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In February of this year, I was asked by the staff of COMBAT MISSIONS (http://www.combatmissions.com/) to come in for an interview. They had this new idea for a TV show and wanted military advisors. I went. Interviewed nice. Didn't get the job. Such is the way of Hollywood. In any event, I spent quite a bit of time researching my erstwhile employers.
COMBAT MISSIONS is a new military - style reality show from the producer of SURVIOR Mark Burnett. The show is proclaimed to the most grueling physical and mental TEAM competition ever staged. Using combat techniques and ex - spec ops types, the producers hope to entertain the great unwashed masses. Professionally, I wish them all the best. Personally, I hope the show fizzles like old grease on a hot pan. I must admit I am of two minds when I consider these kind of military - based reality shows. On the one hand, these shows gall me for two reasons. First, it feeds into the that "special boy and girl" syndrome I have written about before. If you don't wear that green beret you ain't s . . . Well, you get the point. Second, as a culture have we descended so far that we have regressed to gladiator fights no matter what guise they are in? War is not a spectator sport. Just ask the refugees of World War II. They must have really enjoyed all those armies marching and fighting across their land and cities. See how they traveled from place to place just to watch the soldiers play with their guns? On the other hand, with the advent of CNN - type reporting and instantaneous views from the nose of a cruise missile, war has become a spectator sport. And if a production company wants to hire me to write their material, why not? Here is the promotional material from the show with comments. When our COMBAT MISSIONS are over, only one team of true heroes will remain...still holding the flag...and a fresh crisp tankful of official U.S. Greenbacks. 1. Why are teams limited to Special Ops and Law Enforcement Tactical Teams? Why can't civilians or military/law enforcement regulars apply? The entire concept of the show has been built on those with Special Operations and Law Enforcement Tactical expertise. While clearly many without such experience can and would make excellent contestants, it was decided to premiere the show featuring those with specialized training.
The copyright of the article SURVIVOR, COMBAT MISSIONS and the "Reality" Wars in Military Movies is owned by . Permission to republish SURVIVOR, COMBAT MISSIONS and the "Reality" Wars in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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