30 modern English young males volunteer, bravely or naively, as recruits in the Essex regiment 1950s style for weeks of 'basic training' by though modern war veterans, who have bee rigorously briefed about the old days paternalistic style. The boys suffer constant scolding and incessant demands, paternalism down to hygiene below the belt, and 'generous' punishments. They are divided into two platoon squads, whose corporals rival over their backs in very imaginable detail for the lieutenant's praise.