Tonight, our special coverage...
for a closer look of the daily lives of people in the region.
We'll be looking at the war against extremism
waged by British and American troops
over the border of Afghanistan...
A new study says more and more white British people are...
... lives lost and the fact that Barack Obama
is about to pour thousands more troops into this region.
It is by no means certain we will prevail.
What we do know, from bitter experience,
is that, whatever happens here, good or bad,
the rest of the world will feel the consequences.
Happy birthday, Molly!
My little girl's all grown up!
Still very immature though, Mum.
- Don't forget that! - Fluffy scrambled eggs, coming up!
- What times he getting here? - Don't know.
Oh, God, look at the state of you, Dave!
Uh, Dad, I ain't being funny, but you stink.
You been fighting again?
- He had a ruck with the door, didn't ya? - She slammed it on my face, the door.
Slammed. Bosh. Unkind. Thought she'd done me schnoz in.
Yeah, you crack on enjoying yourself, you piss-taker.
I think those frozen fish fingers saved the day.
There are a lot of sacrifices went into that present!
Make up for me getting a bit involved last night, eh?
Dad, that's proper.
Oh, thanks, Dad!
Did you ever doubt me?
Here, don't let that pikey boyfriend of yours see it.
- He'll have it. - Don't spoil the moment, Dad.
* And then I go and spoil it all *
* By saying something stupid... *
He needs to hurry up.
His eggs are ready.
Oh, get off, Dave. You do stink.
Just be careful, yeah?
You won't say nothing to Dad, right? Yeah? Right?
All right.
- Oh! - Yeah!
Oi! You look after her, Dean, d'you hear me?
What d'you think? Of course!
If you don't, I will spoon your eyes out.
You was up to a lot worst than me at my age.
See you later.
Thought you was coming round mine this morning.
I am coming. I'm coming in a moment.
- Bit late, then, yeah? - I was just coming round with your present.
You wasn't. You was standing there talking to that pikey knobber.
I didn't think you were going to work today.
I think you might be staying in bed.
I was trying to be kind.
Molly.
I've got you a present.
What do you think?
It ain't an engagement ring, is it?
Maybe.
You like?
Walk me to work, then.
- Who give you this? - Nice, innit?
- Who? - It's Tiffany, mate!
- It's not Tiffany. - What do you know about anything?
It's snide.
Oh, right, so you're the expert on everything now, yeah?
My brother sells snide jewellery on the internet.
Well, your brothers a tosser, then!
Tonight, I take you for a curry.
You English love your curry.
No, I'm busy, mate.
You love me.
Not as much as you love yourself.
Stop it.
See you later.
If it's ten pound to get in, and drinks cost a fortune,
we just make sure we get trollied before we get in there, of course!
I'll do some cocktails in my flask.
What?
We're not taking your flask into a club again, Mum!
They thought you'd come with a cup of tea last time!
They were very nice cocktails though, Mrs. Vale.
Look, tin of Red Bull, yeah, pour half away,
fill the rest up with vodka.
That is me sorted.
These nails are digging in tonight! Grrrr!
- Well, that's 40 for you and your mum, Shaz. - Thank you.
Ta. What you wearing tonight?
I'm going to wear, you know the, erm, the black... the black dress
- with the er... - Small varnish, please, love.
- Not today, Dad. - Yes, today!
Change for me 20.
He's such a tool.
- I dunno what's the matter with you half the time! - You!
Pass us the eyeliner, Mar.
You're what's the matter with me all of the time, mate!
No wonder I have to get out, with you going on!
And you're not having our food money to pour down your fat gullet,
and that's that.
I've just give her my housekeeping money.
You give your rent money to me, not her. Understood?
See you later, Mum!
- Have a great time tonight, Molls. - I'll have a go!
- You be careful! - Don't worry about that,
I got Proud Mary to protect me, eh, Mar?
Yeah. Unless I get too rotten on it and collapse.
Then, it's just every man for herself.
- Here you go. - What's that for?!
Well, I don't want any housekeeping from you this week.
I want you to enjoy your birthday.
- Not a breath to your dad. - Oh, yeah, as if!
And don't let him tap you up for any either, Proud Mary.
Why is he so crap, Mum?
Why ain't you wearing your bracelet?
Erm... I didn't want to lose it.
It's bound to get messy, isn't it?
You do like it, though, yeah?
Yeah, love it! Did you get it?
Yeah, well, Dad went and got it, but I gave him the money.
Been saving family allowance.
- You be careful, yeah? - All right.
Just give it back to him. Stop eating that! Give it back!
Well, I'll have it, then!
There's always more of them on a Friday.
All they gotta do is go Friday night prayer,
they get their sins of the week just wiped off.
I can see why it's so popular now.
He's come to meet you! Sweet.
- Hi. - What's going on?
I thought you were going to pub!
Who's that mess?
Why you saying this? Molly, it's not what you think.
No, it never is, is it?
You, you dirty slag, get out of the car!
Come on! Get out of the car, you need to be taught some manners,
you dirty cow, get out!
Hey! What's the matter with you?
Dirty slag!
You go like a mental!
Be warned, I am mental!
Right, that is it, he has shit on me for the last time.
- Cheers! - Yes!
Hey! That was us once.
Right, go on, then, down it.
Down it. Yeah, down it! Down it. Down it.
- Hey, they still want you off the sick? - Yeah.
Even with your back?
I never voted for this mob.
Who'd you vote for, then?
Down it! Down it!
Mum! It's so embarrassing!
She was my cousin. Just my cousin.
- Is that the best you can do? - What?
After all them hours and she's your cousin?!
- She is my cousin. - Yeah, right!
