27And you come here, and it's just like...

0:14:27 > 0:14:30Look at me, you're writing down your number and name

0:14:30 > 0:14:36on the back of shirts that you were wearing when you were about five years old.

0:14:36 > 0:14:38And you've got all this kit and it's just...

0:14:38 > 0:14:43- It's pretty mental, to be honest. - What time is it?- It's only ten.

0:14:43 > 0:14:47So...still got a few more hours yet.

0:14:47 > 0:14:51This fork needs to be next to the spoon.

0:14:51 > 0:14:55The knife needs to be like this. The shaving kit. It's all very precise.

0:14:55 > 0:14:58It's a work in progress at the moment.

0:14:58 > 0:15:02I think I've been neat before but I don't think this is very efficient, to be honest,

0:15:02 > 0:15:06but I suppose there's a purpose to it because look at all this space that isn't used.

0:15:06 > 0:15:08This drawer could take a lot of things.

0:15:08 > 0:15:12Right now, it takes two sets of gloves, one belt,

0:15:12 > 0:15:15and about 11 pairs of socks.

0:15:15 > 0:15:19I was just thinking to myself, I had a couple of cigarettes outside

0:15:19 > 0:15:24and I had a bit of time to myself, which was...nice.

0:15:24 > 0:15:28And it's...yeah, I think it's just first day, isn't it?

0:15:28 > 0:15:30It's just the change of pace.

0:15:30 > 0:15:34Now I know what's to come, I'll be all right.

0:15:34 > 0:15:36I hope.

0:15:51 > 0:15:55- So, your wife just had a baby?- Yes.

0:15:55 > 0:16:00She's currently three weeks and one day old now. So...

0:16:00 > 0:16:04I'll deal with all these children and go home and deal with some more children.

0:16:06 > 0:16:08You can't take it too hard.

0:16:08 > 0:16:11Well, I say you can't take it too hard on them straightaway

0:16:11 > 0:16:13because they're still stunned at the moment.

0:16:13 > 0:16:17We gradually get them into it and there's a bit of a difference today, you know.

0:16:17 > 0:16:25A bit of a settling in time, getting on with the job at hand until it starts.

0:16:27 > 0:16:30There was a little moment yesterday when I thought, "No, this is...

0:16:30 > 0:16:35"I want to jack." But I think everyone I've spoke to

0:16:35 > 0:16:38said they had that little...that little feeling.

0:16:38 > 0:16:42But then...you've come this far, you've gone through it all,

0:16:42 > 0:16:47to jack in the first week would just be...lunacy.

0:16:51 > 0:16:55Maybe if I'd actually come here when I was 16, I'd be all right

0:16:55 > 0:16:59but now after I've seen what I can have without the Army, I want to do that.

0:17:03 > 0:17:08- It's only day two. It does get easier.- It's not that, sir.

0:17:08 > 0:17:15- It's the fact that I don't want to be an army officer.- That's fine. OK.

0:17:19 > 0:17:21He was 16 years old when he said he wanted to join the Army.

0:17:21 > 0:17:26It took him five years to get here and now he's here, he's seen this side of life and he doesn't like it.

0:17:26 > 0:17:29What he doesn't realise is it isn't always going to be like this

0:17:29 > 0:17:32and it does get easier when you get into the routine.

0:17:32 > 0:17:33I think it's just a culture shock.

0:17:33 > 0:17:37At university, I mean, I changed quite a lot.

0:17:37 > 0:17:42We had this freedom and this freedom I really enjoyed.

0:17:42 > 0:17:47And I enjoyed that a lot more than being in this regimented style that the Army offers.

0:17:47 > 0:17:49And I don't think I function in it.

0:17:50 > 0:17:52Strictly speaking, you can't DAR,

0:17:52 > 0:17:57- which stands for "discharge as of right", until week four.- Right.

0:17:57 > 0:17:59OK?

0:17:59 > 0:18:01Because I don't want to force you to be here,

0:18:01 > 0:18:05if you give me a verbal agreement now that you give it until next weekend,

0:18:05 > 0:18:09and if you're still not keen and up for it by next weekend,

0:18:09 > 0:18:15then we can start actioning your discharge, then I'll go with that.

0:18:16 > 0:18:22- You owe me 20 press-ups, push them out.- One, two. One, two.

0:18:28 > 0:18:29You owe me 20.

0:18:29 > 0:18:32Down, push out. You've got two pouches open.

0:18:32 > 0:18:3520 press-ups and you've got kit hanging out of it.

0:18:37 > 0:18:40I don't want to stay another... until a week Saturday.

0:18:43 > 0:18:44I just don't want to be here.

0:18:44 > 0:18:46- OFFICER:- Mr Batty!

0:18:52 > 0:18:55Some people there have got press-ups for no reason.

0:18:55 > 0:18:57Quickly, before you come out, buddy-buddy system,

0:18:57 > 0:19:00check each other over, all pouches squared.

0:19:00 > 0:19:02If then you're picked up, your mate's jacked on you.

0:19:04 > 0:19:08Don't actually know whether he's worth keeping.

0:19:08 > 0:19:12He seems quite wet. A little bit weak.

0:19:12 > 0:19:14Unsure.

0:19:15 > 0:19:17I could just be wasting everyone's time.

0:19:17 > 0:19:20But he needs to make an informed decision.

0:19:20 > 0:19:22So two weeks today.

0:19:22 > 0:19:27By the right, quick march. Left, right, left, right, left...

0:19:27 > 0:19:30Straight on the heel, gentlemen. Arm-shoulder right.

0:19:30 > 0:19:34Close fist, push down the thumb, lock-out the elbow, necks to the back of the collar.

0:19:34 > 0:19:37Heel. That'll keep you in step.

0:19:37 > 0:19:40Left, right, left, right...

0:19:51 > 0:19:55As Squadron Commander of my Lynx Squadron out in Afghanistan.

0:19:55 > 0:20:01We effectively provide support to ground manoeuvre in Helmand province.

0:20:08 > 0:20:12When you come back from Afghanistan, and come straight away to Sandhurst,

0:20:12 > 0:20:18they know you've just been applying it all out in one of the harshest possible environments.

0:20:20 > 0:20:25It's tough. There are 95 guys here, men and women, and...

