MovieChat Forums > Tunnel Rats (2009) Discussion > Lots of errors but OK / Why stop him

Lots of errors but OK / Why stop him


This is my first post, so forgive any lack of decorum or insensitivity on my part.

First off, I've done 15 years in the US Army. I didn't realize it at first, but now I see that these guys were "trained by mercenaries in South Africa," who had "been out killing days before." Nonsense! South Africa is not currently involved in any wars, nor are there any in the region where these mercs would have been fighting, unless they happened to be chopper pilots in the Liberian mess or working somewhere in the UN chain in the Congo. That was pure hype. Secondly, because these guys were trained by mercs, it may be why the soldiers are calling their noncoms "Sir." These are soldiers and not marines, so they won't be calling their noncoms "Sir." I believe the MSG Gordon who posted elsewhere has pointed out most of the rest of the howling errors. Also, the chopper that dropped them off had Air Force markings on it. They would probably have been dropped off by First Cav and not Air Force. See, for example: http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/central/brush/Helicopters-Vietnam.htm and http://www.vhpamuseum.org/usaf/arrs/3arrg/3arrg.shtml . Their unit patch was obviously made up. The only time you see yellow in a US Army patch is for lightning bolts (like the ASA - my unit) or flames. otherwise yellow has a bad connotation. Oh yeah, from the Korean war (thanks to a boneheaded General who liked the fact that the Marine uniforms stood out) the nametags had yellow thread up until the early years of 'Nam where we came to our senses and went subdued.

Having said all this, I enjoyed the film. No one wins in these conflicts and that's what I think Uwe was trying to show.

As far as this ridiculous petition to stop him goes: who the hell do you people think you are? I imagine you're the same pack that thinks they have the right to decide that CEOs should give back or have their bonuses limited based upon your minimal knowledge of their jobs and accomplishments. Unfortunately, that's what we, as Americans, have sunk to: to busy trying to dictate to the next guy how to live, and trying to control anything within our reach. If you don't like the movies, don't go see them. It's not like you have any stock in his production company, and if you do, sell it if you don't like what he's doing. Good grief, what utter tripe!

I for one hope he keeps going if for no other reason than to give these people an aneurism from trying to stop him.

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1st Cav has a yellow back ground with horse head on top, diagonal line running from top right to bottom left in center and yellow field on bottom. Holding one in my hand as I type. Served in Nam 1st Cav 1969-1971.

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Did you guys wear non-subdued unit/combat patches in the field? I know we sure didn't but I served 20 years after VN. I can't imagine wearing all camo with a big bright yellow patch...

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Ummm, rrpostal, we wore green fatigues and not camo (some special forces outfits did wear tiger stripe camo), and yup, initially, from the end of the Korean conflict up to the beginning of VietNam, full-color patches were worn. Then someone got smart.

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Yes, this is true. Forgive my passing that one by. :-) Thanks for your service.

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RadioResearch, it is rare that you learn anything from these boards, which are usually filled with nonsensical arguments. "1968 Tunnel Rats", I thought, was a much stronger outing than, say, "Tigerland", but pales in comparison to the likes of "84 C MoPic", "Platoon", or the better episodes of "Tour of Duty". But, still, an atmospheric affair, and it's always good to see Michael Pare. Thanks for a most informative post. And, above all, thank you for your service.

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