Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War
2026– · 5 · 90 min · 1 season
S01E03 · Episode 3
Tue, 17 Feb, 9:00 am
The soldiers of 13 Platoon reach the end of their training, but ahead of them are the two biggest tests of the six months. First is Exercise Iron Storm, in which they will fight alongside tanks and artillery in a large-scale exercise across the Salisbury Plain Training Area, while the second challenge is an endurance competition staged on the inhospitable terrain of Dartmoor in Devon.
About
As war rages in Eastern Europe, the British Army is readying its infantry platoons for action. These platoons – 30 strong units of soldiers who eat, sleep and fight alongside each other – are the backbone of the British Army.
This series follows one newly assembled platoon in The Rifles, the British Army's largest infantry regiment, preparing for possible frontline deployment. Filmed over six brutal months, they must develop soldiering skills to compete with a battle-hardened enemy and grow into a band of brothers so tight they will lay down their lives for each other.
Episodes
- E01
Episode 1
Tue, 3 Feb· 90 minIn episode one, the thirty soldiers of 13 Platoon, D Company, 5th Battalion The Rifles come together for the first time. They come from all different walks of life and corners of the country, most with little experience beyond basic training. Their challenge is to become a fighting unit, capable of deploying to Eastern Europe in six months' time.
- E02
Episode 2
Tue, 10 Feb· 90 minThe platoon is back in Bulford after Top Dog. But no sooner have the Riflemen unpacked their bags when news arrives that Donald Trump intends to stop sharing American military intelligence with Ukraine, Keir Starmer says that Britain is ready to deploy a peacekeeping force within weeks. As Armoured Infantry, 13 Platoon could be some of the first deployed.
- E03
Episode 3
Tue, 17 Feb· 90 minThe soldiers of 13 Platoon reach the end of their training, but ahead of them are the two biggest tests of the six months. First is Exercise Iron Storm, in which they will fight alongside tanks and artillery in a large-scale exercise across the Salisbury Plain Training Area, while the second challenge is an endurance competition staged on the inhospitable terrain of Dartmoor in Devon.