0:20:25 > 0:20:30and I've no doubt that some cadets who are here now will die in the line of duty.

0:20:30 > 0:20:35But that's the business we're in, that's the nature of the job we do,

0:20:35 > 0:20:37and most of them probably realise that already.

0:20:37 > 0:20:41With the full military funerals, OK, there's a lot of people there

0:20:41 > 0:20:43and there's a lot of ceremony to it.

0:20:43 > 0:20:46It's a lot for you to learn and it's going to be difficult.

0:20:46 > 0:20:51When you come back, if you need a bit of time, we'll give you a bit of time.

0:20:51 > 0:20:54There's people here, there's myself, the platoon commander.

0:20:54 > 0:20:55You can get in touch with the padre,

0:20:55 > 0:20:58if you want someone to speak to when you come back. OK?

0:20:58 > 0:21:02Chin up. Unfortunately, it happens to a lot of us and we have to go do these things,

0:21:02 > 0:21:08so...crack on as best you can today and hopefully tomorrow better day.

0:21:08 > 0:21:11- All right?- Leave to fall out, can I start, please?

0:21:11 > 0:21:15- Yes, please do.- One, two, three. One, two, three. Left, right.

0:21:15 > 0:21:19- Keep those hands pinned to the side. - Thank you, sir.

0:21:19 > 0:21:21I tried to explain to him

0:21:21 > 0:21:24what a military funeral is going to be like, slightly.

0:21:25 > 0:21:30I was at four, five military funerals myself last year....

0:21:31 > 0:21:33It's a very emotional time,

0:21:33 > 0:21:38and although he's got friends here he's made for the last three days, he's still quite alone.

0:21:42 > 0:21:46A lot of the ones I've been to have been very close friends of mine.

0:21:48 > 0:21:53And...it's obviously emotional because you know these people so well

0:21:53 > 0:21:57and you've lived in and out with them for many, many years.

0:21:58 > 0:22:01It has affected me but it hasn't affected me negatively.

0:22:01 > 0:22:04It's opened my eyes a little bit more, I think,

0:22:04 > 0:22:05to what the possibilities are.

0:22:08 > 0:22:12And, yes, all the cadets that have come in now,

0:22:12 > 0:22:13it's something that they need...

0:22:13 > 0:22:15need to consider.

0:22:15 > 0:22:19You know, are they prepared to put themselves in that sort of danger

0:22:19 > 0:22:21because it's going to come to that.

0:22:21 > 0:22:25It's a bit daunting that one of us could be really good friends here,

0:22:25 > 0:22:28part our ways, go to different regiments

0:22:28 > 0:22:30and then I could find out Gillen was blown up by an IED.

0:22:32 > 0:22:34But you don't want to think about that here.

0:22:34 > 0:22:36You've got far too much to think about at the moment.

0:22:36 > 0:22:38It's a long way off yet.

0:22:40 > 0:22:43This is painful. I give up on this, I think.

0:22:43 > 0:22:47I've flipped it over three times and put a crease in it every single time.

0:22:47 > 0:22:49Yes, where's Mum when you need her?

0:22:49 > 0:22:53Considering how much you're struggling with the old marching side of things,

0:22:53 > 0:22:56you still haven't got any press-ups for it at all.

0:22:56 > 0:23:00He puts on his south London accent. "Listen, mate. Let me do you a deal."

0:23:00 > 0:23:02HE LAUGHS

0:23:04 > 0:23:07"I do not need them push-ups. What you need is..."

0:23:07 > 0:23:08He's just got rhythm.

0:23:08 > 0:23:12Unfortunately, speak to his girlfriend, he ain't got any.

0:23:12 > 0:23:17I'm not very good at ironing either, so...

0:23:18 > 0:23:23You've got 30 blokes here in the platoon that are all supposed to be marked out for leadership.

0:23:23 > 0:23:28Surely, some of us have got to be followers

0:23:28 > 0:23:30and others have got to be...

0:23:30 > 0:23:35got to be leaders, and I think that's going to create a bit of friction in the coming weeks

0:23:35 > 0:23:38because, I mean, I can feel it.

0:23:38 > 0:23:44It might just be me being tired and wired on sugar, but I'm just...

0:23:44 > 0:23:46over-thinking about stuff.

0:23:48 > 0:23:50Turn!

0:23:50 > 0:23:52- Turn!- One!

0:23:52 > 0:23:55Turn to the left.

0:23:56 > 0:23:57Turn!

0:23:58 > 0:24:01- Turn!- One, two, three! One!

0:24:18 > 0:24:20Thank you, Corporal.

0:24:22 > 0:24:25I've never even been to a funeral so this is...

0:24:25 > 0:24:27this is all new for me.

0:24:30 > 0:24:32The SA80 A2 rifle.

0:24:34 > 0:24:36Fitted with a bayonet and a scabbard.

0:24:36 > 0:24:38The bayonet itself, used for close-quarter battle,

0:24:38 > 0:24:44can be thrusted into the enemy, OK, first of all without embedding itself into the bone.

0:24:44 > 0:24:49Because it doesn't embed itself into the bone, it's accurate.

0:24:49 > 0:24:52Also situated...here,

0:24:52 > 0:24:56you'll see the recess, which is the blood channel.

0:24:56 > 0:25:00When you thrust that into the enemy, there will be no suction, OK?

0:25:00 > 0:25:03You will be able to pull it out straight away.

0:25:03 > 0:25:05If that recess wasn't there,

0:25:05 > 0:25:10all the air would not be able to escape and it would make it harder to pull it out of the enemy.

0:25:19 > 0:25:20Close-quarter battle with a bayonet.

0:25:20 > 0:25:24Afghanistan, for example, you open the door,

0:25:24 > 0:25:26you're just about to go into a compound,

0:25:26 > 0:25:30you do not know if that enemy is going to be behind the door, the Taliban, etc.

0:25:30 > 0:25:34So you have the bayonet there, ready just in case the rifle does not operate.

0:25:34 > 0:25:37- Does everyone understand that? - Yes, sir.- OK.

0:25:41 > 0:25:44They do want to talk about our experiences in Afghanistan.

