General Chat

Will anyone be watching? Has anyone watched it in the past?

Hi Dee, I watched the very first series-that was good but only caught a couple of episodes in the later series. I may give it a whirl-its Officers tonight isn`t it? Diane :))

Yes Diane, I think it is Dee xx

Ive watched everyone of the programs and think they are great. Really looking forward to seeing how the bad lads make out as officer cadets lol. Lots of tantrums me thinks

It should be interesting Dee x

I'll be watching it too, I loved the last 2 series. Lynne

Missed it tonight - I understand two yobs from Norwich are on.

Well it lived upto expectations didn't it? One of the guys has left already, wonder how many more will drop out. Felt sorry for the guy who had to have his purple dreadlocks shaved off. Dee x

Don't beleive what you see on TV regarding Bad Lads Army 1950s style, the 'so called' Insructors are just playing up to the cameras. I switched it off last night as it was so over the top . I was a PTI and also a Drill and Weapons Instructor in the 1950s training NS and Regular recruits and 'never' behaved like those idiots on TV. 'Yes' we had to be stict , but it didn't do any of them any harm, quite the opposite ! I had 40 men every six weeks straight from civvy street and what a mixed bunch they were ! ' no silly purple dreadlocks ' mostly DA style. And having their hair cut short was for health reasons, but it did knock the cockeyness out of some of them. During training I admit I gave them a hard time, but off duty I would sit on their beds and talk with them about their kit, their girlfriends, problems at home, everything. At the end of their 6 weeks training parents came for passing out parade, I would be introduced to Mums and Dads who were amazed at the change in their sons and would shake my hand saying 'Thank You' they all turned out to be a great bunch of lads !

Poirot,I totally agree with you ,its a load of 'c**p,just put on for the TV. not much of what is shown happened. Hal.

Just to be awkward, I disagree mainly with the last two comments. It is a bit larger than life but most of what was shown happened to us. The only exception was that bit on the end in the metal baths - but there again I did my training ina bleak mid-winter. (Un)happy days.

i think its brilliant as i am female and born a bit later than 1950's i never had the oppertunity to know what it was like. but my dad did. he done his national service in the RAF. he says that they arent as strict on the programme as they were back then. why on earth are they allowed to leave?? they had no choice back in the 50's but to stick it out! bring back national service i say. it would make men out of the yobs walking the streets today. also it would cut the crime rate,dont you think? susie--looking forward to the next episode lol

Some interesting views on the authenticity of the programme. My other half was in the Army Cadets in the late 50's and certainly remembers beastings, even though he was a volunteer. I do think that all of these reality programmes pick out the bits that they think will make good TV. I feel sure that those in charge are probably more approachable when the cameras are not around Dee xx