I read one review of this film by someone that thought they were an expert in the military. They aren't. In the first part of the movie, we see Travolta as a First Sergeant (1SG) and a gun runner. He also has a fake Southern accent. This is because he is trying to gain the confidence of those selling the guns. His refusal to assist the female captain change her tire goes along with his undercover act of being a "misfit." Travolta's character is an Army CID agent and like most CID agents, his rank in the movie is Chief Warrant Officer (CW4). Army warrant officers serve as high level specialists in several fields. All warrants, except for aviators, can stay in the service until they are 65 years old. They are not bound by normal retirement requirements. Now as to the entire work party stopping and saluting when an officer's vehicle drove by--this is what REALLY happens in the Army. It may be different in the Marines, Navy, Coast Guard or Air Force.
Now, let's go to the movie itself. It was great. The plot, the acting and the interaction between the "normal" soldiers and officers and the CID agents was right on. One of my favorite parts was when Travolta and his partner walked into the Officer's Club--and the place cleared out. Soldiers of ALL ranks really don't like two groups snooping around, CID and Intelligence. (I was in the later) I was really impressed as to the reality of the movie. The rah-rah, stars and stripes films DO NOT show how the Army REALLY works. This film and "Blackhawk Down" does. They show that's its not all spit-and-polish, snappy salutes and marching in formation. These people have JOBS TO DO! There's a time and place for the "parade ground" junk that most people believe goes on every day. This film shows the working Army.
Now, let's go to the movie itself. It was great. The plot, the acting and the interaction between the "normal" soldiers and officers and the CID agents was right on. One of my favorite parts was when Travolta and his partner walked into the Officer's Club--and the place cleared out. Soldiers of ALL ranks really don't like two groups snooping around, CID and Intelligence. (I was in the later) I was really impressed as to the reality of the movie. The rah-rah, stars and stripes films DO NOT show how the Army REALLY works. This film and "Blackhawk Down" does. They show that's its not all spit-and-polish, snappy salutes and marching in formation. These people have JOBS TO DO! There's a time and place for the "parade ground" junk that most people believe goes on every day. This film shows the working Army.