The Paras: Men of War - Episode Guide

In the first programme, 41 recruits start training at Catterick barracks.

To earn the Parachute Regiment's maroon beret, the remaining Para recruits are subjected to the most physical and psychologically-challenging aspects of their 28-day course. In this episode, the platoon starts the Army's toughest selection process. It's the ultimate challenge of resilience and character. The battle-hardened instructors make no compromises.

The third and final programme provides a vivid insight into how Paras need to be ready to fight at all times, their perspectives on being first into conflict - and how they face up to the prospect of death either during a battle, or in making dangerous parachute jumps. It also includes the stories of the recruits trying their hardest to get in. Major Nick French is getting married - but in the back of his mind, he's aware that any Para needs to be ready for war at a moment's notice.