0:25:49 > 0:25:52I was flying in here, in two minutes,

0:25:52 > 0:25:55I had three radio calls.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58The first one says they've picked up a triple amputee.

0:25:58 > 0:26:01About 40 seconds later, they say they're administering CPR,

0:26:01 > 0:26:06and about two and a half minutes later they say the individual is now an angel.

0:26:08 > 0:26:12That's the term we use for people who die on operations.

0:26:17 > 0:26:20It's a difficult thing just to get your head around.

0:26:20 > 0:26:23Clearly, whatever happened before they get on the helicopter,

0:26:23 > 0:26:26you're not privy to, mainly being involved in an IED.

0:26:26 > 0:26:30But within three minutes, you hear someone lose their life.

0:26:30 > 0:26:32And it's pretty humbling.

0:26:36 > 0:26:40Captain Griffiths was destined to be a leader.

0:26:40 > 0:26:43Steeped in the Army tradition, born to an Army family,

0:26:43 > 0:26:44Captain Griffiths' father

0:26:44 > 0:26:50once served as Commanding Officer of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment.

0:26:50 > 0:26:53And he is now the honorary colonel of his own son's regiment,

0:26:53 > 0:26:55the Duke of Lancaster's.

0:27:07 > 0:27:12BUGLER PLAYS LAST POST

0:27:26 > 0:27:30It was mentioned he'd been on two tours to Afghanistan.

0:27:30 > 0:27:34And that was as far as the war in Afghanistan was mentioned.

0:27:34 > 0:27:37It was talked about how well he led his...his soldiers,

0:27:37 > 0:27:41he was a bit of an inspiration to all his soldiers, by all accounts.

0:27:41 > 0:27:45I only ever knew him as Randy Andy from university. But...

0:27:45 > 0:27:51there's a lot of people that would do very well to live up to what he achieved.

0:27:53 > 0:27:57Dying for your country is...

0:27:57 > 0:28:00is fairly honourable.

0:28:00 > 0:28:02There are a lot worse ways to go, I think.

0:28:04 > 0:28:08So it's a risk that I'm prepared to take.

0:28:18 > 0:28:23Right, gentlemen, first thing, who has not painted their red tag?

0:28:23 > 0:28:26- Integrity now. Why not, Mr Barnes? - I forgot.

0:28:26 > 0:28:30You forgot? Right, that's not acceptable.

0:28:30 > 0:28:35So that end, OK, get down, press-up position down.

0:28:37 > 0:28:42Five, four, three,

0:28:42 > 0:28:45two, on my timing,

0:28:45 > 0:28:49you should all be in the down position now.

0:28:49 > 0:28:52Up, down, up, down,

0:28:52 > 0:28:56up, down, up, down,

0:28:56 > 0:29:01up, down. Down.

0:29:01 > 0:29:04If I give you tasks to do during the evening,

0:29:04 > 0:29:07it's not for my benefit, it's for your benefit.

0:29:07 > 0:29:11I don't need a red tag on my bergen, you are the individuals that do.

0:29:11 > 0:29:15If you can't take a simple order as paint a red tag,

0:29:15 > 0:29:19how can I expect you to start giving orders to soldiers

0:29:19 > 0:29:23that are going to be under your command if you commission out of here?

0:29:23 > 0:29:27Does anybody think they can disagree with what I'm saying?

0:29:27 > 0:29:29- ALL:- No, Sergeant.

0:29:29 > 0:29:33Up, down, up, down,

0:29:33 > 0:29:37up, down, up, down.

0:29:37 > 0:29:41What are you doing? Permission to fall out, Colour Sergeant...

0:29:41 > 0:29:44Permission to fall out, Colour Sergeant, please.

0:29:44 > 0:29:48And then you'll turn to the right.

0:29:48 > 0:29:50One, two, three, two, three.

0:29:52 > 0:29:56Right, Frank Spencer! Where's he gone?

0:29:58 > 0:30:01Where's Frank Spencer gone? Come here.

0:30:01 > 0:30:06- Right, I'm going to do part of the drill with you because you need one. What number is that?- One.

0:30:06 > 0:30:08- What did I ask you to stay still on? - One, two, three.

0:30:08 > 0:30:12Right, so when you move, you go one, two, three, moving like that.

0:30:12 > 0:30:16From there, ONE, TWO, THREE, ONE!

0:30:16 > 0:30:18And you're away, yes? Right, let's try it.

0:30:20 > 0:30:24- One, two, three, one, two, three... - Come here, come here, come here.

0:30:24 > 0:30:27I'm going to tie your hands when you start moving

0:30:27 > 0:30:29and put a belt round you so they stay like that, yeah?

0:30:29 > 0:30:32Keep them there, boots together.

0:30:32 > 0:30:37Better. Now try doing it looking up. Go.

0:30:37 > 0:30:41Better. That's how I wanted it, yes? Disappear.

0:30:46 > 0:30:49I was one of the kids running through the woods

0:30:49 > 0:30:50playing pretend guns.

0:30:50 > 0:30:54Then I went on to do target rifle shooting,

0:30:54 > 0:30:57which was with the cadets, so that was a military thing as well.

0:30:57 > 0:31:00And I was actually...

0:31:00 > 0:31:06I was actually asked to leave school when I was 17,

0:31:06 > 0:31:08and I was caught smoking marijuana.

0:31:08 > 0:31:14Which was, yeah, a regrettable experience.

0:31:15 > 0:31:20To be honest, though, it's sort of put me back on the straight and narrow.

0:31:20 > 0:31:25It's a slippery slope, and, yeah, it certainly bucked my ideas up.

0:31:29 > 0:31:34Mr Chapman. Turn your head slightly towards me. That's better.

0:31:34 > 0:31:38OK, chin up slightly. Not too much. Good.

0:31:38 > 0:31:40OK, belt, way too loose, yeah?

0:31:40 > 0:31:41What is that going to hold up?

0:31:41 > 0:31:45We're not back in the ghetto, wearing your pants around your arse.

0:31:45 > 0:31:47That is around your waist, tight.

0:31:49 > 0:31:53March! Left, right, left, right, left, right!

0:31:53 > 0:31:56- Right turn!- One, two, three, one!

0:31:56 > 0:32:01Switch on, gentlemen. Switch on, attention to detail.

