Posted on Dec 1, 2013
Favorite military-related videos, documentaries, films, and/or tv series... and why?
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There's a ton of great content out there dealing with military subject matter (training / operations-related, motivational, entertaining & educational, historical, etc.); the idea is to have a fun and thought-provoking discussion, and to learn a thing-or-two while we're at it. If you can remember details but not the title; no worries, just post a description, and we'll activate the RP network to help find it. Here we'll discuss those defining sources that influence us, our culture, as well as public perception and opinion... sort of a representation of the "art-imitates-life, life-imitates-art" concept. Well, there's certainly some memorable content out there, I have my favorites and I'm sure that that you all do too. So, strap on your seatbelts, pull-up a keyboard, and let's get this thing started; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
Motivation
Communications
Social Media
Military Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 121
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MASH. You know darn good and well, you can find every one of those personalities in every unit!!
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Col (Join to see)
Yes, great choice... so many classic and defining moments; it was and is among my very favorite shows of all time!
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SMSgt Keith Klug
So very true. Loved the scene wear Radar was told he could order a Pizza Oven by striking out the word Machine Gun on a requisition form. Only in the military.
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I haven't been able to find again, but I saw what I thought was one of the funniest videos of a soldier in Iraq. It was several years ago, and he was filming a video to send home to the family. He was walking around inside what was apparently his work space inside a tent explaining what he was doing in theater when there was this deafening explosion which caused him to flinch. Once he regained his composure, he looked at the camera and said, "That's our stuff going out. I know because I'm still here." He was laughing. The guy with him was laughing. It was just funny.
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Col (Join to see)
That sounds like a good one Senior Chief, I haven't had any luck finding it so far... does anyone know anything about this video and/or where to find it?
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Col (Join to see) Victory at Sea is one of my favorites and those old black and white newsreel films, some that were made before I was even born.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SPC Richard White MSG Brad Sand In the Air Force in the day rooms many of us would watch MASH weekly as the shows aired. I loved it.
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Battlestar Galactica (2004 TV series). The best show on television. Shows a military unit under stress and political interactions. Still the best military show on television, if you have not seen it, you need to.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
I agree Battlestar Galactica was a good show Brad. I have not watched it for years since I only have antenna television now.
Have you watched Babylon five? Another good show.
We were soldiers is one of my favorite military movies, along with Battle L.A.
Have you watched Babylon five? Another good show.
We were soldiers is one of my favorite military movies, along with Battle L.A.
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I have two serious shows that I enjoyed very much.
1st would have to be The Unit. Pissed me off when they cancelled it.
2nd is Tour of Duty, the problem with that show was it bothered my father to watch it with me.
Mini Series was Winds of War and War and Remembrance both by Herman Wouk.
And my favorite military comedy was M*A*S*H.
1st would have to be The Unit. Pissed me off when they cancelled it.
2nd is Tour of Duty, the problem with that show was it bothered my father to watch it with me.
Mini Series was Winds of War and War and Remembrance both by Herman Wouk.
And my favorite military comedy was M*A*S*H.
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We Were Soldiers...everything a soldier could ask for in a movie. Also, if you read the book, you learn that as horrorific as is it is in the bmovie, that was our 'good' day.
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MSG Brad Sand
CMDCM Gene Treants
I tried to explain the book to a friend after he saw the movie...finally I just told him the movie was the good half for the Americans...after the movie, it got bad.
I tried to explain the book to a friend after he saw the movie...finally I just told him the movie was the good half for the Americans...after the movie, it got bad.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
The book gave such a fascinating insight into the mind and operations of the Vietnamese. What a shame not enough people will ever read it and just think the movie tells it all. I really came to respect the NV as a fighting force the first time as I read this book.
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MSG Brad Sand
CMDCM Gene Treants
While I understand what you are trying to say, I am not sure I would say 'respect'? When dealing with the Asian Cultural Mindset in war, it ofter hard for the Western mind to understand what we are fighting against. I think all cadets should be required to read Sun Tzu...and be able to apply it.
While I understand what you are trying to say, I am not sure I would say 'respect'? When dealing with the Asian Cultural Mindset in war, it ofter hard for the Western mind to understand what we are fighting against. I think all cadets should be required to read Sun Tzu...and be able to apply it.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
MSG Brad Sand "Art of War" by Sun Tzu should be required reading for all Cadets and Middies. As it is it is on the recommend list for all Marine Officer candidates and Midshipmen.
I believe respect is the correct word in this context. I might not agree with all of the decisions made by the North Vietnamese, but they were defending their country and we did not understand this fundamental position. The French did not understand it and we did not learn that lesson. I believe our problem was the Communist label attached to Ho and the Democratic label attached to "our" guy. Neither was totally accurate, as we came to learn.
I believe respect is the correct word in this context. I might not agree with all of the decisions made by the North Vietnamese, but they were defending their country and we did not understand this fundamental position. The French did not understand it and we did not learn that lesson. I believe our problem was the Communist label attached to Ho and the Democratic label attached to "our" guy. Neither was totally accurate, as we came to learn.
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Tremendous thread so far.
I've got to go a little wide of center on this one.
My favorite movies:
Saving Private Ryan - My grandfather was a Soldier in Europe in WWII. As a young boy, I knew a couple of "old guys" who had been Purple Heart recipients on D-Day. I'll never forget them, or how they impacted my life as a young man. Every time I see the opening scene of that movie, I think of those men.
No Man's Land - Sometimes, war can really create some of the oddest of circumstances. This movie goes back to Bosnia and Herzegovina and shows one of those odd circumstances.
Das Boot - I think that the movie is a subtle reminder that even though one nation may be at war with another, the combatants are all human beings, experiencing it through their own lens.
My favorite documentary:
Restrepo - Just has to be seen. I think it should be required viewing. Life at a remote COP in Eastern Afghanistan. I won't spoil anymore than that. It is available in many different streaming services.
TV show:
I've already said that it is NCIS.
Great topic!!
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Col (Join to see)
Great reference with "Das Boot," I remember the film and the name, just not so much about the movie itself, I do recall at one point referring to any newbies in the military as, you guessed it... "das Boot!" Good times! lol Great choices overall, NCIS is among our favorite (modern) tv shows, Gibb's Rules are just plain legendary! lol
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I think the best documentaries are the surviving the cut series on different military schools. Shows the public a small portion on what it takes to be some of the hardest military specialties such as the spec ops community. Show the sweat and blood people will shed to be the best at there profession.
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