One of the great offenders of this misrepresentation is the X-FILES. While Chris Carter has done a good job in creating a moody TV piece on interstellar conspiracy, his production team has done a poor job of creating authentic U.S. military style uniforms. I have witnessed upside ranks, young actors representing senior NCOs, and senior grade officers that act like miniature Hitlers.
I think that these inaccuracies can be chalked up the lack of military experience in Canada. Canada has a very small, but professional military. There is not a large number of Canadians who have served with their military. Correspondingly, I don't believe there are any great numbers of people who have served in the military and work in the TV industry and therefore can share their experiences.
Another offender of misrepresenting the U.S. military is THE OUTER LIMITS. Again, produced in Canada this show has also compiled an assume record of incorrect uniforms, incorrect jargon, over - bearing officers, and generally lax attitudes about the military.
Now, I am not arguing that in a fictional story that involves some future period you can mix and match uniforms, jargon, what - have - you to your heart's content. What I am arguing is that if are producing a contemporary story with contemporary characters you should at least try to get the uniforms, jargon, ranks, etc correct. Does this involve more work on the part of the production companies? You betcha Red Ryder. Is that work worth the effort? Yes, certainly.
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