My Brother served in Northern Ireland. He trained at Sandhurst & trained soldiers in Germany. He passed away at 51yrs from Stomach Cancer - we love and miss him. He loved his time at Sandhurst. RIP Brother.
5:23 "I'd like to be made of the stuff a good politician would be"? So no ethics, spine bent like a corkscrew, and zero empathy to the lower ranks. ok.
Exactly I want to go to sandhurst and I like arguing politics but I could never be a politician the never-ending arguing corruption disregard for normal people no one listening i could never hack it
+LeonShepard there are two routes to becoming an officer. direct entry is joining as an officer max age for that is 28 I believe. the other route is late entry where you join as a soldier and can apply to become an officer after you reach corporal, there is no age limit on this but it takes a long time and is far more difficult
Certain units such as the Engineers/REME/Signals/AAC as well as the RAMC/Law/Dentists etc will require professional qualifications and technical degrees. From my experience when I was going through the recruitment system, you had to choose three regiments and I selected PARA/AAC/RA in that order. I had 5 O-levels at the time and the Paras wrote back to me saying "we require far higher educational qualifications than the 'bare minimum', apply to another regiment or corps(And they are, for all intents and purposes infantry). The AAC granted me an interview, at the end of which they said. "If we send you to OASC Biggin Hill, you'd be up against candidates with degrees, masters degrees and some with Ph.D's, come back when you have better qualifications." It shows you have intellectual skills, critical analysis and the ability to absorb large amounts of information and use it to solve problems, useful skills in an increasingly technically sophisticated world.
In the US Army we have a little tip for new trainees going through Basic Combat Training; NEVER introduce your girlfriend or females in your family to the Drill Sergeants! Hahahahaha!
There were stories during the Vietnam war of Injured Soilders "killed" by their own soldiers so that the enemy troops wouldn't be able hear the injury based screams/ groans of these soldiers, thus giving away their position.
What they don't focus on here is the 95% of the course who are doing well, with professionalism and dedication. People getting around the tasks in a soldierly manner doesn't make good TV. It's why they focus on the blowhards, the wide boys, the weaklings, and the controversial ones.
even then, the ones they do focus on are actually decent people who fuck up here and there. apparently the person who made this had a thing for the "upper class" so specifically wanted to make them look bad
@@jimhoffman4766 Nobber. Those "upper class pussys" as you call them will have more responsibilty than you could shake a stick at once they get to their units. This is simply a weeding out and preparation process. They all deserve a good crack at it, but the chaff also needs to get quickly sifted from the wheat, hence the beastings.
sort of... you have to conform to rules and regulations. but individuality is encouraged. They want Officers with personalities and lives not robots. But yes there is a huge change of person, usually this change is a better person.
He has every right to be angry. Eldrige has not put enough effort into training and she is meant to set an example for a future platoon of soldiers. And giving an incorrect reason for being in the office is what made him snap.
@@joelharris1335 It wasnt a incorrect reason. She wasn't sure what she had fucked up, and revealed she had done something that the training team had not known she'd done - i.e fall asleep on stag, a far more serious issue.
Find me a single armed forces training documentary, be it basic training or officer training, where the girls don't immediately breakdown into tears as soon as the going gets tough.
great to see the (dare I say it working class) NCOs, some of whom are not much older than the officer cadets, putting them through their paces... a system that teaches discipline and has worked well for 200 years
I wouldn't say working class I'd say a lot of them were of a privelleged upbringing but it doesn't say their class. I'm interested to see how myself will fit in coming from a poor back ground been in prison few times and been a decorator my working life so far. Looking forward to starting this chapter of my life soon will be a learning curve
The instructors are CSgts or SSgts. They don't have any privileged background. They started as Privates and have achieved the rank through years of service. That is why they are chosen as instructors at the chap factory - they are some of the best and most experienced SNCOs in the Army. Of course there are Commissioned Officers, however the day to day stuff is run by the CSgts in the same way Cpls do it at the Army Training Regiments or ITC.
That might be the problem. This guy probably thought that Sandhurst was going to be a frat party. It's the military, dude! It's supposed to be disciplined!
Colour sergeant vezza was a section commander at ATR Bassingbourn in 2005 for Blenheim platoon Marlborough company and was back then corporal vezza . Believe me when i say this , he is a thousand times worse than this film shows . I will always respect that man as long as i live for what he taught me in a very fast and difficult 17 weeks . he was a cheshire back then also but i think they where amalgamated . Fantastic guy and a fantastic soldier
That bloke Thompson seems a real hero. Working class, labouring, electrician great. I hope he did really well. The Army and Nation need lots more like him.
