Starting Strong

Starting Strong is a unique and innovative reality TV show produced by Ricky Schroder Productions and debuted in 2013. A project aligned with Fox News and the United States Army, the show delves deep into the world of the U.S. Army and its many vocations by allowing civilians to experience the life of a recruit.

The main idea behind Starting Strong is bridging the knowledge gap that exists between civilians and the military. The show involves civilians who are mulling over the possibility of enlisting in the army and grants them a first-hand soldiering experience. This ten-episode series follows these individuals through a wide range of Army trainings, exposing them to the realities, challenges, triumphs, and demands of life in the military.

Each episode focuses on a different Army job or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) includes infantryman, medic, artilleryman, helicopter pilot, among others. The candidates are initially given an overview of their selected MOS, followed by intensive training for several days at an Army base or camp. This forms the recruitment segment of the show where potential soldiers are introduced to a variety of roles they can undertake within the Army.

The captivating factor of Starting Strong is its aspect of 'realism'. The series takes its participants on a genuine journey of an army recruit and doesn’t shy away from depicting the toughness of the profession. The participants are trained under real Army personnel and veterans, and their training regime mirrors the actual training soldiers go through. To add to the authenticity, the show was filmed at various locations across the United States, including real Army bases and training camps.

A unique twist in the series arrives as each episode climaxes, where the participants come face-to-face with a career-defining choice. After spending a week in the shoes of a soldier, these individuals are given a chance to decide whether they want to enlist in the army for real or go back to their civilian lives. This decision-making process, weighing the pros of patriotic service against the hardships of Army life, adds an emotional quotient to the series, making it more than just a show about the military.

Starting Strong transcends beyond the cliché of reality TV and offers a transparent and truthful look into the true nature of serving in the U.S. Army. The participants are not here to win a competition. Rather, they’re here to gauge if they can find personal fulfillment and purpose in serving their country.

The show is hosted by Sergeant First Class Jack M. Koehler, an Army veteran with combat experience, whose perspectives and insights add depth to the narrative of the show. His mentorship and guidance to the recruits through each episode create a strong connection with the audience, lending an undeniable authenticity to the show.

Full of sweat, tears, hard work, and camaraderie, Starting Strong is a special mixture of reality TV, public service announcement, and a recruitment advertisement. It never holds back from portraying the Army's harsh reality and the challenges that come with the job. The show aims to demystify misconceptions about the military, highlighting the Army as a potential career choice while paying tribute to those who selflessly serve their country.

One of the main intentions behind Starting Strong, from the producer's perspective, was to educate the public about the multitude of career opportunities within the U.S. Army. Ricky Schroder Productions managed to create a platform that helps potential recruits to 'try before they buy', arming them with critical insights to make an informed decision about their career.

Not just for those considering a career in the military, Starting Strong caters to a wider audience. It gives a closer look at the U.S. Army's functions and responsibilities, making it a great watch for anyone seeking to understand better what it is to be a soldier for the United States. Rich in enthusiasm, patriotism, commitment, and grit, Starting Strong is a tribute to the brave men and women who serve the nation. As much as it is a reality show, it’s also a sobering and poignant exploration of military life.