I accept the many comments stressing the accuracy of this series, with reservations. The action sequences are very well done. If they seem jerky, chaotic, and difficult to comprehend, that is because, combat is not linear. It is a series of random perceptions, difficult to place in any logical order. The Marines look reasonably authentic. They are young looking, just as my rifle platoon Marines were young. At 24, I was the oldest member of the platoon, but for my experienced platoon sergeant. Lt. Fick looks young, but he is just right. Incidentally, his book, "One Bullet Away" is excellent. It is more accurate than the HBO series. A couple of points where I take issue: my Marines were a lot less talkative than these Recon Marines. Maybe 50 years has made a difference, but the banter was a lot less in my day. Communication was often much more subtle, almost like that between husband and wife, when a single word, an expression, or a gesture was all that was required. Definitely no long soliloquies about any topic. Somewhere in the Marine Corps there may be a Sgt Major that is as big a jerk as this one but I never saw a senior NCO even 1/10 of the one portrayed. I would also say that the lieutenants and captains with whom I served were more solid and less uneven than this group. I experienced some majors who were painful, but I don't recall a PFC who was as pitiful as Capt. America. Also, let me note that these Marines were living the good life compared to our day, when C Rations were the field chow, there was no energy drink, baby wipes, or other similar goodies. Language was bad in the '60s, and the series accurately captures radio speak, acronym usage, and obscene, black humor. There was more formality in addressing each other: my corporals were Corporal X. I was always lieutenant, although it came out like "tenant". My company commander never used my first name. I was always lieutenant. Marines are different. The series captures that, and is a solid contribution to culture.
Review of Generation Kill