Met OCdt (now Major) Thompson. Gen good guy, head on his shoulders and what you see in the documentary here is just the start of how he'd go onto become
Thompson , my favourite character from the start , down to earth , hard working and gave it his best ….. my Son is just starting his two years at Sandhurst as an Instructor , he was OCDt Chant in 2017 now a Captain … the Sandhurst experience is the best experience any young Man would be privileged to go through … just see the bigger picture and understand that all the shouting and being pushed early on moulds you into the highest calibre of human being on this planet … its an honour to be trained there . Enjoy every minute and know it us shaping you for a very bright future career
Why was that Scottish guy so cocky? You’ve proved nothing, been there the same time as everyone else. So annoying how he thought he was better than everyone
Thompson is a right good lad. Every day bloke. Someone you’d love to serve under. Grafter who clearly didn’t have his opportunities just handed to him on a plate
+goose183 if I was eldridge, I wouldn't mention that she was sleeping while on duty but should have said she don't know why she was summoned to the Colour SGT
Never......ever....Ever.....EVER volunteer information when you've been summoned......EVER..... Repeat after me: "I don't recall" "I have no clear independent recollection of that" Always let them speak first and tell you.......
I sense a lot of keyboard commando's in these comments. As a "Yank" who served with some of you crazy Brits, you're all not that bad. We talk shit but brothers in arms all the same. Leave the butthurt at home all you whiney little snots in the comments.
Did 12 years for Q & C and saw a lot of young officers (Rupert's) join the regiment 99% of them were good officers, well trained and always willing to call on the experience of us senior NCOs in their first years. Only ever came across two who were below standard and they were soon moved on. Sandhurst does a damned good job.
+Handyjack We were sent two ruperts on op Banner. One was a L.E.O. & a brilliant guy. wx CSM . The other was like a little apple........( One pin & Green) & nearly got several of his brick slotted several times but for decent S.N.C.O.s ( The mill)
This is a great gentlemen's course I wish my basic and officer training was like this. Now I know why the British military is filled with professionals
Fred B sorry just saw this question I am an American and have 19 years in the army. Half my career was enlisted and then became and officer in the military police Corp.
@@gajacome1 I think the problem is that in the US forces we don't expect our officers to be gentlemen(or proper ladies as the case may be). During my time in the service I had commanders who were far from being gentlemen. Adding a piece of the Sandhurst curriculum to US training would work wonders.
Omg the uploader deleted my comment because I was speaking truth about stupid nationalistic dipshits. You don't get to take pride from where you're born/live, you stupid fuck. Grow up
i was lucky when i was serving with welsh guards . we had some great ruperts . prg williams , charlie guthrie . they where ruperts that would lead you into battle , not stand back . probably most respected today is Lt Col Rupert Thornloe , who gave his life for the regiment . rip sir .
"If they want the lads to follow them, believe in them and respect them, they should never ask them to do something that they can't or won't do themselves". Best quote I've ever heard from an NCO when talking about new platoon commanders.
He was showing initiative. Like Sgt said, it's only water, he was being efficient by getting a headstart on mopping the floors. Officer material right there!
Went to the passing out parade today for my brother turning into an commander officer. 3 years ago he was working in McDonald's with 2 gcses. Proud is an understatement.
@@Pius-XI There are Officer and non-officer soldier(regular soldier) in the British or any army in the world. The guy called "Thomas Boylett" said his brother joined as an Officer in the British Army with mediocre GCSE grades. For a regular soldier, you don't need A levels however you just need to have a minimum of 2-3 GCSE in English, Maths and maybe Science depending on the job role with all Grade C/4 or above. In the UK GCSE grades below C/4 is considered a Fail. If a person can't read or write how can he/she read and follow mission plans and description in the mission briefing? A soldier needs to be able to read and write and follow commands. Not just shoot a gun!
Went to the passing out parade today for my dad turning into captain general officer. A month ago he was in prison with only a 25 metre swimming certificate. Proud is an understatement. He's pushing 80.
Quite enjoying this, only to be iambushed - “After Sandhurst, and a few years in the military, I’d like to be made of the stuff that a good politician would be.” Oh, dear lord. On the other hand, near the finish, a chap said “We’re as strong as the weakest.” And, oy! Part 2 is blocked: - in my office who/s ever responsible, now!
got 2 friends studied there in 1983 ... every year Royal Military College of Malaysia will send cadets to Sandhurst as it is our tradition. Bravo to SUO Najid and JUO Ahmad Farid.
