RTÉ’s two part documentary, 'Recruits' looks at newbies being trained up for the Defence Forces and it caused quite a stir on Twitter after the first episode aired last night.
It's the first time that a camera crew were given permission to film behind the scenes with the Irish Army and follow new recruits as they take on all the challenges that come with being part of the Defence Forces as men and women are pushed to the limit.
In the first episode, recruits were faced with push-ups, punishments if they failed in their groups and scrubbing boots, and it really put them through their paces but not everyone on Twitter agreed with the tough love approach from the training officers and were not impressed with the colourful language.
The irony of the RTE show on army #Recruits. The NCOs trying to promote discipline despite their vulgar language.
— Derek Griffin (@DerekGriffin86) August 31, 2015
#recruits such a bad pr for the Irish Army... no need for such language, no matter where you work. #policeacadamy!!!!
— Emma Gollogly (@egollogly) August 31, 2015
Why the vulgarity in training our army #Recruits
Is it really necessary or just some inadequacy on the part of those doing the training?— Ciaran Cannon (@ciarancannon) August 31, 2015
#recruits foul language from these supposed officers of our army is embarrassing
— George Lawlor (@cllrglawlor) August 31, 2015
This #recruits programme dreadful. Do you have to be an expert curser to qualify for the army?
— Miriam Donohoe (@miriamdonohoe) August 31, 2015
Some felt it was just 'bullying' by the trainers
Obviously normal employment law regarding bullying and dignity in the workplace don't apply in the army #recruits
— Richard Sheehan (@risteard69) August 31, 2015
Disgraceful. Trainers are bullies and 'toe rags'. This sort of training to instil discipline does not work. I'm disgusted. #rte #recruits
— Pauline Flanagan (@paulineflan1) August 31, 2015
Some weren't sure how good the show was for the army's reputation
Not sure this #Recruits is doing justice to our army friends, who often work in dangerous conditions for low pay
— Thomas Byrne (@ThomasByrneTD) August 31, 2015
Not sure the #recruits @RTEOne is a good advertisement for the army......
— Paul Carney (@paulie_carney) August 31, 2015
But, as with anything there are both sides to every story and some people took to Twitter to defend the trainers and their teaching methods
It goes to show judging by the tweets that some people have no clue what life in the army is like. What u c here is toned down #recruits
— Paul Mc Guinness (@paulmcguinness6) August 31, 2015
Hahahaha the amount of giving out about the language on #Recruits . Get a grip people, it's all part of it! Some might say that's sedate! 😂
— Sarah O'Neill (@SarahONeill18) August 31, 2015
Lots of giving about about the cursing in #recruits. It's the army not the Boy Scouts.They are training for war zones not finishing school
— Mick McCaffrey (@mccaffreymick) August 31, 2015
It seems some prefer our defence forces to go into action as gentle trusting souls using well honed, mannerly mediation skills. #recruits
— Pat Brady 🇪🇺🇺🇳 🇺🇦 (@Workplacesols) August 31, 2015
If you missed last night's episode you can catch up on RTÉ player and the second instalment airs tonight at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
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