You don't want to be my girlfriend, I have my ring back.
Here are. Hope it chokes you.
I want you to be my girlfriend.
- So what was the dippy-blurt in the van all about, then?! - I told you!
She didn't look Albanian!
What do we look like?
You got funny-shaped heads and spazzer jeans.
She arrive today. Doesn't speak a word of English.
I am only person she knows.
I trying to help her get away from very bad people.
She my cousin.
You... my girlfriend.
You Albanian freak!
My head isn't a funny shape.
You're joking, mate?! You got head like a Sainsbury's till!
Till-Head, that's what we call you.
Belinda!
Look at our country, Belinda!
Gone to shit, mate.
Our beautiful East London.
Been ethnically cleansed.
So us whites, we've been driven out,
but no-one cares about us! No, no.
Were not worth caring about.
Were the wrong colour, that's our trouble!
What's the matter with you?
What? Don't I get a civil hello?
- Don't wake the kids up. - I've had enough of you!
- Well, what did you come home for, then?! - Cos it's my house! Mine!
Actually, it's The London Borough of Newham's, but there you go!
Thanks. Cheers.
Is that you, Mar?
Yeah?
Oh, oh, hi, Moll. You all right?
- Having a good night? - Yeah, wicked. Pass us a fag, Mar.
Oh, ta!
I'll see you at the table.
There you are!
Just been looking for you.
I'm just going for that fag.
Hey! Hey, darling! What's going on, babe?
Looking good. Do you want to come to a party with us?
- Yeah, I'll come to a party. - Right, jump in the back.
Oi!
Oi! Don't you want to fuck me?
Oh, for fuck's sake.
Shh. Go to sleep. It's Saturday.
Where you going?
Brush my teeth. I honk.
- Love you. - I'm glad someone does.
Love you.
Oh...
Smells nice.
I hope you're changing them sheets.
What d'you get up to? Anything nice?
Club.
Might take you clubbing.
- What? - Nothing.
See Artan last night?
Perry, right, proper chippy.
He can't get any work cos the Poles'll build you a frigging house
for the price of a cup of tea.
- Ain't worth his while getting out of bed. - Artan's Albanian.
You know what I'm taking about.
I'm talking about the destruction of England.
What did he get you?
That ain't an engagement ring?
Don't worry, you two have put me off marriage for life.
Yeah, don't let your gob run away or I'll shut it for you!
- Yeah, try it and I'll stab you. - Molly!
You'll do what you're told or you live on the streets!
You think you're someone special, don't you? Well, you're not.
You're just a run-of-the-mill slag.
- I done this? - Yeah, it's shit, isn't it?
- I could turn it into daisies or something? - I don't care,
just get rid of the Artan.
Definitely be better with daisies than just blocking it out.
Whatever.
Does it hurt?
- What you looking at? - Dunno, lost me zoo book.
Ha, bloody ha.
- You local? - Yeah.
Last white woman on Kath-rhine Road.
Fancy an job in the Army, then?
Great job that... ã100 a week to have my head used as target practice.
Got any leaflets then?
I'm only tentative. I'm just checking out the options.
Why don't you take a seat and we can have a chat?
Don't be nervous.
We don't just throw you onto the back of a truck.
We only want soldiers who want to be soldiers.
I didn't think you'd want the likes of me joining up.
Take these home and have a butchers at your leisure.
- How old are you? - 18.
What d'you have to do, then?
Well, first, you have to do the BARB test.
Just a short test you can do on the computer.
Someone of your intelligence, it'll be a piece of cake.
- Me?! I'm stupid. - I don't think so.
Well, you don't know me. I'm famous for being stupid.
Well, we can do the BARB test now, if you like.
Find out just how stupid you are.
What and I just do it on the computer?
Exactly. Touch screen.
Then we throw you on a lorry and you'll be in Helmand by tea time.
I'll probably fail the test anyway.
So...
Do you want to do it now?
All right.
Let's do it! Oh!
What you looking at?
Dunno, lost me zoo book.
- Get a job. - I'm sick!
Yeah, in the head.
Mum, I'm going down Sara Banajee's for a couple of days.
- Who? - She got into college in Brighton, remember?
They said at primary school that you were University material.
- Did they? - Mind you, you were the only one
who could speak bleeding English.
- Is Artan going with you? - No, he ain't.
- Can you try and be nice to Dad? - Why?
Because he wasn't always a dickhead.
Right, left! Right, left!
Turn!
Ladies and gentlemen, if I can have your attention for a moment, please.
OK.
All right, these next two days are very important
if you want to progress in the British Army.
So take every task seriously and try your best, all right?
For some of you, this is going to be the end of the line.
For others, you'll be invited to go on to the next stage,
which is Phase One, Basic Training.
OK.
You know you're all here to have your medicals, but before you go in
and see the doctor for your examination,
- you'll have a few different tests first. - Oh!
Problem with that, 17?
No, it's just a bit boring so far.
So that was your sit-ups.
The Technical Selection Test is basically a mathematics test.
You've then got your undergrasp heave test.
55 questions.
Powerbag lift and rope climb.
Should take you about half an hour.
Every applicant must take these upper-body strength tests.
On you go.
Oi!
Did you fucking "oi" me?!
My hand slipped, that's all.
God, I'm knackered.
You?
My hands still hurt from them jerry cans!
You were good.
I have to bring our shopping home from Iceland.
- Are you from London? - Could you tell?
- How about you? - Do you know Preston?
- Lancashire. - So Preston's your town, yeah?
Well, no, Leyland. But I didn't think you'd have heard of that,
- but it's just outside of Preston. - Which I also hadn't heard of.
- Yeah, but you know where Lancashire is though, right? - Yeah, obviously.
Morning, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to this part of your selection known as The Icebreaker.
Each and every one of you will be coming up here, individually,
and telling us a little bit about yourselves.
Who's going to be brave enough to go first?
Uh?
OK. I hear you've got a lot to say for yourself.
Who told you that?
Get up here.
You never stop fucking chuntering on.
Now, come on, now's your chance, cos we all want to listen.
Good.
Up here.
Where you going?
I don't want to stand up and talk.
Fair play. The army's not for everyone. Leave now, though,
- and you'll regret it for the rest of your life. - You reckon?
I know.
See, I had you down as a trier, eh.
I thought you'd be brave enough to come up here and talk for a while.
You don't think I'm going to make the grade anyhow!
I can see you all looking down your big, shiny schnozes at me.
Don't be so fucking wet.
Turn around and talk to the class
or have everyone know what a lettuce you are.
A lettuce? Loser.
Couldn't do it when it matters, eh? You want that on your headstone?
Let's see if you've got what it takes.
My names Molly Dawes.
I come from near Stratford, not the one that Shakespeare comes from,
the other one in the London Borough of Newham,
which sometimes I think is the nicest place on the planet to live
and other times I think is a right shit-hole.
Don't look at me again. Get on.
Sometimes, I walk down East Ham High Street in the sun
and smell the spices, and see every manner of people
and I well up.
I feel really proud of where I come from.
And, other times, when it's all powder keggy
and like it's about to blow, I just want to run.
Just want to run away and live in a barn somewhere.
I live off the Portway with my three sisters, my two brothers,
my pregnant mum
and my tosspot of a dad.
All crammed into this little Lego house
that's bursting at the seams with noise and toys
and cheap Polish lager,
kids scooters, piles and piles of washing
that my mum keeps meaning to do, but she's always too knackered
cos my dad's enough to knacker any bugger out.
He's at home all day on the sick,
cos when he was a Sky dish fitter,
some toerag had it away with his ladder
and he fell off this roof and landed in a bush.
Done his back in.
He went to hospital.
He had to shit in a pan for weeks cos he couldn't get out of bed.
Lost his job and...
... then, he got the depression, my mum reckons.
Some days, he's as right as a ninepence,
and other days, I see him hobbling around, moaning and groaning,
like a 90-year-old.
Then, a mate lends him a tenner and it's a bleeding miracle,
he can shuffle down the pub and get a pint down his Gregory,
which, of course, he says is a muscle relaxant
and if it wasn't for his back, then he wouldn't bother with the drinking.
But sometimes, I can see it all mapped out in front of me.
My shitty little life just waiting to happen.
Middle-aged me, picking up toys
and cans of lager,
as my tosspot boyfriend pisses on any dreams I might have had.
The one-and-a-half-mile run is an important test.
Pass and you'll remain on selection,
fail and you may as well go home.
Once you've completed your run, go back to your quarters
and get ready for your interview.
You will then be told whether you'll be recommended for enlistment.
Right, then, good luck, everybody.
On your marks, go!
You all right, Katy? Katy?
My ankle!
What are you doing?
She's fell over!
I can see that. Leave her and move on!
- Come on Katy, get up! - I can't!
I said leave her!
What the fuck is this? Two Little Boys?! Leave her.
That is an order!
How is it?
Oh, it's all right. Bit better.
I did a timed run before the selection, so the Corporal reckons
they might be able to take that into consideration.
Well, I'm screwed, then.
You should have just left me.
Anyway, I think I might have made a bit of a ricket on the clothes front.
Here, have you got any other shoes?
- Only me trainers. - What size are you?
Five and a half.
I got a pair of sixes. There you go.
And what about leggings? Have you got any of them?
Cos your skirt might be a bit short.
I ain't got any leggings.
Here.
Take them.
Go in there and fight for your life.
I've got all the comments of the various NCOs
and, in fact, everybody who's been involved
in this two-day selection process.
Yes, sir.
Ma'am.
We have to make sure any potential recruit has a 90% chance
of making it through Phase One Training.
Yes, Ma'am.
You want to join the Royal Army Medical Corps, I see?
You didn't make you cap badge time for your one-and-a-half-mile run.
I need more training.
I understand you stopped to assist another recruit who had fallen.
You have divided opinion, Miss Dawes.
You tell me why I should recommend you.
Tell me why the British Army should have you swelling their ranks,
and I don't want to hear, I want this more than anything.
Truth?
I reckon if I really, really tried my hardest,
then, I wouldn't be the worst.
And do we want someone who aspires to be not the worst?
We need soldiers who aspire to be the best.
Just give me a chance.
And why should I do that?
Because I've never had one.
And if I'm given a chance, I wont let anyone down, I swear, Miss.
A couple of the comments are extremely heartening.
You clearly have attributes that you're either unaware of
or too modest to promote.
- Thanks. - I'm not sure it's a compliment, Miss Dawes.
So...
... do I really think you're worth it?
To be honest, I just wanted to talk to you, like, outside the house.
Away from the noise.
Well, if it helps you out, we know.
- Yeah, and we don't mind. - Really?
Well, you're our daughter, Moll. We love you.
You're not a little girl any more, so fair play to you.
And it's your decision.
I thought you wouldn't approve.
Well, I think he's a bit of a tool, but it's your choice.
Well, to be fair, we hardly know him, Dave.
Who are you talking about?
Artan.
What's it gotta do with him?
Well, he is the father, isn't he?
Oh, it's not that mongy nut bar from Islington, is it?
I ain't pregnant! Did you think I was pregnant?
No!
Well... what was you going to say, then?
When?!
Bloody taking us for this nosh and everything.
I'm joining the Army.
You're fucking joking?
- I'm Muslim, Molly! - What's that got to do with anything?
What do you think!? That's what your Army's for...
to kill Muslims.
Oh, that's pathetic.
What about us, uh!? How long is this training?
It's 14 weeks, Artan.
14 weeks! And it might be nice if one bloody person
just said "Oh, well done, Mol, good for you."
Instead of you moaning and my mum and dad worrying
about who's going to pick the kids up from school!
You only care about yourself!
You're a selfish, stupid, fucking little girl!
You join the Army...
And what? What?!
What you going to do? You going to kill me?
I want to marry you!
Even though I kill Muslims?
- I love you. - You sure about that?
Cos your old chap seemed quite keen on Proud Mary last time I looked!
"I, Molly Dawes, swear by Almighty God
that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance
to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, her heirs and successors
and that I will, as in duty bound,
honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty, her heirs and successors,
in person, crown and dignity against all enemies
and will observe and obey all orders of Her Majesty,
her heirs and successors
and of the generals and officers set over me."
Right. That's one Queen's shilling we owe you.
Half a day's pay now. That's inflation for you.
Sir.
Don't think being a combat medical technician is some easy option, Miss Dawes.
Don't think you're going to be floating around the corridors
of some well-equipped field hospital like Florence Nightingale.
You'll be in some godforsaken shit-hole
trying to tie a tourniquet on some poor bastard
who's just had both of his legs blown off.
Sir, yes, sir.
Yes. A simple "yes, sir" will suffice.
Were not American...
yet.
Ah, good, might get my leggings back!
Feels a bit more serious this time, doesn't it?
Two Section, line! Now!
My name is Corporal Geddings.
For the next 14 weeks, I am your mother, father,
boyfriend, grandma and your bloody God all rolled into one.
You are mine.
More importantly,
I am yours.
I will do my best to make sure each and every one of you make the grade.
I say something funny, Dawes?
No, sir.
Don't call me sir.
I work for a bloody living.
So what's funny?
Nothing, Corporal.
Then, why the fucking grin?!
It just felt I was in a film for a minute, sorry.
Some of you look a mess.
Puffy and pudgy,
big bags under your eyes.
This isn't the fucking Priory. Are you listening, Dawes?
Yeah. This isn't the fucking Priory.
14 bloody weeks.
That's all I've got to make soldiers out of you lot.
Some recruits don't have it in them to complete the course.
It isn't easy being a soldier in the British Army.
We've got to separate the wheat from the chaff.
You understand what I mean by wheat and chaff, King?
Not sure, Corporal.
We've got to separate the shit from the clay.
I only want clay on my hands.
The PlayStation generation!
Can you hear that noise?
That's the fucking Taliban, shitting themselves!
These next few weeks are going to need
your absolute concentration and dedication.
Those determined enough will pass out.
Those that dig deeper than they ever thought they could
and find new strengths will pass through.
Those that do not give up in the face of adversity will do all right.
I promise you that.
You want it enough, you will get it.
Those that aren't 100% focused...
... will fail.
I promise you that as well.
Right, left!
Right left, right, left.
Will you lot kindly remember that you are now soldiers!
Oi, you!
Dyed blond hair!
Do not drag your kit along the ground!
Pick it up now!
Move it, move it! Move it!
Oh, Jesus wept!
What's the matter with you? Is it too heavy?
Shall I do it for you? Pick it up and move it! Now!
Your kit is your responsibility. I want it immaculate at all times.
I want it ironed and your boots bulled.
You brought plenty of polish, Dawes?
Yes, Corporal.
And your locker has gotta be like your minds.
What do I mean by that, Dawes?
Dirty?
Everything in its rightful place.
Everything 100%.
- Ordered. Organised. - Why?
If your lockers not spot on, I'll know nothings spot on.
Fail at keeping your locker tidy,
you'll fail at everything here at Pirbright.
And we don't want that, do we, Dawes?
I'm not here to wipe your arse, I'm here to point at your arse
and tell you to get the bloody thing wiped.
And by week two, I don't even want to be pointing,
I shall expect you to know and to have done it yourself already.
I shall walk in here at 0600
and I shall inspect your locker and your kit
and if there's so much as a crease out of place,
you'll have to do it again.
And again and again.
Right, I'll be back in five minutes
and I want to see you all in your uniforms, please.
And maybe someone should step up to the plate
and have a word with your class clown.
Jump! Go on!
Jump! Hurry up! Come on!
Don't wait! Don't hesitate! Straight over!
What are you hesitating for? Straight over!
Run! Don't wait, just push it over!
Come on! Hurry up and get over that wall!
What are you doing, Dawes?!
Don't fucking start!
You want special treatment, do you?!
Maybe we could write to the Al-Qaeda and say you don't take bullets.
- Shall we do that? - I have yet to see a gallant bullet,
that carefully avoids members of the female sex and targets only men.
Come on! Dig in! Give it your best!
- Are you giving it your best, Dawes? - I don't think you are.
- Come on, push yourself. - Find the courage to do this!
- Only you can find the balls! - Two weeks here, you've got worse!
- Don't be a waste of space! Run! - Come on, Dawes, find it!
Rise up!
Don't get too comfy yet, ladies.
Locker inspection.
Your lockers should be immaculate at all times
and ready for random inspection.
Cheers.
Troop! Troop!
- One! - Good, let's keep those arms pinned in.
Move to the left in file. Left!
- Turn! - One! Two, three, one!
Bend your bottom closer to that bench!
- Stand down! - One!
Two! Three! One!
March!
March! March!
Hurry up!
Run, run, run!
One!
- One! - Two, three, one!