Sometimes I wonder if I would go through all that hard work to end up fighting for a government that stab you in the back at a moment's notice. When a civil Court will treat you like dirt for doing your job and causing some half baked prick in the Government some political embarrassment,and have you locked away out of sight.It happens all too often.Queen and Country? You are nothing to her,and the country hardly cares these days.Still,it's your personal choice,I hope it works out for you.
My favourite quote from Sandhurst originated on the New College parade ground during drill instruction, where an officer cadet, having done something wrong, got yelled at by the sergeant-major, who poked the OC in the chest with his pace-stick and yelled "There's a piece of shit on the end of my pace-stick!" To which the officer cadet (unwisely) replied "Not on this end sergeant-major!"
I don't think eldridge really wanted to be Royal Army commissioned officer at heart, she think the military service would appear attractive when she would become a politician, in the near future, I suppose. I serve in the military myself and I never like these so called political-soldiers
I Don't hate her. I think she is of a certain class of Officer that I have seen along the way in My passed time in the Job. (14 years 1999-2013 One of my last posts was as an instructor at Phase 2 ) That always end up looking a bit lost when they get to there Unit. Do I think she lives on another planet? Yes! Does she need to get a Grip!! Most Definitely!! In time she may have grown up since this was shown however it will have done her career no favours, and the blokes under her command will be looking down on her. even if she has sorted her act out at unit. Her performance here, and on this show have done her, I suspect lasting damage no matter how much she has turned it around these days. This is almost unrecoverable.
I've had several ex armed forces folks work for me and to a man they've been top drawer. I just wish I'd had what it takes to serve. But to those in this film and those commenting who did I thank and revere you.
47.00 room inspection! Blimey back in the early 80's I seen shit going out the window, literally! But then we were just private soldiers, it was still as funny as fuck though.. 49.15... I can't believe that guy did that and he was training to become an officer in the British Army? Not even us private soldiers would have acted like that!
"The army doesn't like losers"..... It does now, they activity encourage losers to enlist, its now a sad state of affairs where they have to let in overweight unfit recruits, ex druggies, people with criminal records, snowflakes etc The quality of people they now recruit wouldn't have had a chance in back in the 80's and 90's, unfortunately the MOD now sees fit to run the army as if it was a civilian business. What works in civvy Street does not work in combat units, it affects moral, it also has the affect of putting off the type of people who make excellent soldiers from joining up. In the past your typical soldier was tough, fit, confident, now the only people they seem to want are the exact opposite. As an ex infantry platoon Sgt, and a father to two sons who fought in Afghanistan, one of who is still serving in the parachute regiment it saddens me to see what has happened to our army. When I joined in 1980 the army strength was 350,000, now its 72,000, and only a small %of that number are actual combat troops. The training has become soft, yes they have far better equipment then what we had, but the person operating that equipment is of a below average standard, a large % of recruits who pass out today would not have passed out in my day. The MOD are going out of their way to recruit people who would not normally think about joining up, the adverts they put out on the TV are totally embarrassing, what's wrong with an advert showing soldiers fighting, driving tanks, jumping out of planes like they used to, it was those kind of adverts that encouraged tough working class lads to join up, by showing adverts with platoon sgts nearly crying while reading a letter is not only it would in reality lose that Sgt the respect of his men, to show someone taking his boots off on a tactical patrol and praying is also rediculas and wouldn't be allowed to happen, soldiers don't take their boots off when they get in their doss bags at night never mind in patrol yet here they have a load of idiots watching someone pray, not only is this unacceptable, it would endanger the patrol, and every patrol I've ever been on has always had time restrictions applied to it, what would happen in reality is that soldier would not be picked to go on patrol, in other words he'd have a very easy time of it. The MOD seems to be pushing for a far left military force, I mean back in the day one of the main characteristics of a soldier was that he was patriotic, in today's army that is a dirty word, they say they don't want patriotic people in the army because you are far right if you are, it's a disgrace what's happening, The only good thing about today's army is that at least the parachute regiment still looks for tough, fit, confident soldiers, snowflakes need not apply.
