Combat Forces

Artillery is known as the King of Battle and for over 100 years it has played a pivotal role in combat. In this fascinating episode we learn how artillery works, what ammunition it fires and how it plays an important role in modern combat.

In the Vietnam War the USAF discovered that 90% of their casualties occurred during pilots first 10 missions. So a specialized training exercise was developed to provide pilots with the same combat missions they could expect in their first 10 missions.

Hand-to-hand combat; it is every soldiers greatest fear. At the Army Combatives School in Fort Benning, Georgia, they teach soldiers how to fight to survive. Teach them skills that are beyond UFC... skills that kill!

Today, nuclear subs dominate the seas; yet their biggest threat is a diesel submarine. The modern diesel submarine has of a wide range of capabilities and is known for its incredible stealth.

Modern tanks are the equivalent of chariots on the battlefields of today. In Iraq and Afghanistan they are a soldier’s savior or an enemy’s nightmare. We join tank crews from several nations as they train for deployment to overseas hotspots.

Silent, covert, deadly; they're a commander’s secret weapon. Snipers are the long-range killers on the battlefield. We travel to several renowned sniper schools to see them train and learn about their advanced technology weapons and unique field craft.

House-to-house combat is one of the most brutal and intense types of land warfare. Recent conflicts in Bosnia, Somalia, and Iraq have reinforced the need for training in this specialized skill set at urban warfare training facilities throughout the world.

Air-to-air combat is one of the principle war fighting skills a new pilot must learn. At a massive international air exercise, we join crews from several countries as they learn the basics of air combat and what it takes to survive.

Airborne soldiers are known as force multipliers because of their unique capabilities. Dropped behind enemy lines they can secure bridges or conduct ambushes.

In the field of honor there is one group that stands above the rest: combat medics. They are there to help aid the wounded soldier, even if it is under heavy fire.

Every soldier, sailor, and airman has to pass one hurdle before coming a member of the military: basic training. We examine the physical and psychological tests and training that occur in basic training.

Combat requires that soldiers be tough, strong, and durable. Combat fitness is the specialized training that is given to soldiers to help them survive. We learn why this is important and how this training is even adapted for civilians.

Rangers are an elite light infantry whose sole purpose is to seek out and destroy the enemy. Each year, the US Army Ranger School holds an intense 3-day competition to find the best Ranger team in the army.

Bullets, shrapnel, and IEDs; all are dangers for infantry. Modern military forces have designed a new generation of versatile and lethal weapons systems to help protect soldiers from the dangers of battle: Infantry Fighting Vehicles.

Knowing an enemies strengths and weaknesses is one of the key elements of success in combat. Reconnaissance units are specially trained soldiers and marines who go behind enemy lines to gather intelligence about the enemy force.

In preparation for contemporary multinational deployments, coalition forces are constantly training with one another in joint operations. This cooperation and understanding of each other's operating procedures are critical to their success in battle.

Fire and floods are the true dangers at sea. NATO sailors learn how to fight the two most common threats to any warship or submarine. From fighting fireballs to patching holes in the dark, sailors are put to the test at damage control schools.

Boarding other ships has been around since the dawn of combat at sea. Today, sailors must train to do far more than their ancestors. They must enforce embargoes, deal with pirates armed with missiles, and catch smugglers. It is dangerous work.

High technology is changing the modern battlefield. It is also changing training. In this episode, we examine the different types of simulators and other related technology that is being used to help make soldiers more battle-ready.

Whether at sea, in the air, or on land, modern warfare happens in all environments. In this special episode, we examine the different types of training which deal with multi-environment warfare, also known as full spectrum warfare.

Artillery is known as the hammer of the battlefield because of the awesome firepower it can bring down on an enemy. Imagine if that same firepower could be mobile and dropped behind enemy lines to support soldiers with long-distance firepower.

Paratroopers are uniquely trained and incredibly hardy soldiers whom are tougher, faster, and deadlier than normal foot soldiers. They can go where others cannot, jumping from aircraft behind enemy lines from as low as 600 feet in the darkness of night.

When your propeller is wrapped in fishing nets or the enemy has attached mines to your ship, there is one specially trained sailor who is trained to help save the day. Ship divers are charged with saving the ship and saving lives in rescue missions.

Medics aren't always available on the battlefield, so military leaders have developed specialized medical training for all soldiers, known as Combat Casualty Care, because IEDs and other types of bombs are wounding far too many personnel.

From ambushes to intelligence gathering, Pathfinders in most NATO armies are specially trained to tackle difficult and dangerous missions, like clearing the way for paratrooper mission. They are absolutely deadly soldiers who can get the job done.

Elite Forces are specially trained and prepared personnel who conduct missions far outside the norm. From Special Operation Forces to uniquely qualified units which have specific objectives, these elite forces can do it all – no matter where or when.