Introduction

The portrayal of the military in movies and television shows has long been a subject of contention among service members and veterans. While these media can inspire and entertain, they often fall short in accurately representing the realities of military life, especially in areas like airborne operations. A former sailor with extensive experience during World War II, my father, can attest to the inaccuracy seen in such portrayals, particularly in films like Saving Private Ryan. Additionally, a US Army official’s perspective on airborne operations offers valuable insight into the discrepancies often presented in military-themed media.

Common Mistakes in Military Movies and TV Shows

Saluting Indoors and Orders

One of the more notable inaccuracies is the portrayal of saluting indoors. In reality, when soldiers greet higher-ranking officers, they simply offer a verbal greeting with a proper posture and full attention. Contrary to what some media might suggest, a commanding officer or non-commissioned officer (NCO) would rarely ask for a saluting family photo or touch on a soldier's personal life in the middle of a mission. If a higher-ranking officer offers an order, they would not precede it with the phrase 'That’s an order,' which is a term that appears in popular media but is not commonly used in real-life military protocol. Instead, ordering someone to do something is a clear directive that needs to be heeded immediately, without any additional confirmation.

Realistic Airborne Operations

Beyond the stereotypical portrayal of airborne operations, there are several inaccuracies in how these missions are depicted. When service members jump without most of their equipment, it is humorously referred to as 'Hollywood.' In reality, airborne operations are meticulously planned, with soldiers ensuring they have the necessary gear for the specific mission at hand. Jump masters or leaders are often highly-experienced sergeants whose primary role is to manage the group and keep it cohesive, rather than simply ordering paratroopers to exit the aircraft. Jumpmasters are not only leaders but also safety officers who monitor conditions and ensure the mission’s success.

Another major discrepancy is the portrayal of landing techniques. Paratroopers are trained to perform a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) to ensure that they land safely. This involves absorbing the impact of the landing through the norm of the body, specifically the thighs, buttocks, and back. The misconception that paratroopers land standing up or with their legs spread wide apart can be attributed to a lack of understanding or entertainment value. In reality, spread-eagling oneself upon landing is dangerous and could result in severe injuries such as broken ankles.

Airborne Training Today

Contrary to the misconception that airborne training is overly physically demanding, this training is less physically intense in the modern Army. It is less grueling than, for example, Air Assault training programs. The goal of such training is to ensure that individuals are prepared for the intensity and physical demands of airborne operations, but it does not involve pushing individuals to their physical limits in the way that some older films or popular media might suggest.

The Enjoyment of Watching Military Airborne Drops

Despite these inaccuracies, watching military airborne operations in film and television can be quite enjoyable. As a former sailor, I understand that many of us use mascots, such as stuffed toys or mascots, to keep us company during these stressful and exciting operations. For me, it was a monkey with an airborne badge, symbolizing both the mission and the camaraderie of the jump. These trivial touches often go unmentioned in media depictions, but they highlight the human connection and spirit of the individuals involved in these operations.

Conclusion: While military-themed media can capture the spirit of the service, it's important to recognize and appreciate the discrepancies in representation. It is essential for both service members and the audience to acknowledge and discuss these inaccuracies to ensure a more informed and respectful portrayal of the military.