Till Something Breaks

1991, 43 Minutes

Not every army officer wants to be a commando. Not every army officer is good enough.

Till Something Breaks shows how the Commando Regiment makes its choice in a nightmare test that lasts 10 days and nights. The Regiment tests these potential recruits to the limit. They are denied shelter; they battle the cold, rain and their own fear; they are deceived, misled and given no idea how long they will have to endure. The oldest in this group is 35, the youngest only 18.

Till Something Breaks shows how these men are trained for war and trained to lead. As commandos they will be taking soldiers into battle, and possible death, therefore the commandos cannot afford any weak links. They're looking for mental toughness as well as physical stamina.

A fascinating insight into what it takes to become a commando and a humanising look at the army machine.

A Film Australia production. © 2011 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.