BBC Unleashes Gritty New Army Doc ‘Soldier’ This October
The BBC is pulling back the curtain on the British Army with its hard-hitting new documentary series, “Soldier”. Premiering on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on October 5, the five-part series gives viewers an exclusive, frontline look at the brutal training young recruits endure to become real soldiers.
Inside The Infantry Training Centre: From Civvy To Combat-Ready
Filmed at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire, “Soldier” follows a platoon of fresh-faced recruits locked into a punishing six-month boot camp. The series captures their gruelling journey through obstacle courses, weapons training, weapon firing, and close-quarters combat with bayonets. It’s a no-nonsense test of physical and mental stamina, designed to see who has what it really takes to survive on the frontline.
Jack Bootle, BBC Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning, gushed: “I’m delighted to bring this revelatory series to BBC One and iPlayer — watching the recruits transform from kids to close combat warriors is truly something special.”
Diverse Recruits Take On The Ultimate Challenge
The recruits featured come from all walks of life, including:
- A 20-year-old with a pacifist mother
- A 17-year-old ex-fast food worker
- A 21-year-old ex-aspiring footballer from Middlesbrough
- An 18-year-old woman following her military family legacy
Women have been eligible for frontline infantry roles since 2018, and the female recruits must meet the exacting same standards as their male counterparts — no excuses. This series will show if they have the steel to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their comrades.
Commanders & Creators: Bringing ‘Soldier’ To Life
The series sheds light on the pressures faced by these young contenders under the strict supervision of Lieutenant Wahab, Sergeant McIntosh, and Corporal White. Colonel Shaun Chandler of the Soldier Academy enthused:
“Six months with D1 Platoon at Catterick has revealed a fascinating journey of growth in strength and confidence, preparing these recruits for the harsh realities of infantry life as Europe faces war’s return.”
Produced by Label1—famous for BBC’s award-winning “Hospital”—“Soldier” is BBC England’s latest flagship factual commission. The producer Kim Rossiter and director Paul Wells have crafted a gritty, raw look at what it takes to become a frontline British soldier in today’s turbulent world.
Catch “Soldier” premiering Thursday, October 5, at 9 pm on BBC One. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer.
