This is how a filmmaker thinks civilians view the military?

In short, yes.

In more depth, to relieve you of your obvious ignorance, this movie is very accurately based on Lt. Col. Strobl's real life experiences while escorting Chance's body home. The events portrayed in the film happened in real life.

People who insist that Marines are soldiers are ignorant twits.


I'm not an actor. I just play one on TV.
www.werepissedoff.net

I was in the military during and after 9/11, and very rarely went anywhere in my uniform, if I could help it. The uniform is a magnet for people who want to say thanks and share their own service stories. While I always made it a point to be polite, appreciative and interested, it did get old. Sometimes you just want to go about your business. A lot of the time I could tell (especially with older veterans) that it was genuine, but sometimes "thank you for your service" seems like an empty phrase that people feel they have to say.

I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but oh well. Just saw this movie for the first time and liked it very much. I thought it seemed very authentic as far as military protocol goes.

OP, my first thought is that you are trolling. In case you aren't, this is exactly what I have witnessed myself. In both small towns and the big city in which I live. The thing you are forgetting is that the Bacon character is escorting the body of a dead young man. All the people mentioned in your post knew that. They were showing respect not only for the dead person, but for the difficult task of the escort.




Rachel