"What ‘Generation Kill’ Tells a French Soldier ...." Topic

….About U.S. Military Culture.

"Beyond the 24/7 dining facilities and the seemingly abundant supplies of everything, there is one thing all French soldiers are jealous of when they look at the U.S. military: the representation of military operations and war stories in popular culture, especially in movies and TV shows. If you're a French service member, you are condemned to a virtual nonexistence in your country's cultural scene — unless you count the old, goofy draft-related comedies of the ‘70s or the experimental projects that barely relate to the realistic depiction of war. So, we all look across the Atlantic and marvel at the fact that the Vietnam War alone has led to the creation of timeless masterpieces such as Apocalypse Now and The Deer Hunter, to name just two.

Popular depictions of war are essential because they help connect a military institution that tends to shroud itself in secrecy with the population it defends. Culture, as a whole, helps a nation process the scars of history. For example, the depiction of the Vietnam War through countless movies, series, and books, even terrible ones, changed the way American society looks at the war in hindsight. Looking at France, I am also convinced that had we made a similar effort with the traumatic war in Algeria, we would probably have a less schizophrenic relationship with that conflict today.

But this is not the case yet, so for the time being, we are left with what Hollywood gives us. The fact that the French and the Americans have recently fought together in Afghanistan and other places certainly helps make recent American productions more relatable. But in addition to the cathartic effects of war movies and TV shows, there is another reason to watch them: for what they reveal about the military culture of a nation. With this in mind, I recently viewed the HBO show "Generation Kill," produced by David Simon and adapted from the eponymous book by Evan Wright, eager to see if it was as realistic as I had been told it would be. And it was. What the show tells us about U.S. military culture is very consistent with my experience of it…."
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Amicalement
Armand

The Deer Hunter is far from a "timeless masterpiece" documenting the Vietnam War. It's a good drama but has DeNiro in a full beard as apparantly a serving Green Beret. The combat scenes are also ridiculous and unrealistic.

The US "military" culture has gone thru some significant changes during and especially after Vietnam. While a cadet starting in '75. We and the military in general were "vilified", demonized, etc. Just wearing any type of uniform would get you Hitler salutes , the finger, called names, etc.

Now after the 1st Gulf War things began to change a bit. But with the advent of 9/11 the morphing grew faster & further. The US military was now defending "the homeland" against a fanatical enemy who hates us for everything were stand for. From our religious beliefs, women's rights, tolerance in general of members of our population, etc. Now we all know the USA is not perfect.

Today when A Vet wears a unit hat or t-shirt, etc., e.g. in my case with 101 ABN/AA Div patched, etc. Strangers will thank you for your service, etc. Other Vets will talk to you and among themselves, etc. I didn't even start to wear that hat or even purchase in until about 3 years ago. As many Vets did and do. For me it's more important about meeting other Vets. Not so much for anyone to "thank" me, get their "approval", etc.

But from when growing up during Vietnam and serving afterwards, '79-'90, it is a marked "change" for the better.

However, polls say the US military has about a 90% positive approval rate/image among the population. So the other 10% don't get it. But that generally really means nothing … to Vets.

If you are French, just stick with Napoleon and forget everything after 1809.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand