In the Army Now
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Bullet trajectories at altitude & mastering the art of lying still – In the Army Now Ep.13
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Surviving an MRLS ‘Grad’ attack – In the Army Now Ep.14
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Operating an APC BTR-82A & frying an egg on armour – In the Army Now Ep.15
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Psychological assault course final – In the Army Now Ep.16
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At army survival school – In the Army Now Ep.17
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Military survival test: Ambushed, shot at, and gassed – In the Army Now Ep.18
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Surviving a freezing night in the woods – In the Army Now Ep.19
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At the Marine assault course in Vladivostok – In the Army Now Ep.20
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Detecting landmines & preparing APCs for the high seas – In the Army Now Ep.21
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Destroying a ‘terrorist stronghold’ with Russian Marines – In the Army Now Ep.22
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Training with Russian Paratroopers on the Black Sea – In The Army Now Ep.23
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Russian mountain division obstacle course – In the Army Now Ep.24
At army survival school – In the Army Now Ep.17
Military service in the Russian Army is compulsory for young men aged 18 to 27, with some exceptions. After the mandatory term is over, they can remain in the army on a contract basis. Women who want to serve in the military can also join the contract army. To become professional soldiers, the new recruits undergo special training. The men build on the skills and experience they gained while they were conscripts, while women learn combat techniques from the very beginning.
Related: Two competitive army commanders test their new recruits in the Caucasus Mountains
Anna and Pavel are in Nizhny Novgorod region to attend the army’s “survival school” for would-be contract servicemen and women. As the two have already undergone training in several very different Russian Army regiments and even completed the dreaded “psychological assault course”, they feel they know what army life is about. However, they soon discover they still have a lot to learn. Their new commanders prove to be highly demanding when it comes to discipline. They are not impressed with Pavel’s frivolous haircut or Anna’s assortment of grooming products.
Related: WWI soldiers launched their final offensive after being fatally poisoned by a gas
The two will have to toughen up if they are to reach the standard of professional soldiers. To help them make the transition as fast as possible, the commander decides to roll some tanks over them. Before Anna and Pavel can engage in battle with the tanks, however, they need to learn some vital skills. Anna has to throw a live grenade for the first time in her life. Meanwhile, Pavel learns what to do when someone’s trying to choke you to death.