Military representation has been long present in Hollywood, serving as a way for the general public to get a glimpse of the United States military. Media from “Top Gun” to “NCIS” inspire, inform, and sensationalize our military to the public, glamorizing the idea of military service internationally. Yet, I chose the word “idea” intentionally - while the media does a fabulous job showcasing some aspects of the military, they tend to misrepresent service as a whole.
Through glorifying the life of Navy fighter pilots with its thrilling fighting scenes and relatable lead characters, “Top Gun” is one of the most iconic films in history. The success of this movie was so impactful, it led to a dramatic increase in recruitment and enlistment. On the other hand, “NCIS” offers a more realistic but still heavily dramatized view of life at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, solving crimes related to the Navy and Marine Corps. These two balance humor and action-packed drama, while still maintaining a level of realism.
Being a military teen, I love these shows, but they have sometimes led to me misunderstanding what my father’s work really entails and how much sacrifice and commitment is required of him. If I’m confused, knowing a lot about military life and service already, then what’s it like for civilians with no context within the military? Is our sacrifice being represented truthfully?
To me, these shows and movies embody heroism, camaraderie, and a strong sense of duty, all admirable traits. They entail that the military is an honorable and exciting career choice, encouraging service and rising up in the ranks for exciting missions and deployments. However, they often forget to include the more dangerous and tiresome aspects of military life, like long and strenuous deployments, the psychological toll of service, and the bureaucratic nature of the military.
The glamorous military life often depicted can set unrealistic expectations for military brats or people deciding to serve. The action and heroism captured in the media do not include the routine, discipline, and hard work that many service members must endure. The media may lead to expectations of constant thrilling action and missions, which is not possible without the day-to-day mundane tasks, possibly leading to disappointment and a rose colored view.
Nevertheless, it's validating to see that my parents’ service is celebrated and recognized. This sense of pride fostered from inclusion (at whatever level) in the media is an integral part of military teens’ identities, and it allows us to make connections within the military community.
The representation of military service in the media can also foster empathy and a sense of understanding for service members and military brats. A common (and very valid) trait focused on in military and war media is PTSD or other psychological trauma from combat. Through the media accurately including this, I feel like I am able to have more empathy for the experiences of others and better understand behaviors.
However, with the amount of effort Hollywood puts into making these movies as realistic as possible (often with help from service branches themselves), many service members/military brats might also find these movies triggering, especially for those who have dealt with loss, anxiety, and extended time apart. Service-related movies can reinforce fears or create a sense of danger and worry surrounding their parents’ jobs.
On a different note, many of these shows are not diverse due to unequal representation of minorities and women. Traditional media has prominently featured men as the lead characters, often sidelining contributions of women and minorities (ie Admiral Michelle Howard) with a prime example being Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, in Top Gun and his band of white, male aviators. This might affect views of who belongs in the military and what roles they can play. Fortunately, there have been efforts to diversify casting and plots in recent times.
To conclude, while Hollywood’s portrayal of the military is inspiring and filled with pride and patriotism, it doesn't fully accurately represent the complexity and sacrifice that makes up military life. For us and other military connected individuals, the media creates a disconnect between movie screens and cable TV and the reality we live everyday. The sacrifices that service requires for service members and their loved ones are usually overlooked.
While this media helps spread empathy and understanding for those with little knowledge about military life, it may also open old wounds, especially for those who have experienced the burdens of service. Furthermore, the lack of diversity in Hollywood’s portrayal of military service leaves people feeling unrecognized and unwelcomed in military service.
Ultimately, while it is validating to see our parents’ service recognized, I’d love to see more stories that reflect the true complexity and depth of military life - the honor and glory, but also the struggle, sacrifice, and resilience that define us. Only then can we truly appreciate the sacrifice that military service requires and the strength it demands of everyone involved.
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