What film best captures what being in the military is truly like?

"The Lighthorsemen," Australian, 1987, directed by Simon Wincer.

All Quiet on the Western Front

When people ask about basic training I say it was a mix between Full Metal Jacket and Stripes.

We were soliders

Oh, and I'll tell my age and mention an old Vietnam movie, Go Tell the Spartans with Burt Lancaster. His story of why he wasn't promoted past Major is a hilarious note in an otherwise very serious movie.

Wow. This is becoming quite the comprehensive list and many of which listed I have not seen. I'm going to have to set aside a weekend to watch a lot of these.

None do. Some get parts right. Every branch is different. I served in 2 and many joint force groups. No one movie can tell the story or observations in multiple services. Each is different.

Trailer park boys

"Taking Chance" was an outstanding movie! Another good one of similar nature was "Gardens Of Stone. The most asked question about military life was: "What movie best depicts what USMC boot camp was really like?" I would have to say by far is "Full Metal Jacket". Except For the recruit shooting his DI and then himself, It was spot on IMO. Of course, that scenario could happen.

Always enjoyed Boys in Company C.

Best Navy movie for me has always been John Wayne's In Harms Way (gut bustin mother lovin Navy war- best line ever). I served on the cruiser they called old swayback. During my admiral staff time did 1/2 a cruise each in 67 and 69 on the St. Paul. Other parts of each cruise was aboard a bug gun cruiser Newport News.