Russian soldier

James Brown joins the paratroopers' mountain division, where he and his comrades engage the enemy in wargames. 

Kotelnikov’s group leaves for its mission. After arrival to a base they start setting up camp and try to cope with problems set by Mother Nature. Shevchuk and his men continue with their preparation. They also go on combat and shooting exercises. Their commander wants to make sure that his men will be ready not just for a competition, but for real combat.

Tulsky is asked to make a field demonstration of his unit’s skills. As there’s not much to demonstrate, the soldiers have to learn everything fast. Kotelnikov’s unit is punished for breaking the rules and sent into the mountains for a long training exercise. Now the group needs to prepare thoroughly for the distant mission.

Tulsky and Kotelnikov’s soldiers are finally going to engage in their first battle. Kotelnikov’s group is much more experienced, but even they find the task difficult. They have to cross a river which had been turned into a strong torrent by rain. Meanwhile, Tulsky’s soldiers work on their first defense strategy.

Kotelnikov’s group heads to the mountains to be tested by the battalion commander. Tulsky’s men stay at the foothills, but their training is going to be equally hard. Both teams have difficulties in accomplishing their tasks. Kotelnikov’s soldiers learn to hold their fellows from falling off a cliff while Shevchuk and his companions have to cross a river by rope.

Urusov has a day-off and invites his unit buddies for a family celebration. Tulsky decides to train his shooting skills. While his commander is not around, Shevchuk also takes a break and goes to meet his friend.

On the second day of the contest, Kotelnikov’s unit leaves for mountain training. While his group gets real field experience, Tulsky’s unit goes wall climbing in the gym. However, the easier conditions don’t lead to better results, and most of the new privates can’t accomplish the task.

The first day of Tulsky and Kotelnikov’s battle begins. The first stage is a sniper competition in which Shevchuk represents Tulsky’s unit. His opponent is the experienced sniper, Urusov. The shooting will be tough for Shevchuk as it’s his first time holding such gun in his hands.

In the wild and perilous mountains of Caucasus, Russian soldiers train to survive and fight under the command of two competitive officers. They will need to learn to communicate with signals, cross rivers using ropes, fire at targets, and navigate the difficult terrain to become true mountain soldiers.

In Russia, every schoolchild knows the name of Aleksey Maresyev. The legendary WWII fighter pilot’s heroic story was retold in a 1948 book, “The story of a real man”. After his plane was shot down by Nazi fire, he survived in the Russian wilderness for 18 days with broken legs and found his way to safety. Despite losing both legs in hospital, he still convinced doctors and military commanders that he should continue to fly. His example helped many who might otherwise have given up, some handicapped pilots say it inspired them to survive and continue with their careers.

For the final day of the competition the units need to destroy the specially set terrorist camp. This is when the two groups will finally need the skills they have been developing all the while. Today’s results will show which team wins and gets an opportunity to go to the international championship.

The final round of the battle is to start within a few days. Now it is the first time when Tulsky’s unit has to go into the mountains. Kotelnikov’s group also goes up to practice rock-climbing. Shevchuk tries to cope with his weaknesses and not to fall behind but he still has to do a lot to become a perfect soldier.

The next stage of the competition will include horses and dogs, so their preparation begins now. Horse rider Kamenev tests horses by taking them up and down the mountain. Meanwhile Sergeant Dinza is busy with the dogs. He prepares his own dog for the competition and helps another soldier to train a puppy.

The day has come for Tulsky to show what his soldiers have learned. Shevchuk is doubly nervous because he also has to perform at a concert. He tries not to let down his commander and unit. Kotelnikov’s group begins its mission.

The distinguishing features of Russia's elite Spetsnaz soldiers include their maroon berets, unparalleled physical fitness and ability to make the right decisions at lightning speed. Evgeny Epov was one such soldier; he made the ultimate sacrifice and saved the lives of several of his comrades. 

James Brown “travels back in time” to take part in what would be remembered as the “attack of the dead men”, the bloody conclusion of the battle of Osowiec in WWI.