Watch The New Recruits

The New Recruits is a television show that aired on PBS back in 2010. The show revolves around a group of six teenagers that were selected to go through a grueling six-month training program, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most majestic ancient ruins. The goal of the training program is to prepare these young people for potential careers as archaeologists and to teach them the various skills necessary to conduct fieldwork at archaeological sites.

The program is led by Dr. Jeff Rose, an experienced archaeologist who has led and participated in excavations across the globe. Dr. Rose and his team of mentors guide the recruits through various tasks, including learning how to navigate using GPS systems and maps, establishing and measuring grid lines, digging and analyzing stratigraphy, and identifying and cataloging artifacts.

Throughout the six-month training program, the recruits also learn about the ancient history and culture of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, which once ruled the region. They learn about religion, art, architecture, and the political systems that governed the region.

The show is shot documentary-style, with cameras capturing every moment of the recruits' training program, from their first day to the final testing phase. The film crew follows the recruits into the field, documenting their reactions to the cold, the altitude, and the sometimes backbreaking manual labor required to conduct an archaeological dig.

The show not only teaches viewers about the history of South America but also shows the importance of preserving and protecting archaeological sites. The recruits go through a rigorous training program to ensure that they follow strict guidelines and do not damage any of the artifacts they uncover.

The New Recruits also highlights the teamwork and camaraderie that develops among the recruits. The six teenagers come from different backgrounds and have different personalities, but they work together to achieve their goals. Viewers see the teens supporting each other during times of struggle and celebrating each other's successes.

The show is educational, entertaining, and gives viewers an inside look into the field of archaeology. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet's historical sites and artifacts. The New Recruits is a great show for anyone interested in archaeology or the history of South America.