All of you that pass out will be deployed
at some point in the future.
Which means, unfortunately, some of you won't be coming home.
Take a look around at the faces in this room.
Each and every one of you will be missed terribly
by your people back home.
How anyone will miss some of you pains in the back side
is hard to believe, I know.
But missed you will most certainly be
and that's why you are each tasked
to write a letter from the grave for your families.
These are private and personal.
Hopefully, never to be opened.
Your Corporals can offer assistance, if needed.
That's your call.
You have to play with your left hand, that is the rule!
Hang on, I don't remember anything about that rule.
- Well, if you want help with your ironing... - No, no!
We don't need any help with our ironing.
Well, that shirt tells me you do.
This shirt is casual, it's supposed to look...
What, like shit?
OK, OK. Let's have some order and solemnity here.
Chris, left-handed, yeah?
Come on!
Referees decision is final.
Molly, if you lose, you're ironing his kit tonight.
And Chris, if you lose, you're bulling her boots. Yeah?
Yeah, and I want to see my face in them, sunshine!
Go on, Molly!
Hang on a minute, you're bloody left-handed!
No way!
She's here, she's here.
What?
Um... it's only one point for a recruit!
One point for a recruit, five points for a corporal,
ten points for a sergeant, and 50 for a major!
Well, I've just been down the gym, putting a bit of extra...
Oh, yeah!
Well, we was down the stores watching you collect one point from Chris Ingram's!
Yeah!
All this exercise is making me double want it!
But what about your fella back home?
What fella? Besides, what goes on tour...
Goes on Facebook!
- Run! Run! - Come on, girls, jump! Jump!
Come on! Come on, jump!
Lauren!
Lauren, Lauren.
Lauren, it's Molly!
Right, pull her legs up. She's caught in the webbing.
Get the webbing off, get the webbing off.
Right, I've got her weight. Unclip her.
Lauren! She's not answering. Lauren!
- Lauren. - Lauren.
Hold on.
Is she all right? Yeah, she's all right.
You're all right, Lauren.
Good work, Dawes.
You know, my old man, he said to me,
he said, You never forget who you're on basic with.
- Royal Engineer. - Is he still in?
Copped it four years ago.
Dead!
I hope so, we buried him!
It was a... IED.
Died instantly.
Oh, sorry.
I know what he means about never forgetting anyone.
Your basic training, they just try and break you down.
They want you to forget about everything outside
and give yourself up to the Army.
It's like a cult.
They break you down to nothing,
make you a no-one.
And they build you back up how they want you built.
You know, like Frankenstein's monster.
That way, they send you off to war
and you'll do whatever they tell you to do.
Kill and not blink an eyelid.
Not everyone's going to get through here.
Them that can't be broken down and rebuilt or are just too weak,
booted into touch.
If any of my section were under threat, I'd take a bullet for them.
Well, they got you already, then.
Come on, girls, push it! Push it!
Faster.
Keep pushing it, girls! Faster!
Come on, girls!
Hurry up! Hurry up! Still got to get there!
Keep going, girls! Come on, Katy!
Come on! You're too far back, girl!
Come on, keep going!
Come on, Katy!
In front, harder!
Come on, you can do it!
Keep pushing it, girls! Keep pushing it!
If some of you show that little effort when you're deployed,
the chances of you coming back in one piece are pretty fucking remote!
Stand by your beds!
06:00, kit and locker inspection, tomorrow morning,
breakfast. Then weapons safety test.
If anybody fails,
it's another eight-mile endurance run, in full kit!
Right. As you'll have noticed, our numbers are down by two.
UFAS. Tell them what that means,
if you'll be so good, Corporal Geddings.
Unfit For Army Service.
Those people were showing the wrong attitude
and were not fit for purpose.
Chris Ingram's, Dawes.
Gone. And forgotten.
Do you want to join him or stay with us?
Stay, Corporal.
And Craig Garners gone.
Troop!
Fall out!
The rest of you, get on the mini-bus.
And throughout this entire trip,
try to remember you are representing Her Majesty's Army.
* Seems like everybody's got a price *
* I wonder how they sleep at night *
* When the sale comes first * * And the truth comes second *
* Just stop for a minute and smile *
* Why is everybody so serious? *
* Acting so damn mysterious *
* You got your shades on your eyes * * And your heels so high *
* That you can't even have * * A good time *
* Everybody look to their left * * To their left! *
* Everybody look to their right *
* Can you feel that? Yeah! *
* Well pay them with love tonight *
* It's not about the money * * Money, money *
* We don't need your money * * Money, money *
* We just want to make * * The world dance *
* Forget about the price tag *
* Ain't about the... cha-ching cha-ching *
* Ain't about the... #
Wet the bed?
No, Corporal.
You're up early, then.
It's the new me!
Gagging for a brew, me. D'you fancy one?
Is it allowed?
I'll bend the rules this once.
You must be knackered.
Yeah, well, we thought we'd just take it easy today.
Sleep in this morning, go to the pictures this afternoon.
Are you enjoying it?
I ain't jacking it in if that's what you mean, Corp.
I'm making the grade.
I bet you were a right treasure at school, weren't ya?
Two of my teachers had nervous breakdowns cos of me.
Take someone a lot bigger and badder than you to break us.
Aren't you trying to break me?
No.
We want you to be... a part of us.
Not the one on the outside trying to...
Trying to be the class clown.
After my basic training, we were deployed out in Iraq.
Our section commander got preliminary orders
that we were to secure a building across from the compound.
He was told possible enemy direct fire and mine field.
He told the section and we all went fine.
Except one fella.
And he was the one who was always joking... our class clown.
