Army boot-camp behaviour appalling

I was appalled at a recent army recruit programme on RTÉ television. I was privileged to command an infantry platoon in the Congo in 1960 and have experienced a wide range of army situations during my service.

However, nothing approached the extreme behaviour exhibited by the recruit training instructors depicted in the film. I do not believe this type of so-called boot camp behaviour is appropriate to our recruits, especially the bullying carried out in the accommodation, clothing and equipment inspections. I wonder at the poor judgement of those responsible for allowing this to be released for public viewing.

J.C. Mealy, Captain (Retired)