Completely agree, joined up late ‘80s, by the end of basic I was doing BFTs in 8 minutes in boots combat high, it was brutal, bullying and beatings were fished out, but that’s what we expected, 16 years I did, and it was mostly great times, the level of professionalism was exceptional, the first level of voluntary redundancies started the downfall of the Army, why wouldn’t you? Some of my mates payed their mortgages off when they took the “brown letter”, better equipment I completely agree, god knows I bought most of my own, the issue kit was so bad, but better soldiers no? Then again the military has always reflected society, and unfortunately it always will, a friend of mine instructed at Catterick and told me the recruits were abysmal, lack of fitness and discipline were a few of the traits shown by most. I’ve two sons myself, after what I’ve seen and witnessed over my service I wouldn’t want them or anyone to join up, my health mentally and physically were affected, 11 years therapy for PTSD, and numerous friends who took their own lives through a lack of care by the government. It makes me very sad to see the stare of the Modern British Army, god knows, we wouldn’t be able to defend these islands effectively if they were invaded.
Hopefully going to be joining up next year and I can't wait to prove you wrong. Also, not in defence of the politics but try telling the Red Guard that the politically left can't make for outstanding soldiers.
i'v never served due to health but was a cadet for many years and even that made me sick and fuming. The kiwi polish has a tin a frickin lid. Makes mes so angry
The Brits have in my opinion some of the best uniforms and military traditions ever. Their officer standards are crazy and I respect them to the utmost and they've got some really pretty female officers I have to say haha.
I've met soldiers who served under Eldridge as well as Eldridge herself. Not one of them thought she was a good officer - more so an opinionated stuck up girl with no clue on how to work with people, just wanted to be the boss. Meeting her proved them completely right!
@@aldothewarrior sorry dude. I was unecessarily rude to you. My point is this: saying what you've said is a fairly serious accusation, how can we know a) you are who you say you are or b) what you're describing happened?
I've had many female superiors. Some good. Some bad. Some neutral. I can say the exact same in respect of male superiors (whether they're fellow NCOs in my chain of command (I was a Cpl in the Army) or if they're officers. You get good ones and bad ones regardless of gender. Eldridge is one of the bad ones with very little integrity, certainly lacks in selfless commitment and displayed little moral fibre with keeping her own interests separate to the interests of those in her command. I've just no respect for her and I can't think of any decent NCO who feels different
Sleeping on duty, yes its right to be mad, in action it would cost your mates lives, But that was just a bollocking. How would they punish a cadet? Do they have regimental punishment rps.
Tristram Randall literally where did I say anything about what you have just said. Like I’m talking about this one person I never said anything about all women wtf.
55:19 What an amazing statement to make, likely through his understanding and it's application... "Going home you have to face your family and friends... If you stay, you have to face yourself"
23:27 All surfaces of a boot that do not come into contact with the ground, must be polished. Mister Rupert, I urge you to comply with this mandate and polish those insteps ASAP.
Sandhurst turns out good officers , but some people are just not good enough for the army , but that's the way of life , but at least they have it a go
Overalls at least in the swedish army are for dirt jobs and is the only clothing that dont need to be "clean clean" so if it gets a bit dirty it is not a big deal. But yea still seems a bit strange, one would think she had a container of sorts for it :/
Why is it that every time I see girls doing anything in the military it show's them crying? You know, this is very disparaging, especially too the feminist cause. Girls and lasses alike moan about how they want too muck about with the boy's, yet when given the chance, we weep and weep and weep, it's sickening to be honest and embarrassing. On the other hand, as a proud English woman, I applaud our men and women who serve in Her Majesties royal forces. My father served in the RAF during the second world war and my brother served in the Royal Marines in Northern Ireland, military run's in my family so I appreciate seeing these young one's turned into proper adults.
It may seem very lame to be crying after getting shouted at, yet for many here, it's incredibly intimidating. Silly really, as they're mistakes that just need to be improved upon. So many just hold onto the event like it's a defining moment; you take the bollocking and *never* make that mistake again.
As an ex National Serviceman we didn't have a choice but to do 2 years like it or not. Did I dislike it no, after the basic training was over and then I went to trade training it started to get easier. No regrets when I look back and I believe it did a lot of good for 18 year olds at that time. Some of our lad's were offered the chance to go to Sandhurst for officer training but you had to be someone special.
Best moment of the episode? 45:35 I genuinely wet myself at the seething rage displayed with that hammering of the desk. I think that hand slam must have caused an earthquake somewhere. Don't mess with the Welsh. Once their rage switch flips they take no prisoners. Must have been the shock of Madame Eldrige's life.
It's so weird that such a professional army with a rich heritage has to fight for a liberal and socialist government who would waste their efforts in a heart beat
