Kamp Van Koningsbrugge is a television hit. The 1st episode was on the tube last weekend and attracted more than 1.15 million viewers. They saw how 15 civilians had to suffer during a selection for the Korps Commandotroepen. In addition, Videoland is starting today with MARSOF: Special Forces of the Netherlands. This 5-part documentary series contains never-before-seen footage of marines.
In Kamp Van Koningsbrugge, presented by actor and cabaret artist Jeroen van Koningsbrugge, the participants are physically and mentally prepared for the Special Forces. Typically only 4 percent of citizens successfully complete the training. “The program interprets our work in a clear way”, says Major Bart de Graaff, who is involved in Kamp Van Koningsbrugge on behalf of Defense.
11 men and 4 women, fit and extensively tested, get on the bus in the morning with a smile. But after the first meeting at Camp Bakhuis Roozeboom on the Rucphense Heide, that grin does not return. Certainly not after the words of instructor Ray: “I decide when to sleep and eat.” Straight faces all over.
That strictness is part of it, says De Graaff. “The Special Forces are the Netherlands’ last resort. These soldiers put their lives at risk for Dutch interests. In the program, but also in the real training, we put people in a position where they show their true nature. And that is confronting. Because in a relaxed setting we cannot assess whether you can keep a cool head in a conflict situation. ”
Clumsy and strong
From the first moment the participants are jaded. The instructors are strict, but keep motivating. For example, they are not yelling at the participants. “We not only want people who are clumsy and strong, but who can also think creatively and unconventional”, De Graaff explains. “People with a little sense of understanding pierce right through a screaming instructor.”
Central are the 5 core values of courage, policy, loyalty, honor and pride. In the 1st episode it’s all about honor. The participants are pushed to the limit with, among other things, a lesson on terrain work, a speed march and digging a well. That leads to tears. The role of Van Koningsbrugge is reflected in this, but the first dropout also presents itself.
And this is also the case with the real training, of which elements can mainly be seen in Kamp Van Koningsbrugge. De Graaff: “What we do lends itself well to TV, because you see pure emotion. What we mainly want to show with this program is what you have to do and not do to become a command. We paint a picture for society: who are we, what do we do, why and how. ”
Expectations
Although Kamp Van Koningsbrugge is mainly infotainment, according to De Graaff the show comes close to reality in many ways. “Just like with the real training you can be amazed. People you don’t expect it from in the first instance will still make it to the finish line. The big difference is that the real training lasts 1.5 years and the candidates have now done it in 8 days. ”
That the theme is alive among the population, is evident from the viewing figures. They satisfy De Graaff. “In addition, I have only read positive articles, but the most important thing is that there is a positive response from the organization. Our people need to feel that this program represents part of their work. That bit of recognition feels very important to us. ”
Kamp Van Koningsbrugge has 9 episodes and can be seen every Saturday from 8:35 PM on NPO1. Does this ask for more? Then there is also the Videoland documentary MARSOF: Special Forces in the Netherlands on Monday.
Arrest of tram shooter
Videoland shows how fast things are in real life. The series contains not only unique images, but also interviews with marines. The active and former operators talk about various missions, such as in Afghanistan against the Taliban and off the coast of Somalia in the fight against piracy. But the troops have also been deployed in the Netherlands. This happened in Utrecht, for example, when the tram gunner was arrested.
Normally the outside world sees little or nothing of these operations, which often take place under the radar. “Special Forces are sometimes said to be shadow warriors”, says a commander in the series.
The documentary examines the consequences for the marines. What is it like to catch a group of potential terrorists? What does that do to you as a person or as a father? With MARSOF: Special Forces in the Netherlands, the navy wants to show what this special unit is doing to keep the Netherlands safe. At home and abroad.
(image: AVRO / TROS)
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