Movies are badass! That’s why producers spend millions of dollars making them. Sometimes the films we watch are so freaking compelling audience members forget they watching a movie and believe everything they see.
We’re all guilty of falling for it.
Many moviegoers get sold on the narrative as the story unfolds across the big screen — even to the point where the performances feel real, and the delicate line between truth and fiction becomes too thin to spot.
Related: 5 epic military movie mistakes
We’re here to make sure you don’t fall for these 5 military myths.
1. Firing “the big guns” from the hip
We get that filmmakers want to make movie characters appear tough and strong, but the fact is movies can go way overboard.
It’s practically impossible to fire a mini-gun that weighs in around 85 pounds from the hip. Typically, this weapon system is fired from a fixed and controlled position.
Nice try, Hollywood.
2. Silencers turn rifles into a mouse farts
You know that soft “pew” sound Hollywood sniper rifles make? Yeah, they aren’t as quiet as movies would have you believe.
What they really sound like.
Notice this guy’s neighbor calls out hearing the shot from way off camera.
(Jay Philip Williams, YouTube)
3. Wearing dogs tags outside of your shirt is okay…especially in PT gear.
As much as we love the film “Black Hawk Down,” Sgt. Eversmann is technically out of military reg for wearing his ID tag that way.
Shame on you for setting a bad example.
4. “Military grade” crap doesn’t freakin’ exist.
Hollywood and commercial marketing love to use this term to make products sound more durable and reliable. The truth is, the techy term sounds super authentic, but unfortunately everything we use in the military can break under certain conditions.
Like they say, “You take care of your gear, your gear will take care of you.” Write that down.
Also Read: 7 epic ‘gearing up’ montages from action movies you love
5. It’s okay to be the wild cowboy in the unit.
We’re not saying troops don’t take life and death chances while in battle — they risk their lives all the time. But when someone consistently puts himself or others at risk, it’s time to get rid of them.
You have no idea what the hell they’re planning on doing when the bullets start flying — not someone you want to ride into battle with.
Can you think of any others? Comment below.