Lads Army

Seasons

2002

UK

8

Documentary series following 30 bad lads over a four-week period as they go through army basic training 1950s style.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Episode #1.1

30 modern English young males volunteer, bravely or naively, as recruits in the Essex regiment 1950s style for weeks of 'basic training' by though modern war veterans, who have bee rigorously briefed about the old days paternalistic style. The boys suffer constant scolding and incessant demands, paternalism down to hygiene below the belt, and 'generous' punishments. They are divided into two platoon squads, whose corporals rival over their backs in very imaginable detail for the lieutenant's praise.

S1 • E2

Episode #1.2

Corporal Murray must take charge of both sections while his colleague Nauyokas is a day on sick leave. The orphaned section does notably worse, just now both squads are supposed to get their act together competitively in view of the impending first full inspection by the platoon sergeant, who takes anything out on the section's corporal too. The competition is taken to the absurd in everything, from getting up and hygiene to uniform, cleaning, greeting and drill, and even during meals. The sergeant proves even worse, but the padre's mass and the NAAFI recreation after inspection provide welcome reprieves.