Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the Channel 5 original series Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War (2026) — including its premiere date, streaming availability, full episode guide, cast lineup, and a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from Australia.
How can I watch Platoon: Life In The Barracks in Australia on 5?
To watch Platoon: Life In The Barracks in Australia, you can stream it on Channel 5’s free on-demand platform, 5 (formerly My5). Since the service is geo-restricted, you’ll need a premium VPN connected to a UK server to access the series as if you were located in the United Kingdom.
- Subscribe to NordVPN
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a UK-based server.
- Visit the Channel 5 website, then sign in or create a new 5 account. During registration, you’ll be asked for a UK postcode — if you don’t have one, you can use an online UK postcode generator.
- You are all set to watch Platoon: Life In The Barracks restriction-free!
Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War Synopsis
Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War follows 13 Platoon, D Company, 5 RIFLES as they undergo intense preparation for potential deployment. The series explores how recruits from across the UK must quickly learn trust and teamwork. Physical endurance, mental resilience, and leadership under pressure are tested daily. A central focus is Top Dog, a brutal competition designed to identify the strongest and most resilient Rifleman. Soldiers endure freezing nights, exhaustion, and relentless challenges. Personal struggles surface as the pressure mounts. By the end, the series asks who truly has the mindset and strength required for war.
When does Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War premiere?
Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War premieres on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 9pm on Channel 5.
Cast
- Lieutenant Tom Drew – A young platoon commander navigating leadership for the first time under extreme conditions, balancing authority with inexperience.
- Sergeant Dan Mann – The steady backbone of the platoon, responsible for discipline, structure, and operational readiness.
- Rifleman Callum Hancock – A former bouncer and powerlifter whose physical dominance is driven by a difficult personal past.
- Rifleman Will Halliday – The most academically qualified soldier in the platoon, relying on strategy and intelligence.
- Rifleman Owen Morris – An 18-year-old recruit eager to prove himself after a troubled school history.
- Rifleman Ryan Dutton – A father of two returning from injury, fighting to secure his future in the platoon.
Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War Episode Guide:
- Episode 1 – Top Dog
The platoon faces a week-long trial in the Brecon Beacons, testing fitness, mental toughness, and determination to crown the best Rifleman. - Episode 2 – Eastern Front Training
Training intensifies with urban combat drills and NATO exercises abroad, introducing armoured vehicles and battlefield coordination. - Episode 3 – Iron Storm
The final episode delivers a full-scale battle simulation on Salisbury Plain, followed by a brutal endurance challenge where success depends on unity and teamwork.
Is there a way to watch Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War online for free?
You can watch Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War completely free on Channel 5’s streaming service, 5 (formerly My5), which is ad-supported. For viewers in Australia, the series is geo-restricted, meaning it cannot be accessed directly. By using a reliable VPN, connecting to a UK server, and signing in or creating a free 5 account, you can stream the series smoothly from anywhere in the world.
How to Sign Up for 5 (formerly My5)
| # | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official 5 streaming website on your browser or device. |
| 2 | Click Sign In and choose Register to create a free account. |
| 3 | Enter your email, password, date of birth, and a UK postcode if required. |
| 4 | Accept the terms and confirm your registration. |
| 5 | Verify your account via the email sent by 5. |
| 6 | Sign in on the 5 website or app and start streaming for free. |
| 7 | On TVs, enter the activation code at my5.tv/activate if prompted. |
Is Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War connected to current global events?
The series reflects broader military readiness themes amid contemporary world tensions, following platoons preparing for possible Eastern Europe deployment.
Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War Trailer
FAQs
- Is Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War free to watch?
Yes, Simply 5 offers free streaming with ads. You only need to create a free account to start watching once connected to the UK. - How many episodes does Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War have?
The series consists of three episodes, each focusing on a different phase of training and preparation for deployment. - Who are the soldiers featured in the series?
The show focuses on 13 Platoon, D Company, 5 Rifles, a 30-strong group of British Army infantry soldiers undergoing preparatory training. - Who produced Platoon 24/7 Preparing for War?
The series was filmed by an embedded production crew working alongside 13 Platoon during 2025 to capture authentic behind-the-scenes experiences.
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