A new three-part documentary series, Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War, airs on Channel 5 tonight at 9pm, offering unprecedented access to British Army training. The series follows 13 Platoon, D Company, 5th Battalion The Rifles as they prepare for potential deployment in Eastern Europe.
The opening episode focuses on a gruelling week-long exercise in the Brecon Beacons, culminating in a competition called 'Top Dog'. The 30 soldiers, many fresh from basic training, face relentless physical and psychological challenges over four winter days and nights.
Among the recruits is 18-year-old Rifleman Owen Morris, who joined the army after being expelled from school and is determined to prove himself. Others include former nightclub security guard Callum Hancock, a powerlifter from Cornwall, and Rifleman Will Halliday, who relies on his intelligence to compete.
Leading the platoon is 22-year-old Lieutenant Tom Drew, a recent Sandhurst graduate with only four weeks of camp experience. Alongside Platoon Serjeant Dan Mann, he is responsible for transforming the diverse group into a cohesive combat unit within six months.
The series, described as 'brutal' and 'searingly honest', also follows the platoon through urban warfare training, NATO exercises in Germany, and a simulated village attack. The final episode sees them face a 'kill and be killed' scenario for the first time.
Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War airs on Channel 5 at 9pm and is available on streaming service 5.