The one on the outside who thought he was better than the system.
We ran across the area,
he dithered, cacking himself.
Only one who got injured. Dithered on a mine.
Not a great place to dither.
Lost both his legs.
What we do,
we do to save your life, Molly.
You either leave or learn.
Why did you get rid of Chris Ingram's?
Why d'you think?
Rise up!
As you were.
One volunteer, please.
As you're only texting...
Come on.
If that's bloody Jade saying she can't cope...
- Who is it? - It's Molls.
Oh, they've been on an adventure trip.
Yeah, on our taxes, no doubt?
Well, you don't pay taxes, so you're all right.
She's on to live ammunition now.
It's our daughter, she's in the Forces.
- Wow. - Yeah.
Oh, God!
- Just this way. - Thank you.
He was always a scatter-brain.
Left lots of bits here.
Nothing... valuable. Just... we want them now.
Exposure of the figure twelve target.
Fire one five-round group at the target.
Rapid fire!
One, two, three. One, two, three, one...
Who fancies a little bit of mouthwash?
Sambuca! I've been saving it for that special occasion!
- You decent? - Yes, Corporal!
Rise up!
Good evening, ladies.
It's late.
Thought you might be getting ready for tomorrow mornings inspection!
Just about up to standard, Dawes.
Why, thank you, Corporal.
Ah...
Mouthwash.
Do you mind if I borrow this?
You seem to forget that I went through basic training too!
I know everything.
Including what some people get up to behind the stores.
So is that your natural colour, then?
Brown.
Dark chestnut!
- Good, Corporal. - Thank you, Sergeant.
One Section down to seven. Three Section down to eight.
Still at your full compliment here, Corporal.
Just.
Enjoy your leave.
Don't spend your entire time pissed.
Keep up the fitness.
I'll see you in a week.
Thank you, Sergeant.
Don't look too bloody smug just yet.
Long way to go before you pass out.
Right, let's get our civvies on!
You all right?
Come on, the mini bus is on the station.
- You know what they're like, they won't wait. - I'm not going home, Molls.
What you chatting about, you nut bar?
I'm not going home, Molly.
I've cleared it with the Corporal.
They're going to give me light duties around the barracks.
Why aren't you going home?
They don't really want me back
and, to be honest, that is fine with me.
Who don't? Your mum don't?
Well, her new boyfriend.
She said... well, she reckons it might for be the best.
In case it causes arguments.
Which it would, so... this is me home.
Right. Get your glad rags on, lady...
London Town, here we come.
You don't want me coming back with you.
I just said I do.
Yeah, but you don't, so...
I wouldn't bullshit you.
Dawes! How you getting on with your letter home?
- I'm about to go see them. - Write it!
Left, right! Left, right! Left, right! Left, right!
We're going to have to do so much drill when we get back.
Have you ever been abroad before?
Oh, yeah, were quite sophisticated in Lancashire!
I never have.
- What, like not even in Spain? - Not even Wales!
The first time I step on a plane, it'll be to Afghanistan.
Oh! My big girls come home to mummy!
Let's have a look at the little sproglet!
Oh, he looks like Dad, poor fella!
- He don't, he looks like me, don't he, Mum? - Well, he's got a bit of everybody in him.
Look at you, Molls! Look at you!
- What? - I dunno. You look all...
All... I dunno!
- Oh, Mum, this is my mate, Katy! She's coming to stay. - All right, Katy?
We thought it was you!
- Welcome home! - What d'you mean, you thought it was me?
We was on the bus and we thought we saw you walking down the road with your friend.
Oh, my mate, Katy. Army. Top girl.
All right, Katy.
So, we on a girlie night out tonight or what?
Yeah, sounds like a plan, Stan!
I'm all right, thanks, Mar. I'm off them as it goes.
- Molly! - Molly!
Hello!
Oh, here she is!
I can't believe your hair!
Dye it again, you look too different!
I been dying it since I was 11, I thought it was about time I went natural!
Look at your hands, Molly. They gone like cuttle fish!
Don't go near my budgie, he'd fucking eat them!
And where's them beautiful nails!?
Not... regulation.
When did you start taking orders?
Are we going to get ruined tonight or what?!
Get in there, get in there, get in there, get in there.
Three, two, one!
I been at work. Shower. Then come here.
How did you know I was here?
Your dad said.
Artan!
There you go, fella.
What's going on there?
Your dad knew I wanted to see you.
- He hates you. - Have you missed me?
You didn't ring.
It's tricky.
This is my friend, from training.
Hi.
Were getting married.
Let's talk.
Don't go back.
I don't really want to leave Katy on her own for too long.
Don't go back to training. You know what I mean.
I want to.
I don't want you to.
Oh, don't you?!
Molly, I know I haven't always loved you well...
What, you mean shagging other people?
I always come back to you.
You are my love.
You are my heart.
Is that a fact?
I have to marry you because you are me.
What the fuck does that mean?
Without you... I am not me.
I am someone else, someone less.
With you, baby, I am man.
I am proud.
- It's happened already, yes? - What?
They're training you to hate us.
Don't be a dickhead.
Will you fucking stop doing that?!
- What? - Always grabbing my face!
- You don't get to touch my face anymore! - Why not?
Just go away.
- What's going on? - What do you mean, what's going on?
He's been bang up for you coming home and you're treating him like shit.
- What's going on with you?! - I said I'd make sure things were smooth between you.
- What's it gotta do with you? - We're helping each other out and that.
Oh, shut up!
Molly, go back inside and be nice.
Show him a bit of respect.
What is all this shit about respect?!
Why don't you go in there and you treat him with a bit of respect?!
You don't talk to me like that, understand?!
He's doing me a favour.