0:32:01 > 0:32:03It doesn't matter how fast you're going,

0:32:03 > 0:32:07the drill movements need to be carried out correctly. Do you understand?

0:32:07 > 0:32:09- Yes, sir!- Do you understand? - Yes, sir!

0:32:19 > 0:32:22Stand still! By the left, quick march!

0:32:27 > 0:32:29- Halt!- One, two!

0:32:29 > 0:32:33- About turn! - One, two, three, one!

0:32:33 > 0:32:37I think certain people, like if people have gone to boarding school,

0:32:37 > 0:32:43they'd be more comfortable with the whole situation,

0:32:43 > 0:32:44because it's a lot...

0:32:44 > 0:32:48I have heard it described as Hogwarts with guns, Sandhurst.

0:32:48 > 0:32:53And I think that's quite a good, apt choice of words,

0:32:53 > 0:32:58because, you know, all the pomp and ceremony.

0:33:00 > 0:33:01Two, three, up. Two, three, down.

0:33:01 > 0:33:04Two, three, up. Two, three, in.

0:33:04 > 0:33:07Stand still! Stand still!

0:33:07 > 0:33:10Gentleman, why aren't we calling the time out?

0:33:10 > 0:33:13You should be screaming the shagging time out!

0:33:15 > 0:33:18One more try, one more try, and you have pushed me,

0:33:18 > 0:33:22and then we'll increase the pace, warm you up again, do I make myself clear?

0:33:22 > 0:33:24- Yes, sir!- Start switching on, gentlemen.

0:33:24 > 0:33:27It's conformity, it's conformity to the max,

0:33:27 > 0:33:29and I think that's quite a shock.

0:33:29 > 0:33:33- Do you never call him by his first name?- I don't know his first name!

0:33:33 > 0:33:37- I honestly don't know his first name.- We've been here for five days!

0:33:37 > 0:33:40- What's your first name?- Sam.- Sam? My name's Ian.- Nice to meet you!

0:33:40 > 0:33:42SAM LAUGHS

0:33:42 > 0:33:44I honestly didn't know his first name.

0:33:44 > 0:33:47I'm just learning everyone's second names.

0:33:47 > 0:33:50Sam. OK, that's stored in the memory bank now.

0:33:50 > 0:33:55- You are now a family as 3 Platoon, aren't you?- Yes, sir!

0:33:55 > 0:33:58You're all brothers. Work together, look after each other.

0:33:58 > 0:34:00- All right, gentlemen?- Yes, sir!

0:34:01 > 0:34:09I can imagine that some of my more liberal or Marxist friends in...

0:34:11 > 0:34:15..in the civilian world might call it brainwashing,

0:34:15 > 0:34:18but in the Army you call it training!

0:34:23 > 0:34:26I don't know, maybe I am brainwashed!

0:34:27 > 0:34:29But it's a good sort of brainwashing.

0:34:29 > 0:34:33I don't like that, because if you think of it in terms of brainwashing,

0:34:33 > 0:34:39you're thinking of it in terms of something kind of untoward

0:34:39 > 0:34:43that's done to you, that changes you,

0:34:43 > 0:34:45whereas training is something you embrace,

0:34:45 > 0:34:49you want to become part of the Army, you want to be an officer,

0:34:49 > 0:34:54so you train, so your brain is totally receptive to everything that they're...

0:34:56 > 0:34:58..sending flying at it.

0:35:00 > 0:35:03Obviously tomorrow we're going to go on Exercise Virgin Soldier.

0:35:03 > 0:35:05For some of you, you will have been on exercise before,

0:35:05 > 0:35:08but for, I think there's a good ten of you,

0:35:08 > 0:35:12so a third of the platoon, it'll be the first time out under the stars

0:35:12 > 0:35:16in a military environment, so I just want to lay a few ground rules now.

0:35:16 > 0:35:20I've noticed some of you retain information incredibly badly.

0:35:20 > 0:35:23No sooner have I said it than your hands are in the air

0:35:23 > 0:35:26and you're asking for the same information to be given again.

0:35:26 > 0:35:29Tomorrow's a day of lessons, that's the only day you're going to get.

0:35:29 > 0:35:33From then on, we're going to expect you not to be the elite,

0:35:33 > 0:35:35but we expect you to get better and better,

0:35:35 > 0:35:39so certainly by the beginning of, by the second night of self-reliance,

0:35:39 > 0:35:42you can administrate, you can conduct decent routine in the field, OK?

0:35:46 > 0:35:51I am putting a bit of rope to a spoon,

0:35:51 > 0:35:55because Mr Gray, who's going to be our second 2IC,

0:35:55 > 0:35:58said that it would be handy if we all had spoons

0:35:58 > 0:36:02attached into our jackets, to our smocks,

0:36:02 > 0:36:05then we'll never lose them.

0:36:05 > 0:36:06HE LAUGHS

0:36:06 > 0:36:10So that's what I'm currently working on.

0:36:10 > 0:36:13A spoon in a pocket!

0:36:13 > 0:36:16There, then you have it here, and you eat,

0:36:16 > 0:36:19then you clean it off, put it back in. Bingo.

0:36:19 > 0:36:23I've shot a pigeon with an air rifle before.

0:36:25 > 0:36:28The only time I've slept...

0:36:28 > 0:36:31I've been camping, fishing, night fished,

0:36:31 > 0:36:34and I've been drunk and slept in the back garden,

0:36:34 > 0:36:36but that's about the limit of my experience.

0:36:36 > 0:36:40Tomorrow is where I come into my element, when we're in the field.

0:36:40 > 0:36:43That is how I roll as an infantry soldier, and that's how we roll,

0:36:43 > 0:36:49so don't be afraid if I start shouting and screaming at you cos you're not doing stuff right.

0:36:49 > 0:36:52I don't expect you to know straight away, I will teach you first,

0:36:52 > 0:36:57then once I've taught you, I expect you to then put it into practice, yeah?

0:36:57 > 0:36:59Anyone planning on going sick tomorrow?

0:36:59 > 0:37:01No?

0:37:03 > 0:37:07Judging by our platoon, anyone can come.

