What were some things you guys hate about Military media?

2020-02-08T19:19:18-05:00

Hey guys, Here's a little background on what I mean by the question. After my time in the Army, I turned to Film/Television degree in college. I started working in the industry when I started notice I hate military movies,TV shows, and even youtubers. The reason is the damn stereotypes. I know there a laws/regs on what can be shown in Media but damn, can i get something more the stupid stereotypes. If it's not stereotypes, it's veterans trying to play up to the stereotypes. Anyways, what do you guys hate about military shows/movies/youtube videos. For transparency, I am thinking about writing a episodic show about military life to show civilians what it's kind of like be military outside the glamour.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Feb 8 at 2020 7:33 PM

2020-02-08T19:33:06-05:00

Unfortunately, it is about what "sells" and what people believe is what gets played, whether it is accurate or not. As we continue to have fewer and fewer serve, this problem will get worse.

Response by PO3 Phyllis Maynard made Feb 8 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-02-08T19:36:53-05:00

SPC Allyn Luce the main thing I do not like about military media I this, when the events around the military are hot and juicy media capitalizes off of those events. They are making money and the real life heros are in harm's way. What media program ever made significant donations to military support groups for the families or the active duty in the field?

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 8 at 2020 7:58 PM

2020-02-08T19:58:41-05:00

When I look for a military show to watch, I prefer those based on real events and true stories. Don’t give me one that is so outrageous that it looks like a video game. While there are those who have done massive heroic feats at least make them based on true events. I’d rather watch band of brothers over captain America any day.

Response by SSgt Ryan Sylvester made Feb 8 at 2020 8:03 PM

2020-02-08T20:03:24-05:00

Think about it this way. Most people have this idea in their head that being military is some massively different life. If they watched a movie or show about what it actually is like being in the military, they'd probably sit there scratching their heads in confusion as to whiskey tango foxtrot this show has to do with being military, and wondering when they turned on The Conners.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 8 at 2020 8:52 PM

2020-02-08T20:52:10-05:00

The real original and best unadulterated movie would be "With the Marines at Tarawa". Actual footage, actual stories, actual pain. It was so blunt and innovative at the time, it took an approval from FDR for release. Got an Oscar as well. I use that as a yardstick.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 8 at 2020 9:23 PM

2020-02-08T21:23:34-05:00

I don't think me sleeping in my fart sack on top of a tank will be fun to watch. I like some movies and documentaries.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2020 11:31 PM

2020-02-08T23:31:09-05:00

The only thing I hate about military media is when a civilian that doesn't know any better asks me questions about what they saw, and then I have to turn around and correct them.....which in turns blows their minds and destroys their worlds all at the same time.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2020 12:11 AM

2020-02-09T00:11:31-05:00

I go to Memorial Day and Veteran's Day events every year. Excluding military/veterans and their families, there are not that many civilian supporters in attendance. Many civilians dislike the military so any show that is going to show real military life is going to be a tough sell.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Feb 9 at 2020 6:45 AM

2020-02-09T06:45:22-05:00

It bothers me as well but some I've found show the truth.
Stereotypes exist b/c they are highly factual its portrayal. "A Combat Veteran" on Youtube does this whole satire/comedy thing. It's funny b/c we know it to be true (mostly) but also in reality.
MSM has lost its way years ago. You can't change everyone's mind but you can start by showing The Truth and not their truth.
I love seeing videos of Stolen Valor POS getting caught. As for the entertainment, that's what it is. I don't avoid them. I spent some time learning Film as well. Sometimes I can't help but rip apart shows I like. "Hacksaw Ridge" was one of the best military movies I've seen in years. As a Medic myself, I am partial to its story. I've heard "1917" was one equally as well but have not seen it.
If you're looking to break the negative stereotypes, one would take it on themselves to show the truth.

Response by PO1 Michael Bruner made Feb 10 at 2020 4:39 AM

2020-02-10T04:39:38-05:00

I know hearing the word "latrine" used by sailors & Marines in TV & movies gets under my skin like a fire ant bite. The "war-hungry general" cliche was played into the ground decades ago. And don't get me started about "JAG".

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Feb 10 at 2020 9:26 AM

2020-02-10T09:26:18-05:00

The hard is that it is the culture that believes certain things about the military, and those things translate into exactly the stereotypes you are talking about. Not to mention the politicians who continuously play them up. The biggest one for me is the equating of military service and patriotism. These are two separate ideas but the public (and the media as a reflection of the public) love to pair them together. I know from my life that the military is mostly a day-by-day job with intermittent moments of excitement and lots of bureaucracy. The patriotism that is there is either planned or personal (or both at times). Most military people will tell you that on a daily basis, their job is much the same as any other job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 6:58 PM

2020-02-10T18:58:05-05:00

The vets on YouTube are mostly satire - and funny. It honestly doesn't take up any of my day worrying about military movies. I'll complain about fucked up uniforms or such. Or point out that in Top Gun 2 no way Tom Cruise's character would still be in the Navy as a CAPT after 30+ years. He'd have been forced to retire by now. But it's a movie - it's for entertainment and drama and all that.

I have realized after 15 years, going on 16, in the Army there are bigger things to worry about then what you mentioned. Far, far bigger things. That's pretty much first world problems.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 10 at 2020 7:04 PM

2020-02-10T19:04:25-05:00

The plot lines are hokey. The dialogue is murderously aweful. Soap opera story lines that don’t reflect how the system really works. Terrible uniforms. Hideous interpretation of customs and courtesies.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 8:25 PM

2020-02-10T20:25:16-05:00

I had a friend get all bent out of shape about some aspect of minutiae in a Transformers movie. Some uniform or equipment thing. He wanted me to validate his butt hurt and I reminded him it’s a movie about robot aliens that turn into cars.

My issue with military related media is that we take ourselves far too seriously. And many of the stereotypes are worse in real life. Watch it or don’t, and move on

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 8:18 AM

2020-02-11T08:18:00-05:00

I appreciate when a show makes it obvious that while this is an "american military" show/movie, it is not realistic or legitimized. I guess what I'm saying is the biggest thing I dislike is when it a non-documentary changes someone's outlook on the military. At this point, VetTv is the only military media that I haven't disliked anything about.

Response by PO2 Richard Taylor made Feb 13 at 2020 9:49 PM

2020-02-13T21:49:34-05:00

I suggest getting your hands on a copy of 'Range 15'. Less than 0.5% of the US population has served in a war zone so they buy the product that Hollywood sells because there's no frame of reference. It is what it is.