Oh, God! What?
What's it gotta do with you?
Well, obviously quite a lot if he's doing you a favour
and I'm part of the deal.
You're going to marry him anyway,
what difference does it make if he thinks I'm the one allowing it?
Allowing it?
You what? You butt out, love, yeah?
So you're my pimp now, Dad, is that right?
Just fucking marry him, Molly. For Daddy.
You know, that's exactly what were fighting for in Afghanistan.
What?
So that women can have a say in who they marry or if they want to get married at all.
What a load of bullshit!
Were out there fighting to show the ragheads were no fucking pushover.
Look, Molls, we've come up with a way to make us...
Well, not rich, but sorted.
- You and Artan? - Exactly.
They've taken me off the sick, I'm back on Job Seekers.
I can't afford to feed the family any more.
Imagine how that makes me feel, Moll.
I've got a start with a Russian firm building on Aldgate.
Artan's got a cousin working there.
Now, if I can persuade you to marry him,
his cousins going to put a nail gun through my hand.
I mean, brilliant or what? Now, say you'll marry him.
Fucking hell, Dad, has the booze finally done
your last brain cell in!? You're off your nut!
That's how much you know, then.
I'll get a huge wedge compensation from the Russians
and I'll be on the sick for life.
We've thought it all through and all you've got to do...
And if you don't...
if you don't, Moll,
there'll be very serious repercussions for the whole family!
Yeah, you want that, eh?
I promise you, you won't see any of us again.
Not your mum, not your bothers or your sisters.
- That's a fact. - Fine.
You don't want to see me, fine. I'll see Mum.
Oh, no, you won't, she's 100% behind me
because she's a proper wife.
Like you're going to be.
I mean, you join the Army,
you're happy to get your head blown off for England,
you're saying you won't do a simple thing for your own flesh and blood?
- Ready? - When you are.
- Just going to fuck off, then, yeah? - Without saying nothing.
It ain't like that.
Don't give it like you're anything special! You're in the Army!
Anyone can join the fucking Army. They let her in for starters!
Yeah. We ain't good enough for you no more.
Wrong, bitch! You're not good enough for us anymore!
Come on, Mar, let's go.
Loser!
There's things I know and there's things you don't know I know.
- Yeah? What's that supposed to mean? - I'll put it this way.
Once upon a time, I'd have knocked your teeth down your throat.
But why should I make you better looking?
Come on!
One, two, three!
Two, one, two!
- Guess what? - Go on.
This lot...
... needs sorting and putting in the stores.
Sorry, guys. Another few bits.
Do you want us to unload that trolley, Corp?
These are previously enjoyed. They'll need going through the laundry first.
Then ironed, ladies.
And there was me thinking we'd go into town for a Ruby later.
Right, I'll take that below and do it.
You keep stacking, Molly Dawes.
Stop looking at me. I know I look a mess.
You look a lot better than when you first arrived!
You flirting?
I've got a duty of care. Flirting verboten.
I won't say nothing.
Here, pass us them boxes, please, Corp.
But I do understand it must be hard for you to control yourself
- when you're around me, Dawes. - Oh! Dream on, Corp.
As it happens, it's pretty obvious that you're proper loved up with me.
How d'you work that one out, then?
You UFAS-ing Chris Ingram's.
What, you reckon that was down to you and him?
Can I tell you that was absolutely nothing to do with you and him?
He was a good soldier, you know that.
You're joking. His attitude stank.
And all that crap that he was saying in the canteen was not on.
How do you know what he was saying to me in the canteen?
All that about brain washing and like were a cult.
He thought he was cleverer than the system. No-one is.
So he was right, it is like a cult.
It's a family.
You write that letter?
Dawes?
- Yes, Sergeant. - Stand easy.
Bit of bad news, I'm afraid.
Your fathers had an accident at work.
They've taken him to hospital,
but your mother informs me he's going to be fine.
- Sergeant... - If it's all right with you, Corporal,
I think we can excuse Dawes the Realities Of War tour
- and she can have a few days compassionate. - Fine.
Excuse me, Sergeant.
I want to go on the trip, please. Thank you.
Nine different regiments stood shoulder to shoulder
to fend off the German advance.
They knew that had the Germans broken through,
the allied position would have been nigh on impossible.
And life in the trenches...
often up to your thighs in foul, rancid, rat-infested water.
And these rats were huge,
they had so much waste and dead human flesh to feast on.
And then, there was the mustard gas,
which caused great mustard-coloured blisters.
Your eyes would be glued shut.
The gas would attack the lungs,
making every breath an agonising fight
until after four of five weeks, the poison would eventually kill you,
giving the rats even more carrion to devour.
Every one of these graves tells us a story,
not just of some brave Tommy,
but of a brother, a father, a son
who died doing what they saw was their duty...
their service to the nation.
In Flanders fields The poppies blow.
Between the crosses, row on row.
That mark our place.
And in the sky.
The larks, still bravely singing Fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Scarce days ago.
We lived, felt dawn Saw sunset glow.
Loved and were loved.
And now we lie.
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw.
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die.
We shall not sleep.
Though poppies grow.
In Flanders fields.
Who was that?
Oh, it's my sister. I didn't feel like chatting.
Mum, it's only me.
I just wanted to hear your voice.
D'you want a cup of tea?
If that was Molly, she's been told.
- We don't want nothing to do with her no more. - Yeah, I know.
If she ever rings, you put the phone straight down, yeah?
Yes.
Have nothing to do with the selfish mare.
And I just wanted you to know that I love you.
You will come to passing out, wont you, Mum?
Please try, it's a big deal.
It's important.
Turn!
General salute!
Present arms!