0:37:07 > 0:37:10There's a lot of people, even in the other companies,

0:37:10 > 0:37:13who I'd look at on civvy street and think, "Are you kidding me?

0:37:13 > 0:37:17"You can't go to Sandhurst! You couldn't fight your way out of a wet paper bag."

0:37:24 > 0:37:26I'm feeling a little bit deficient,

0:37:26 > 0:37:29and because I'm making mistakes and being the funny guy,

0:37:29 > 0:37:32I'm being tarred with the brush of a clown and a joker,

0:37:32 > 0:37:37and that's probably what I'm struggling with, I suppose.

0:37:37 > 0:37:40We'll sort out the men from the boys when we're on exercise

0:37:40 > 0:37:45and they're pissed, wet through, at three o'clock in the morning, struggling to stay awake. Yeah.

0:37:47 > 0:37:49'Some of them just infuriate me.'

0:38:01 > 0:38:04Who's that third person that's just emerged?

0:38:04 > 0:38:07- Mr Darrock, sir. - Mr Darrock, what are you doing?

0:38:09 > 0:38:12You fucking start lighting that and walking round,

0:38:12 > 0:38:15- it's going to burn your bastard fingers, isn't it?- Yes, sir.

0:38:15 > 0:38:17And what effect are you going to have then?

0:38:17 > 0:38:20Our biggest asset is our people.

0:38:20 > 0:38:24- If you can't look after yourself, we're fucked, aren't we?- Yes, sir.

0:38:24 > 0:38:26Get over there and fucking sort yourself out.

0:38:26 > 0:38:30- Mr Darrock, get on your belt buckle now. Where's your rifle? - Where's your shagging weapon?

0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Where's your weapon?! - Where is your rifle?!

0:38:33 > 0:38:36Your weapon should be no more than half distance. Start shagging crawling now!

0:38:36 > 0:38:38Start crawling!

0:38:38 > 0:38:41You are being idle and lazy!

0:38:41 > 0:38:44When you get back there, your place is going to be done up.

0:38:44 > 0:38:47Am I clear, Mr Darrock? Get moving, then.

0:38:48 > 0:38:51Having been told everything now once, we won't be told again,

0:38:51 > 0:38:55so it's going to be no mistakes accepted, just do what you've been told.

0:38:57 > 0:38:59Quite cheesy for a tikka masala.

0:38:59 > 0:39:02All I'm missing is a lager, that would be really great.

0:39:06 > 0:39:09I think you'd be hard pushed to find anyone here

0:39:09 > 0:39:15who hasn't at some point thought, "Why am I doing this, why am I here?

0:39:15 > 0:39:16"Simply, why am I here?"

0:39:34 > 0:39:36- You shaved?- Not yet, no.

0:39:41 > 0:39:44There's tears occasionally,

0:39:44 > 0:39:47but we got told yesterday we weren't allowed to cry anymore.

0:39:47 > 0:39:49We have to man up a bit.

0:39:49 > 0:39:50Which is fair enough,

0:39:50 > 0:39:54cos we're not allowed to cry in front of our soldiers.

0:39:55 > 0:39:57'Anyone can get cold and wet.

0:39:57 > 0:40:01'The key is to try and keep warm and comfortable.'

0:40:01 > 0:40:05A good effective solder is the one that can look after himself in the field.

0:40:07 > 0:40:10Right, I'm going to have to report this.

0:40:10 > 0:40:12Guys, guys?

0:40:12 > 0:40:16I've cut myself pretty good, and I can't apply a dressing.

0:40:16 > 0:40:19Can someone just come over?

0:40:19 > 0:40:22You've cut your finger.

0:40:23 > 0:40:25It's not really bad, I just...

0:40:27 > 0:40:28Where have you cut it?

0:40:28 > 0:40:30I think it's on this side of my finger.

0:40:30 > 0:40:34- It's there.- Are you taking the piss?

0:40:34 > 0:40:36You big girl.

0:40:36 > 0:40:40It's not big, I just can't stop the bleeding.

0:40:40 > 0:40:42It's Chapman.

0:40:42 > 0:40:46He needs to get some testosterone down his Gregory Peck, I think.

0:40:46 > 0:40:49'I'm not your typical Army bod, or whatever,'

0:40:49 > 0:40:50and they won't find me funny.

0:40:50 > 0:40:52I'm not as sporty as them or whatever,

0:40:52 > 0:40:56but I'm not going to change who I am to fit in, you know?

0:40:56 > 0:40:59I think they'll come round, hopefully, sooner or later.

0:40:59 > 0:41:02But, yeah, I'm not overly confident.

0:41:02 > 0:41:07I know who I am, and I will just get on with being me

0:41:07 > 0:41:12and get through the course, and, you know, enjoy it as much as possible.

0:41:15 > 0:41:17GUNSHOTS

0:41:19 > 0:41:22We are now in the enemy's killing area.

0:41:22 > 0:41:24We need to be momentum, speed and aggression.

0:41:24 > 0:41:27We're not all moving at the same time!

0:41:28 > 0:41:33You're engaging those safety catches. Pouches, pouches, pouches!

0:41:33 > 0:41:36Don't go through the motions of checking 'em

0:41:36 > 0:41:38if you're not going to physically check 'em!

0:41:38 > 0:41:41You lose a magazine on the battlefield, that's 30 rounds.

0:41:41 > 0:41:45That's 30 dead enemy if I was engaging that enemy!

0:41:48 > 0:41:51It's something we talked about at night in parades

0:41:51 > 0:41:55and came to the conclusion we're working probably about 130, 140 hours a week,

0:41:55 > 0:42:00which is, obviously, we worked out it's a normal person's working week

0:42:00 > 0:42:06in two days, cos it's absolutely so fast-paced at the minute.

0:42:06 > 0:42:11At the moment, I'm walking around, all cammed up,

0:42:11 > 0:42:15listening to the staggered walk that everyone makes along the paths

0:42:15 > 0:42:18and tracks, and I kind of feel like I'm in Apocalypse Now,

0:42:18 > 0:42:21so I am doing a bit of movie re-enactment in my head,

0:42:21 > 0:42:28but I'm trying not to, because I think it's probably inappropriate.

0:42:29 > 0:42:34Should be very serious. I'm resolved to be very serious.

