BBC's Soldier viewers have big complaint as teens are put through brutal army boot camp

Viewers left with one big complaint

Viewers of the BBC reality series Soldier were left with a major complaint after watching the first episode, which premiered last night. The intense show follows young recruits as they attempt to complete their army training at camp Catterick.

A rude awakening

From the very beginning of the episode, it was clear that some of the recruits were unaware of the harsh reality they were about to face. Training officer Lieutenant Wahab warned, "Some of them treat it like a holiday camp. They will think they are at Pontins, and they will soon realise they are not."

A massive personal transformation

The recruits, some as young as 16 and 17, are put through grueling training that includes learning how to use guns and knives. As Lieutenant Wahab noted, "It’s a massive personal transformation they will have to go through, and some of them won’t make it."

A shock to the system

According to Lieutenant Wahab, the recruits' lives at the training camp are meticulously managed, from what they eat to when they go to the toilet. This strict control often leads to the recruits experiencing their "first wobbles".

Not like the movies

The reality of becoming a soldier is far different from what many of the recruits imagined. Private Statton admitted, "It’s quite scary, it’s quite intimidating, the reality of becoming a soldier, it’s a lot to be getting a grip of." He emphasized how the training made him acutely aware of his own mortality.

Quitting under pressure

22-year-old Private Wilson threw in the towel shortly after arriving at camp Catterick, realizing that the army was not the right fit for him. He admitted, "I thought it was gonna be a lot easier, mentally, I guess. I realize I’m not that mentally strong, you could say."

The controversial role of language in the army

While some viewers were taken aback by the intense nature of the training, their biggest complaint was the constant use of swearing by the trainers. Many took to social media to express their concerns about the choice of language used by the army.

Fiery language defended

On the other hand, some viewers argued that the use of strong language is to be expected in the army and should not be a cause for complaint. They pointed out that soldiers train knowing that they may one day face bullets and that the strong language is just part of the reality they are preparing for.

Soldier airs on Thursdays at 9pm on BBC One.