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Thoughts on Jarhead
The movie Jarhead, an adaptation of a book written by former Marine Anthony Swofford, created much controversy in the military community when it was released. Reactions ran the gamut of apathy, excitement, and disgust. I have since watched the film more than once, and discussed it with many Marines. The following is a brief description of my opinion of the movie and the opinions I have found in some of my Marines.
I think Jarhead is an entertaining movie. It should be watched with its author in mind, an infantry lance corporal (E-3) who was reduced in rank to private (E-1) as the result of non-judicial punishment (NJP). I do not say this with an elitist attitude, but it is a simple fact that I do not attribute equal weight to all people’s opinions, and I think if we were all honest with ourselves everyone would claim this as true. I do not expect Bill Gates to seriously entertain my thoughts on software marketing strategies. Similarly, while a young Marine’s memoirs of his deployment to the Gulf War are absolutely valid for telling the story from his perspective, the applicability of his thoughts to national military strategy is limited, to say the least. Most lance corporals I know are 19-21 year-old recent high school graduates. God knows I’m glad there wasn’t a movie made about my perspective of the world at 20 years old. Yes, I’m only 25, but the last 5 years added 25% to my recent tally of years. It also puts me half-way through another “idiot cycle.†So the saying goes, you are really an idiot, it just takes you ten years to realize it. Think about yourself ten years ago. Were you an idiot? Did you think so then? This rule probably has a point of diminishing returns around the age of 45-50, but I still think it’s pretty shrewd. Once again, this is not to devalue Mr. Swofford’s opinions, but to help the audience keep them in perspective.
I think Jarhead will be difficult for non-military and even non-Marines to fully understand. Specifically, I think some will attribute specific training in the movie to meanness or hazing. Do not be confused, there are definitely some mistakes made by Swofford’s leadership portrayed in the movie. However, I question the validity of many of these events. I think most were probably added to the movie for dramatic effect.
First, I’ll address Swofford’s experience at boot camp. Besides being struck by his drill instructor, this seems fairly accurate to my experience at OCS and other Marines’ experiences at boot camp. OCS is not like boot camp, but the attitudes are basically the same, and those portrayed in the movie are accurate. Being physically struck during introductory training is a matter that has received much attention in the Marine Corps. In today’s Marine Corps it is strictly forbidden. Drill instructors that violate this policy are dealt with severely. However, this has not always been the case. I cannot say with definiteness whether this policy was in effect in 1990-1991. I know plenty of Vietnam and Grenada era veterans have said this was common place when they went through recruit training. Did Mr. Swofford’s DI smash his head into a chalk-board? I don’t know—perhaps. What are the chances it could happen today without the DI getting booted from the Marine Corps? Slim to none.
Next, let’s look at the scene where a Marine gets shot in the head by his instructor’s machinegun while low-crawling under concertina wire during scout-sniper training. This is bologna, plain and simple. No responsible leader would ever set up a live fire exercise like that. The only remotely safe way to set it up would be to elevate the machinegun (a 7.62mm M240E/G in the movie) above the height the tallest Marine could jump, and add a couple feet. Then set the traverse and elevate (T&E) mechanism on the machinegun tripod so it could not fire below that height.
Next, the training they did in the desert. While listening to Mr. Swofford’s commentary I couldn’t help but think to myself “How would he have rather spent his downtime?†I can tell you from experience, physical work is preferable to extended periods of time with absolutely nothing to do. Marines, especially scout-snipers, need to know how to patrol, clear minefields (OK, not as necessary for this war), and get their NBC suits on at a moment’s notice. Some will see this and think “That mean Staff Sergeant. He made those guys patrol the empty desert and throw their NBC suits on whenever he wanted.†It’s called training. One of my previous Marines told me that in OIF I his command made them do NBC drills almost every day. He then added that it was effective, because by the end he could get his mask and suit on “really fast.†Hydrating is another interesting part of the movie and Marine Corps culture. I know it sounds looney, but in a desert environment like that I can absolutely see the necessity to supervise how much water your Marines drink by making them drink periodically. You may not believe me, but some PFC would end up going down as a heat casualty. In a combat environment you can’t let that happen.
Finally, I can’t offer as much insight into the personal and mental issues Mr. Swofford experienced, but only offer my opinions. Perhaps it’s cold, but if you’re constantly tormented by the fact your girlfriend/spouse may be unfaithful, is she really that grand a prize? If you don’t trust them, why would you be in a serious relationship with them? I have never been in that situation, but I like to think I would say to her suitor “Have at it, buddy. Better you than me. She’ll turn on you too as soon as times get tough.†I suppose I really don’t know enough about this subject to speak intelligently about it.
I suppose you can summarize Jarhead as “the Gulf War really sucked for Anthony Swofford.†Isn’t that a pity? At least he went home without serious mental or physical injury. At least he went home, period. I’ve known Marines who can’t say the same. However, I found it an entertaining and thought-provoking movie. Just because you don’t agree with someone’s opinion doesn’t mean that opinion isn’t interesting and insightful at some level. Of course, it could always be a load of crap too.
Is there any point in seeing the movie? Wouldn’t it be better to read the book, which presumably is closer to the author’s actual thoughts?