0:42:34 > 0:42:37Do you think that's fucking acceptable now?

0:42:37 > 0:42:40- Do you think that's acceptable? - No, Colour Sergeant.

0:42:40 > 0:42:45Who thinks that's acceptable? So why the fuck is it in that state?!

0:42:45 > 0:42:49This is kit equipment, gentlemen, that you're going to use on the battlefield, yeah?

0:42:49 > 0:42:51This is an aid to you seeing at night.

0:42:51 > 0:42:53If it's not kept in a good fucking state,

0:42:53 > 0:42:56how's it's expected to work correctly?

0:42:58 > 0:43:01Basically, had a bit of a long-running problem,

0:43:01 > 0:43:03I say long-running, I mean two weeks,

0:43:03 > 0:43:08first it was my shins, then I think counterbalancing that

0:43:08 > 0:43:11I then developed a problem in my knee, in my left knee.

0:43:11 > 0:43:15'The physio's explained to me that it's my infrapatella.'

0:43:15 > 0:43:18And it's just causing me a bit of gyp -

0:43:18 > 0:43:21going up and down hills is where it's really getting bad.

0:43:21 > 0:43:27But I don't like quitting, I've never really quit anything before, so I'm going to see it through.

0:43:35 > 0:43:41All right, every single one of you here want to fight for your commission and want to be here.

0:43:41 > 0:43:46To that end, you should have the personal discipline to stay awake.

0:43:46 > 0:43:48Next two, come on.

0:43:48 > 0:43:51'We have been an exercise for three days now.'

0:43:51 > 0:43:55We've got to concentrate on staying awake, because it is hard,

0:43:55 > 0:43:59they've only had five or six hours sleep since they've been out here.

0:43:59 > 0:44:04But they're still expected to stay awake, especially as these guys are all hoping to be second lieutenants,

0:44:04 > 0:44:08platoon commanders, within the next 11, 12 months.

0:44:09 > 0:44:11I only gave you a fucking warning this morning.

0:44:11 > 0:44:14I only told the five people in front of the platoon this morning,

0:44:14 > 0:44:18that should have been enough to motivate yourselves to stay awake!

0:44:18 > 0:44:2120 minutes of stand to, that's it!

0:44:22 > 0:44:24It's not mission impossible, is it?

0:44:30 > 0:44:33Right, gentleman, do you know why you're here?

0:44:33 > 0:44:34- Yes, sir.- Why?

0:44:34 > 0:44:36THEY MUMBLE REPLY

0:44:36 > 0:44:40You slept while you were supposed to be on duty, didn't you?

0:44:40 > 0:44:42- Yes, sir.- Right. Do you think that is acceptable?

0:44:42 > 0:44:43No, sir.

0:44:43 > 0:44:47Do you know what would happen to a private soldier if he sleeps on stag?

0:44:47 > 0:44:49No, sir.

0:44:49 > 0:44:53I tell you what happens to him, he goes to jail for 28 days!

0:44:53 > 0:44:57As a result of this, you are now going on platoon commander's warnings.

0:44:57 > 0:44:59- Have you been told that? - Yes, sir.

0:44:59 > 0:45:03I'm telling you now, gentlemen, that's the last fucking chance you get with me,

0:45:03 > 0:45:04- do you understand?- Yes, sir!

0:45:04 > 0:45:08Cross me again and I will absolutely fucking snap.

0:45:08 > 0:45:11That is totally, totally unacceptable.

0:45:11 > 0:45:13Disappear. Disappear.

0:45:13 > 0:45:17One, two, three, one, two, three, left, right, left.

0:45:26 > 0:45:28'Not completing an exercise,

0:45:28 > 0:45:33'or getting on to what's called a jack wagon, getting on to the ambulance,

0:45:33 > 0:45:36'sometimes, fine, you have an injury.'

0:45:36 > 0:45:39But some of them, it's simply fatigue,

0:45:39 > 0:45:42and they will quit before their body gives out.

0:45:42 > 0:45:46'And yeah, you have to ask some pretty serious questions,

0:45:46 > 0:45:49'because it's early in the course for them to do that.'

0:45:50 > 0:45:54- Right, Miss Eldridge, do you know why you're here?- Yes.- Why?

0:45:54 > 0:45:57It's for falling asleep on radio stag.

0:45:57 > 0:46:00- You fell asleep as well, did you? - Yes, sir.- When did this come out?

0:46:04 > 0:46:07When did this come out that you fell asleep on radio stag?

0:46:07 > 0:46:11I... Well, now, I assumed that was what this was about.

0:46:11 > 0:46:13Who knows that you fell asleep on radio stag?

0:46:17 > 0:46:21- Is that an admittance to me that you fell asleep? - Yes, it is, sir.

0:46:21 > 0:46:25You can speak to Staff Hardy about this once you've finished, and then the platoon commander,

0:46:25 > 0:46:29but that is totally UNACCEPTABLE to fall asleep on stag!

0:46:29 > 0:46:34- Yes, sir.- Totally unacceptable! Do you know why I asked to see you?

0:46:34 > 0:46:40- No, sir.- I've asked to see you because you, at the moment, are just a civvy in uniform.

0:46:40 > 0:46:45There's no spark there whatsoever. And the potential you've got is there.

0:46:45 > 0:46:47- Yes, sir.- Fall out.

0:46:47 > 0:46:48Thank you, sir.

0:46:48 > 0:46:52One, two, three, one, two, three, left, right, left.

0:46:56 > 0:47:03Think about a really, really big, sweaty man in an iron forge,

0:47:03 > 0:47:07taking a piece of metal and hammering it repetitively,

0:47:07 > 0:47:09whilst it's red hot.

0:47:09 > 0:47:14I am that metal rod and I'm being hammered into a leader.

0:47:14 > 0:47:16An officer.

0:47:33 > 0:47:36Why's people moving in that corridor?

0:47:40 > 0:47:43The bed needs pulling a lot tighter.

0:47:43 > 0:47:45That's not acceptable.

0:47:45 > 0:47:49That requires to be done to a higher standard.

0:47:55 > 0:47:58Attention to detail, gentlemen, attention to detail.

0:48:00 > 0:48:03- New pictures, Mr Stewart. - Yes, Colour Sergeant.

