The 5 RIFLES documentary ‘Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War', will be re-run on 5Action on Tuesday the 7th of April at 9pm

Published on March 31, 2026

The 5 RIFLES documentary ‘Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War', will be re-run on 5Action on Tuesday the 7th of April at 9pm.

If you missed it the first time around, this is your chance to gain an insight into an infantry battalion and how it ticks.

The following two episodes will be shown over consecutive Tuesdays at the same time, and it will also be available on the C5 streaming platform "Simply 5".

Episode 1 features a week-long exercise in the Brecon Beacon mountains called 'Top Dog', a military skills competition that tests the Riflemen’s fitness and mental resilience. Over four harsh winter days and nights, they're put through the wringer. Whoever impresses most will be crowned Top Dog: the best Rifleman in the Company.

Top Dog culminates in the 'Sword Lane', where Riflemen must eliminate a series of targets at close range, using only a sword (RIFLES terminology for a bayonet).

Other news

We recently asked the 5 RIFLES cast their thoughts on their roles in the documentary ‘Platoon 24/7: Preparing for War'.

February 22, 2026

Rifleman Luke O’Neill has been named the first winner of the Fitzgibbon Award.

April 20, 2026
Corporal Luke O’Neill has been named the first winner of the Fitzgibbon Award.As a Section Commander with B company, 1 RIFLES, he has helped drive innovation at the battalion with his skills in leadership and drone expertise 🪖Chosen from 25 nominations, he has made a real impact, and brought recognition of excellence to the Army's junior ranks