Devastating blast by just one man wearing a suicide belt.
Al-Qaedas weapon of choice. Undetected by security...
This is Private Dawes, she's joining the Royal Army Medical Corps.
Private Dawes, good morning. How are you?
- Very well, sir. - And all the very best. Welcome to the RAMC.
- Thank you, sir. - Well done.
Not out celebrating with your family?
Can I stay here tonight?
I start at Keogh tomorrow.
Exactly, so don't you want to... ?
I know what every second would be like till the morning.
I got my next lot of recruits coming in tomorrow morning.
Does your duty of care prevent you
from necking a bottle of warm flat lemonade with me?
I think I'll be able to square that with the Ministry of Defence.
I feel strange.
You'll do fine. First impressions, remember.
No gobbing off on day one.
Me?
Six months corps and then the real thing.
Can you drink in Afghanistan?
No chance.
I just wanted to say thanks.
I'm a soldier, Corporal!
Only fucking just.
Ah, I thought you might be hiding.
I'm not hiding, I'm just... getting my stuff together and that.
My Aunties driving me up to Birmingham.
- Oh! Look after yourself, Katy. - I will.
Keep in touch, OK?
Rumour has it, you can go on Facebook at Keogh, so... watch out!
We only bleeding done it!
The next 14 weeks, I am your mother, father,
boyfriend, grandma and your bloody God all rolled into one.
You are mine,
and, more importantly, I am yours.
The next weeks are going to need your absolute concentration
and dedication.
Those determined enough will pass out.
Those that dig deeper than they ever thought they could
and find new strengths, will pass through.
Those that do not give up in the face of adversity will do all right.
You want it enough, you will get it.
I promise you that.
Hello, Zero. This is Charlie Two One.
Contact! Wait out!
Help! Please help!
Help! Help!
Keep still, Private.
Keep still. Good lad. Lie still as you can.
I'm going to get you out of here, OK?
Keep looking at me. I'm going to get you out of here, OK?
I'll be right back, you understand?
How you doing, Corporal?
I've lost my foot.
I know you're my section commander, but right now, I'm in charge,
I need you to man up. All right, man up!
See, what did I tell you? I'm right back. Hello, Zero.
This is Charlie Two One. One T1 to one T2.
Insurgents!
Right, I need to get you back to the Jeep.
Good work, Private.
Thanks, Sarge.
So, why d'you pick the Private?
Well, he lost both legs, was losing a lot of blood.
The other lad lost a foot, but he was fully conscious.
I had to make a decision quickly.
Thanks, lads. Go and get yourselves some scoff
and pick up your Oscars once you've eaten, yeah?
You know, you don't just go to who screams the loudest.
No, Sarge. I wanted to tourniquet the Private
- before I jumped on the Corporal. - What about me?
Took full impact of the blast, assessed unable to survive.
No, seriously, when you was screaming your nut off,
I thought something had really happened! Private Dawes!
You got a visitor, down the guard room.
Mum!
What's the matter? What's happened?
- Nothing. - Well, what you doing here, then?
Oh, charming.
I don't mean it like that, it's just...
I wanted to see you. That's all right, isn't it?
- How did you get here? - Train.
Why didn't you let me know?!
Does Dad know you're here?
No.
Where does he think you are?
Taking the baby up the hospital for his six-month check.
We were there all day last time!
You look well.
Knackered.
They working you hard?
Well, you know, there's a lot to learn.
That phone call...
What phone call? Can't remember.
I had to see you, Molly.
Can't remember a phone call. I must have been pissed.
You never come to passing out.
It was difficult with your dad.
Does he hate me?
Cor, he loves you, Molly.
And how's the baby?
As big a pain in the arse as the rest of us six?
Yeah, carrying on a fine family tradition!
We all look out for each other here, Mum.
I had to see you, Molly. I had to touch you.
Don't set me off, Mum. You know what I'm like.
Do you have to go?
I want to go.
Oh, God!
God, it was weird climbing those steps.
When we knew we'd be stepping out into a different world.
All that training, Mum.
All those months making me... me.
And this was it, this was what it was all for.
I was proud to sit with each and every soul.
Good people.
Every time I'm out on patrol, I think of you back home.
Back home seems a long way away right now,
but it's never been so crisp and clear and perfect in my mind.
If I listen carefully, I can hear the kids playing, laughing.
Like when you put a shell to your ear
and you think you can hear the sea.
Maybe you do! Cos I can hear all you lot right now.
Tell the kids I love them. The little bleeders.
I love being out on patrol. I love Afghanistan.
The sounds, the smells, the heat on my skin.
Nothing worries me anymore, Mum,
I've got it sorted.
Anyway, if you're reading this, it means they got me.
They get us to write these letters from the grave.
Seems mad to think that I won't ever see you again.
I didn't want to write,
but my Corporal said there'd be a Molly-sized hole in your heart
if I was killed.
I don't want a hole in your heart, Mum.
Your heart is way too good to have any hole in it.
Anyway, let's hope I died gallantly.
Let's hope they've spooned me into a body bag
after doing something heroic.
It's funny to think that the thing
that made me into some sort of decent human being
has been the death of me.
But, it's better this way, isn't it?
Does that make any sense?
It is better to have done something, been someone,
have my name read out by the Prime Minister, isn't it?
Soldiers killed in Afghanistan...
I love you, Mum.
Tell Dad I love him, too.
Our girl will be all right.
Serving in the Helmand Province have been withdrawn until next year.
The Prime Minister came here to tell the British troops himself
that within months...
The war in Afghanistan is coming to an end,
but after 11 years of conflict, at what price?
- synced and corrected by chamallow - - www.addic7ed.com -