0:48:03 > 0:48:05Are they your sisters?

0:48:05 > 0:48:10- Yes, Colour Sergeant.- Are they going to come to the pass-off weekend? - Yes, Colour Sergeant.- Good.

0:48:11 > 0:48:13Who's laughing out there?

0:48:13 > 0:48:14MAN COUGHS

0:48:14 > 0:48:18Stop coughing. Die in silence.

0:48:18 > 0:48:22Colour sergeant took me in last week, and we were just having a chat,

0:48:22 > 0:48:28and I was doing some jobs for him, and he said, "I really like that you've got a bouncy character,

0:48:28 > 0:48:30"and you're quite open."

0:48:30 > 0:48:33But he said, "Just be careful that you don't take it too far.

0:48:33 > 0:48:38"Because people won't take you seriously when you're in command." I completely understand that.

0:48:38 > 0:48:42But I'm here now, and I can't change myself too much.

0:48:42 > 0:48:44'I don't think I'm capable of it.

0:48:44 > 0:48:49'I'll always just be me, and that is quite loud and in-your-face.'

0:48:49 > 0:48:51- Please to fall in, sir.- Yes.

0:48:51 > 0:48:53Left, right, left, right.

0:48:55 > 0:48:57'I pulled you in here',

0:48:57 > 0:49:01to place you on a warning, because I'm not content with your performance since you arrived here,

0:49:01 > 0:49:03back in September.

0:49:03 > 0:49:07At times, I think you're very immature,

0:49:07 > 0:49:09which isn't required at Sandhurst.

0:49:09 > 0:49:13I think your respect for the system at Sandhurst is below what's expected, as well.

0:49:13 > 0:49:18- Yes, sir.- What happened the other day when he was giving his room inspection?

0:49:18 > 0:49:21Er... My shirt was undone, my flies were undone,

0:49:21 > 0:49:27and I removed, erm, my appendage, part of my appendage, from my pants.

0:49:27 > 0:49:30- Why?- I don't know, sir, just...not thinking.

0:49:30 > 0:49:34It makes me angry that you were in the corridor,

0:49:34 > 0:49:37whilst the colour sergeant's trying to do a room inspection,

0:49:37 > 0:49:40showing that you've got no respect for him whatsoever,

0:49:40 > 0:49:44trying to make other people laugh whilst he's trying to do a room inspection.

0:49:44 > 0:49:48- Yes, sir.- It's fucking immature, it's pathetic.- Yes, sir.

0:49:48 > 0:49:52- If this was a battalion, you'd be out straight away.- Yes, sir.

0:49:52 > 0:49:56As in, the platoon sergeant would probably knock you out straight away.

0:49:56 > 0:49:58Yes, sir.

0:49:59 > 0:50:02You need to question yourself, if you really want to commit to this course.

0:50:02 > 0:50:05If you don't, then decide it, and get out.

0:50:05 > 0:50:09Because at the moment, you're not showing it to me or the platoon commander.

0:50:09 > 0:50:14You're by far the worst example of an officer cadet I've seen go through this place.

0:50:14 > 0:50:16You need to up your game otherwise we'll get rid of you.

0:50:16 > 0:50:19MEN CHATTER

0:50:23 > 0:50:24Stewart. What a prick.

0:50:24 > 0:50:27- Mr Stewart?- Yeah.

0:50:27 > 0:50:32I'll have a chat with the commander in the morning. I was not aware it was his testicles he pulled out.

0:50:32 > 0:50:36I was on the back foot. That's a soldier's thing to do, really, not an officer's.

0:50:36 > 0:50:39That is what you would expect off a private soldier.

0:50:39 > 0:50:43Colour sergeant tells me on Sunday morning,

0:50:43 > 0:50:49he said, "I was trying to do an inspection, he was trying to get them giggling in the corridor."

0:50:49 > 0:50:52He had a ball in his flies, and that.

0:50:52 > 0:50:58I thought, "Right, OK." But what he meant was his actual balls.

0:50:58 > 0:51:00Hopefully, that will be the end of it.

0:51:00 > 0:51:04I was a bit angry, actually, well, not angry...

0:51:08 > 0:51:11I keep getting told it's just a big game.

0:51:11 > 0:51:16And I'm beginning to believe it, because am I the bottom of the platoon?

0:51:16 > 0:51:19I don't think so. If he tries to pull that again...

0:51:19 > 0:51:22I kind of wanted to laugh, but obviously, I couldn't.

0:51:22 > 0:51:25But...bottom of the platoon, my arse.

0:51:29 > 0:51:33I can't as a company commander look at 95 cadets the whole time,

0:51:33 > 0:51:36and observe them with the same level of detail.

0:51:36 > 0:51:39But in the short term, you're looking for people

0:51:39 > 0:51:40who are not at the standard required,

0:51:40 > 0:51:45and Long Reach is about as good a tool to find those people early on,

0:51:45 > 0:51:47to see whether they have the commitment.

0:51:47 > 0:51:51It's 180 square kilometres of real estate in the Black Mountains,

0:51:51 > 0:51:55about 70 kilometres, they'll be expected to walk in 36 hours.

0:51:55 > 0:51:59And if they can't do it here, they're simply not going to be able to do it on operations,

0:51:59 > 0:52:02so we design exercises purely with that in mind.

0:52:04 > 0:52:07It's hard. Really hard.

0:52:07 > 0:52:12It's just the thought that you could have another 24 hours of this.

0:52:13 > 0:52:17Already done about 14 hours now.

0:52:17 > 0:52:19Give or take.

0:52:22 > 0:52:27You have your moments, one minute you're really down and hanging out,

0:52:27 > 0:52:33then the next, you're pulling someone else along, so yeah...

0:52:34 > 0:52:35All good fun, though(!)

0:52:35 > 0:52:41Over there, that mountain, down the hill, two more checkpoints,

0:52:41 > 0:52:44back up to that massive thing over there.

0:52:44 > 0:52:47And then down to two more checkpoints before the end.

0:52:47 > 0:52:53Hands up for contour around it. Everyone? Right, let's go round it then.

0:52:58 > 0:53:01I'm struggling to keep the pace,

0:53:01 > 0:53:04and my knee's much worse going downhill,

0:53:04 > 0:53:10and they basically took it off me, I'm just feeling guilty as shit about it.

