The Paras
Winning membership of the Parachute Regiment is reputedly one of the most coveted postings for a British squaddie - this series shows the trials and tribulations of basic training, and the work and discipline involved in attaining the maroon beret, right the way through to first posting.




The Paras is a 7 part BBC made series that follows a platoon of potential paratroopers from the moment they step from the train as civilians, to the culmination of their training and deployment on active service. Made in 1982 on the verge of the Falklands war, it goes on to prove in dramatic fashion how valid and current the training was for these men. The executive producer on the series was David Harrison, a former paratrooper, and has managed to bring a real "insider" feel to the series. Narrated in parts, this really is a first class production that has you glued to your screens as you experience the pain and agony that the recruits are subjected to in an effort to gain the coverted Maroon Beret. At every stage of their training the viewer is captivated by the fact that not all of the recruits will make the grade, in fact as many as 75% fall by the wayside!

e03. Basic Wales
The morale of 480 Platoon has reached its lowest ebb as they put the infantry theory learned at Aldershot into practice in the bitterly cold and windy Welsh hills. At the end of the week they are assessed and some continue, some are 'back squaded' and one goes absent without leave.