EVERY time I watch TV and see a military uniform, it's wrong. COL Ryan's ACUs on "The Unit" are always jacked up in one way or another. Then, last night on "Brothers & Sisters," Justin's name tapes were friggin' BACKWARDS! Don't they have military advisors? And if so, how can I get this job because all of them are clueless?
2007-05-21 06:54:25 · 9 answers · asked by Hank S 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television ➔ Drama
What law is that? I've been involved with the military for well over 20 years and I've never heard of it.
2007-05-21 07:14:30 · update #1
I always notice that, too. Supposedly, uniforms are not allowed to be perfectly copied in film or on tv. This can be accomplished by simply screwing up the order or likelyhood of ribbons on a service member's uniform; but often they screw it up pretty royally, like you mentioned. My favorite is when they mislabel Navy and Coast Guard people, thinking they have the same titles as the other branches in the military, which they DON'T. For example, when Sunshine joins the team in "Remember the Titans" his Navy father is addressed as Colnel when in fact he is a Captain. To answer your question, they are misinformed and too lazy to do proper research! I nominate you to be hired.
2007-05-21 07:04:35 · answer #1 · answered by Bethanierose 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no law banning the wearing of a military uniform properly in movies or TV. It is simply a matter of a lack of attention to detail or an investment in an advisor to do so. Since the only ones that really pick apart the uniform snafus are military and veterans, and that group comprises just a small percentage of a show's or movie's viewing public, it's not worth the time or effort to get it 100% correct.
For what it is worth, I spent 4 years in ROTC, 4 in the Army, and 4 in the Air Force and found that many servicemen and women can't get it 100% right. What makes you think Hollywood could do better?
=)
2007-05-21 08:19:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hollywood has to present their manner of how the uniforms will be worn and DA, pentagon,etc must approve. There are military advisors, but they are there too assure the wear of the uniform is not compromised for security reasons.If the wrong people knew exactly how to wear a uniform and where certain patches and insignia went it could allow imposters to succeed in accessing government installations,use benefits,and blend in with military operations.The innaproriate wear of military uniform in television is intentional. Even when it may seem to you that there is one that's being worn in comformance with regs, it isn't. Some items may not even be real. If you can observe closely at some medals,ribbons or crests you can identify details in the replicas that are not presnt in the genuine stuff. Even the colors of most uniforms are off, whether you are talking about blues,greens or dress whites.Some pants may be just slacks and the coat may in fact be an old military dress coat that has been discontinued.
2007-05-21 07:03:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question so much reminds me of my husband. He's a retired Marine and always picks out the flaws in the uniforms!! I guess since it's just a fictional show, they don't get too worried about the proper way ribbons, etc. should go on the uniforms. I've even picked up on some things!
2007-05-21 06:58:17 · answer #4 · answered by 2Beagles 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only time that it is not illegal for someone to wear an exact replica of a military uniform is if the person/actor in question is retired military and authorized to wear it.
2007-05-21 07:03:20 · answer #5 · answered by New rider-- again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not so sure that there is a law preventing proper wearing of ribbions etc... look at the older movies.. i. e. The DI... the Great Santini to name just two,, their uniforms are from what I remember dead on..... i could be wrong tho.. but i agree with 2Beagles..... my husband is also a Marine, and we together point out the flaws of uniforms.....
2007-05-21 07:09:48 · answer #6 · answered by bytchy_princess 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it has to do with a custom or a law that forbids anyone from wearing a uniform that is correct in markings etc to keep anyone from thinking that person was actually in the military.
It's such a small thing, most people don't pay attention too...
2007-05-21 06:58:26 · answer #7 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The average non-military citizen doesnt see it because they dont know what to look for. You see it because Im assuming either you were in a ROTC course or were in the military.
2007-05-21 06:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by Par 4 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By law, they cannot exactly duplicate a military uniform. You WILL see things such as patches on the wrong side, pins and ranks ill-displayed.
2007-05-21 06:57:20 · answer #9 · answered by pintobns 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