0:53:10 > 0:53:17I was feeling a bit fresher, just help out on the knees.

0:53:17 > 0:53:21It's quite a balance, and if I fall over, I've got a bit of padding!

0:53:21 > 0:53:27It's going down hills that's really causing me grief, fucking grief.

0:53:27 > 0:53:29Whereabouts?

0:53:29 > 0:53:31It's the outside of my knee, round here.

0:53:31 > 0:53:35We're only as strong as the weakest, aren't we?

0:53:39 > 0:53:43'If your mind goes on a task, there's normally a reason why.

0:53:43 > 0:53:47'and if you don't feel part of the team, that's a contributory influence.'

0:53:47 > 0:53:50'And being no longer part of the group,

0:53:50 > 0:53:56'be it a separation of 200 metres, that's probably the factor at play.'

0:54:03 > 0:54:07Quick, march.

0:54:07 > 0:54:08Officer cadet...

0:54:08 > 0:54:10Cut.

0:54:10 > 0:54:12Right. Turn.

0:54:12 > 0:54:15Sir, this officer cadet is here for your...

0:54:15 > 0:54:19- Thank you very much. Mr Chapman, do you know why you're here? - Yes, sir.

0:54:19 > 0:54:23What I'm going to do is read you this company commander's warning certificate.

0:54:23 > 0:54:28"Officer Cadet Chapman is not meeting the standard at this stage of the course.

0:54:28 > 0:54:31"His performance, when on exercise, is of particular concern.

0:54:31 > 0:54:37"This is to certify that you've been warned by your company commander, me, of the following shortcomings.

0:54:37 > 0:54:42"Refusing to soldier whilst on exercise Long Reach, while citing a lower limb injury

0:54:42 > 0:54:45"is unacceptable in the light of your eventual completion of the exercise

0:54:45 > 0:54:49"and subsequent categorisation by the MRS.

0:54:49 > 0:54:52"This was compounded by a decision not to report sick

0:54:52 > 0:54:54"on return to Sandhurst, showing lack of judgment.

0:54:54 > 0:55:00"Leadership - Officer Cadet Chapman has a weak and ineffectual approach, which fails to inspire

0:55:00 > 0:55:03"and carry other members of his team with him."

0:55:03 > 0:55:06My dad used to go on pheasant shoots,

0:55:06 > 0:55:11he used to...watches all the war films, we used to go to war museums,

0:55:11 > 0:55:13and things like that together.

0:55:13 > 0:55:18You know, that seed then grows in your mind,

0:55:18 > 0:55:23and culminates in me deciding at some point in the past

0:55:23 > 0:55:27that I wanted to consider going into the military.

0:55:27 > 0:55:30I think I've always known that I've been a bit...

0:55:30 > 0:55:35the word they use is a bit wet, bit sensitive, bit of a pansy.

0:55:35 > 0:55:40And I think before, I was almost embarrassed in that

0:55:40 > 0:55:42and not comfortable with it.

0:55:42 > 0:55:45And I wanted... I had something to prove.

0:55:45 > 0:55:50But if anything, I've come here and learnt to accept that, I think.

0:55:50 > 0:55:53Because it's who I am now. I'm not saying it's too late to change,

0:55:53 > 0:55:56but I don't think I can, and I don't think I want to.

0:55:56 > 0:55:58I'm quite happy just being myself.

0:56:02 > 0:56:05It's like boarding school, you get that sense of who's stronger,

0:56:05 > 0:56:09who's weaker, and then it's prey on the weak.

0:56:10 > 0:56:14Someone has to be at the bottom, and I think Chapman

0:56:14 > 0:56:17took the pressure off other people.

0:56:17 > 0:56:22But now he's gone, someone else could feel the heat, if you know what I mean.

0:56:22 > 0:56:27'When you get home, you've got to face up to your family and friends,'

0:56:27 > 0:56:29but if you stay, you have to face yourself,

0:56:29 > 0:56:33so really, I think the fact that he had the balls to say, "This isn't for me"

0:56:33 > 0:56:36and that he left, was admirable, really.

0:56:38 > 0:56:41Thank you very much.

0:56:41 > 0:56:44Your initial wobble when you started about wanting to leave on day one,

0:56:44 > 0:56:47that was just a bad couple of days for you,

0:56:47 > 0:56:50but you're back in now, so a line's been drawn under that.

0:56:50 > 0:56:54We won't mention that again. Not great performance this evening,

0:56:54 > 0:56:57I've said here you were too busy trying to take short cuts

0:56:57 > 0:57:02and look for the easy option, and that has got to go immediately.

0:57:02 > 0:57:06Nothing easy about being a leader, you've got to be rigid in your approach to everything.

0:57:07 > 0:57:10The Army doesn't appreciate losers.

0:57:10 > 0:57:13This is not the civilian world, this is not a place where,

0:57:13 > 0:57:17"Thank you for trying, we're going to give everyone a medal" occurs.

0:57:17 > 0:57:21Left, right, left.

0:57:25 > 0:57:27Well done.

0:57:27 > 0:57:30You were a bunch of individuals at the beginning of this term,

0:57:30 > 0:57:34we managed to turn you into this extraordinary team of drillers,

0:57:34 > 0:57:37so well done, and many congratulations to your colour sergeant,

0:57:37 > 0:57:39who's got you to this point so far.

0:57:39 > 0:57:42Without him, it wouldn't have been achieved.

0:57:42 > 0:57:44So, big pat on the back for him.

0:57:46 > 0:57:47Miss Eldridge.

0:57:51 > 0:57:57Your performance or conduct is currently below the standard required of an officer cadet.

0:57:57 > 0:58:01I don't believe this is due to lack of effort at all, I believe

0:58:01 > 0:58:04you are putting in everything you can, however,

0:58:04 > 0:58:08your military bearing is not at the standard currently required.

0:58:08 > 0:58:12And I'm giving you till week four of intermediate term,

0:58:12 > 0:58:17by which time we need to see an improvement.

0:58:17 > 0:58:20Permission to fall out, ma'am, please.

0:58:26 > 0:58:29Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:58:29 > 0:58:33E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk