Over the course of two nights, this gripping documentary follows a group of determined men and women as they pursue their lifelong dream – to become a soldier in the Irish Defence Forces.
For the first time, our cameras have been given unprecedented access behind the scenes with the Irish army as a brand new group of recruits face the most gruelling challenge of their lives.
Out of the thousands who apply every year, 350 make it to training and we follow a 40-strong platoon as they’re put through their paces. We learn what motivates these young people to say goodbye to social lives, friends, family and all the comforts of home and sign up to put themselves through 17 weeks of the most intense and punishing training imaginable.
Once it starts, the harsh reality of army life kicks in and for some the culture shock will be just too much. Strict discipline, little sleep and constantly increasing physical and mental demands test even the toughest of recruits to their very limits.
Getting through it takes all the strength and discipline they have, and many fall along the way, succumbing to injury, homesickness, or finding themselves overwhelmed by the demands the training puts on body, mind and spirit. Others achieve things they never knew they were capable of, discovering reserves of strength and endurance they never knew they had.
But even armed with the right amount of guts and determination, which of the recruits will persevere?
Recruits gives viewers a unique insight into the fascinating journey of this group of very normal young Irish people pushing themselves to the limit and undergoing an absolutely life-changing transformation on their path to becoming soldiers.
Our cameras capture the highs and lows, from the individual struggles to the camaraderie, banter and friendship that helps them get through their toughest challenges and darkest moments.
Tears, tantrums and triumph over adversity, we’re with them every step of the way as they learn what it really takes to become a member of the Irish Defence Forces.
- Recruits will screen over two nights on RTÉ One on Monday August 31st and Tuesday September 1st at 9.35pm