The Torch: "Combat School" on Discovery Channel TV, starting March 10

This looks very interesting, with video trailer and lots of additional material at the site. Six weekly episodes, starting Tuesday, March 10, at 10 PM ET/PT (several alternate times--see preceding link), show intensive training by 1 Platoon, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment before deploying to Afstan in fall 2008. Final episode shows them in action.

These are programs:

EPISODE 1: One Platoon

Forty men and women from 1 Platoon, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment begins mission-specific training for the most intense combat situation any of them have ever faced.

One Platoon leader Lieutenant Jon Cox and his boss, company commander Major Cayle Oberwarth, must ensure that these soldiers - some as young as 18 - are fully trained before they enter the volatile combat zone. In this episode, the platoon travels to Fort Bliss, Texas - an area with a terrain that mimics the arid Afghan topography - to begin training as a mechanized force. Right from the start, however, 1 Platoon encounters difficulties, leaving Major Oberwarth very worried as the soldiers move into live fire exercises.

EPISODE 2: Who here wants to die?

With the reality that 1 Platoon is further behind in training than any other platoon at Fort Bliss, company commander Oberwarth does not mince words to get them motivated.

Nighttime live fire exercises and IED training commence after a disastrous showing at convoy drills. The soldiers must also learn how to rid a mock village of Taliban. The situation begins to improve until Lt. Cox is "wounded" by training officers, leaving Warrant Officer Rhodenizer in charge. The problem is no one remembers to tell Major Oberwarth.

EPISODE 3: A Virtual War

After intense training in Texas, 1 Platoon returns home with change in the air. The soldiers move to the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta for the most realistic, complex and technologically advanced combat training in the world.

Now promoted, Captain Cox is called home suddenly to attend to his pregnant fiancée, leaving Warrant Officer Rhodenizer to lead 1 Platoon. Later, the mock Battle of Tanachoy puts Company Commander Oberwarth's diplomatic and coordination skills to the ultimate test.

EPISODE 4: Hidden Enemies

Without their leader, Captain Cox, 1 Platoon is assigned to a remote forward operating base for guard duty. Major Oberwarth becomes stretched for resources after a mock suicide bomber causes mass casualties.

In 1 Platoon's absence, 2 Platoon is sent to save an important VIP from a downed helicopter, but may be driving into an ambush. Live fire fights, searches for IEDs and hidden weapons caches, and disguised enemies all add to the intensity of the training.

EPISODE 5: Ready or Not

When 1 Platoon tries to protect a disabled helicopter, Warrant Rhodenizer - commanding the platoon in Captain Cox's absence - is "critically injured" by shrapnel.

One Platoon then reunites with the rest of Mike Company for their final major battle before the end of training. It's the last chance to prove themselves in the eyes of their commanders. Back home at CFB Petawawa, the soldiers physically and emotionally prepare themselves to leave for Afghanistan as the mission draws closers.

EPISODE 6: Trial by Fire

After months of demanding training, the 'battle-ready' troops of 1 Platoon, Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment finally arrive in Afghanistan - their home for the next six months.

Assigned to a Forward Operating Base in the heart of Taliban territory, this will be the first time their combat skills are put to the ultimate test in the theatre of war. They learn just how close the enemy is after a rocket attack on their very first night on base. Later, 1 Platoon journeys deeper into insurgent territory to protect a command outpost that is so dangerous it will be abandoned after this mission. All of their training has led to this. Surrounded by a relentless enemy, a barrage of live fire, and punishing terrain, will the soldiers use the skills they learned in combat school, and gain the confidence they need to accomplish - and survive - their mission?

The official site of the the battalion [May 2009 Update: site is now hors de combat] is excellent, indeed a model to my mind, with lots of articles and photos about their engagements in Afstan--one set of photos (can be expanded by right-clicking):

OP JANUBI TAPU 2
OP JANUBI TAPU 2 was a Canadian led multinational operation that overwhelmed the insurgents and substantially reduced their ability to plan, coordinate, stage and conduct offensive operations in Zharey District and Kandahar City. This Task Force Kandahar operation occurred between 25 and 28 November 2008 and included elements from the Afghan National Security Forces, United States mentor Teams, British 42 Royal Marine Commandos and 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group (here's a more recent operation with the Royal Marines).