Produced by VTV’s Department of Culture and Entertainment, Soldier - Road to Glory features 100 young contestants of military service age. Led by two young celebrity captains, the contestants face rigorous military trials while competing in a series of elimination rounds.
The opening Recruitment round begins with a multiple-choice quiz. Contestants who answer incorrectly move to the Reserve Team, while those who answer correctly remain on the Combat Team. The rules evolve throughout the round, with questions directed at the Combat Team, the team captains, or in head-to-head challenges between the Combat and Reserve teams.
Team sizes continuously change based not only on answer accuracy , but also on strategic captain decisions, such as rescuing teammates or reducing the opposing team's numbers. As a result, contestants and captains alike must combine knowledge with tactical l gameplay to keep the strongest possible Combat Team.
The second round, New Recruit, transforms military training into studio-based challenges. Contestants take part in activities ranging from packing backpacks and arranging military gear to navigating physical obstacle courses that include crawling under barriers, dragging tires, and crossing rope obstacles.
The final round, Victory, is the most intense stage of the competition. Contestants wear virtual reality headsets and use laser guns to enter simulated combat environments and complete missions such as infiltrating enemy positions, rescuing hostages, or locating missile launch codes and taking control of missile systems. The top-performing members of the Combat Team receive prizes and honorary badges, while celebrity captains compete solely for the experience.
According to the production team, the program’s appeal lies in its unique blend of genres. More than a traditional quiz show, it combines role-playing competition, virtual reality (VR), laser technology, and emotionally engaging field reports. The program presents military topics, including weapons, technology, and military medicine, in a fresh, accessible, and entertaining format. Modern simulation technology adds excitement and unexpected twists.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had many opportunities to work alongside soldiers from different military units. My favorite assignments have always been filming their daily lives and training exercises because they allowed me to climb into tanks, stand on turret platforms, and get up close to some of the military’s most advanced equipment”, said host Son Lam.
He added that Soldier - Road to Glory offers another opportunity to share stories about military life, this time in a lively and energetic atmosphere with 100 young contestants in each episode.
With flexible rules and a fresh approach, Soldier - Road to Glory blends entertainment with military discipline, introducing viewers to the modern, professional, and capable image of the Vietnam People’s Army.
Soldier - Road to Glory airs at 10:00 a.m. every Saturday on VTV3, beginning August 1.
