Bad follows a 4 week intensive Army camp. The "Bad Lads" of the title are a mix of convicted criminals, with crimes ranging from assault to burglary, and lots of crimes inbetween. The lads are there of their own free will, but by the end of it, a lot of them have quit, or been discharged. The camp is run as if it was in the 1950's, and the lads learn team camaraderie, valuable life skills and to have respect for themselves.