Militainment is a term used to describe the phenomenon where the military and entertainment industries intersect, resulting in the portrayal of war and military life in a glamorous and heroic light. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of militainment and its impact on public perception of war and the military. We will examine how Hollywood studios have partnered with the military to sanitize the reality of war, and what this means for our understanding of the military and its role in society. The article will also delve into the criticism that has been directed towards militainment, including allegations of propaganda and the depiction of war as a heroic endeavor. With the growing trend of militainment, it is important to understand the implications of this phenomenon and what it means for our understanding of war and military life.

Militainment can take many forms, including Hollywood films and TV shows, video games, and military-themed air shows. In many cases, the military actively collaborates with Hollywood studios to create productions that accurately depict military life and operations. This collaboration allows the military to control the message being portrayed and ensure that it is in line with their desired image. The end result is a sanitized version of war that is far removed from the reality of the experiences of soldiers on the front lines.

Critics of militainment argue that the phenomenon is a form of propaganda that distorts the reality of war and glorifies military action. They also argue that it can have a negative impact on public perception of war, as it often portrays it as a heroic and glamorous endeavor that does not accurately reflect the devastating impact it can have on soldiers and civilians alike. Despite these criticisms, militainment continues to be a popular and influential aspect of popular culture, shaping the way that many people understand and view the military.

However, it is important to note that not all depictions of the military in entertainment are considered militainment. Some productions, such as the films “The Hurt Locker” and “Platoon”, are more realistic and thought-provoking portrayals of military life that aim to shed light on the realities of war and its impact on soldiers. The distinction between militainment and more realistic depictions of the military in entertainment is an important one, as it highlights the distinction between the promotion of military ideals and values, and an honest exploration of the experiences of soldiers and the consequences of military action.

Militainment has also been used as a tool to scare great power adversaries, such as China and Russia. For example, the US military has used movies such as Top Gun to present the US military as a superior and dominant force, with the intention of intimidating other countries and deterring them from military action. This use of militainment as a tool to scare adversaries is seen as a way to demonstrate military prowess and send a message that the US is prepared to defend its interests and defend itself against potential threats.

While the intention behind these uses of militainment is to present the military in a positive and glamorous light, it is a controversial phenomenon that has been criticized for promoting a sanitized and overly positive view of the military and war, obscuring the realities of military life and the devastating consequences of military action.

Hollywood and the military have a close relationship, with the military often providing technical and logistical support to Hollywood productions in exchange for the opportunity to showcase the military in a positive light. This relationship has resulted in a number of successful movies and television shows that are based on the military, such as Sands of Iwo Jima, Black Hawk Down, and The Hurt Locker.

The military and Hollywood work together to ensure accuracy in these productions, with the military often providing technical advisors and access to military equipment and facilities. These technical advisors are responsible for ensuring that the military equipment and procedures depicted in the production are accurate and that the overall portrayal of the military is positive and in line with the military’s image and messaging goals.

The military’s involvement in the production process also helps to ensure that the depictions of military life and combat are realistic and accurate, which can have a positive impact on public perception of the military. By working with Hollywood to create accurate and positive portrayals of the military, the military is able to present a more nuanced and realistic image of military life and the role of the military in society.

Mail Call with Gunny was a popular television show that introduced viewers to military technology and equipment. Hosted by retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey, the show provided an in-depth look at the equipment and technology used by the military, including weapons, gear, and other military-related items. Gunny’s extensive knowledge and expertise on military technology made the show an educational and entertaining program that was popular among both military enthusiasts and the general public. By showcasing military technology and equipment, Mail Call helped to educate viewers about the military and its role in society, and it played an important role in the development of militainment as a genre.

Mini-series like Band of Brothers are an example of how militainment can be used to portray military life and historical events. Based on the experiences of Easy Company, a unit of the 101st Airborne Division during World War II, Band of Brothers provides a realistic and powerful portrayal of the challenges and sacrifices that soldiers faced during the war. The mini-series was praised for its accurate and realistic depictions of military life, from the grueling training that soldiers underwent to the intense and bloody battles they fought in. By showcasing the experiences of Easy Company and other soldiers, Band of Brothers helps to educate viewers about the sacrifices made by military personnel and to provide a deeper understanding of the role that the military has played in shaping history.

Bomb Patrol Afghanistan was a television show produced by G4 studio that showcased the use of robot technology in the fight against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan. The show followed a unit of the U.S. Navy EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team as they used robots to detect and disarm IEDs, providing a unique and eye-opening look at the technology and tactics used by military personnel in the field. By showcasing the use of robots in the fight against IEDs, Bomb Patrol Afghanistan helped to educate viewers about the importance of technology in modern warfare and the critical role that it plays in keeping military personnel safe. The show was also notable for its depiction of the bravery and skill of the EOD teams, who put their lives on the line every day to keep others safe and secure.

Video games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare have become a popular form of militainment that not only provides entertainment but also prepares soldiers for real-life battle. The game’s realistic and intense first-person shooter gameplay has been praised for its ability to accurately simulate battlefield scenarios and provide players with a taste of the fast-paced and high-stress environments that soldiers face in real combat. This type of virtual training has become an important tool for military personnel, who can use these games to gain a deeper understanding of the tactics, techniques, and decision-making processes required in the field. By allowing soldiers to participate in simulated battles, video games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare help to better prepare them for the realities of war and provide them with valuable experience that they can use in real-life situations. 

Movies like Iron Man are an example of how militainment can be used to showcase and present military technologies of the future. The film follows Tony Stark, a genius inventor and industrialist who creates a high-tech suit of armor to fight against evil forces and protect the world. The depiction of the Iron Man suit and its advanced technology, including weapons, flight capabilities, and advanced artificial intelligence, provides a glimpse into the future of military technology. This type of futuristic militainment not only provides entertainment but also serves as a platform to showcase the potential of future military technologies and the possibilities they hold. By presenting these futuristic technologies, movies like Iron Man can inspire and spark discussions about the development of cutting-edge military equipment and the impact it will have on society and the world.

Air shows are a form of militainment that showcase the capabilities and technologies used by warfighters. These events feature demonstrations of military aircraft and weapons, as well as performances by aerobatic teams and other special displays. The demonstrations provide a unique opportunity for the public to see first-hand the capabilities of military aircraft and the technologies used by warfighters in combat. From high-speed flybys to complex aerial maneuvers, air shows provide an exciting and educational look at the military’s cutting-edge technology. They also serve as a platform for the military to showcase its capabilities and to demonstrate its commitment to protecting the nation and its interests. Air shows play an important role in the development of militainment, providing the public with an up-close and personal look at the technology and capabilities of the military, and helping to educate and inspire future generations of warfighters. 

Critics of militainment argue that the phenomenon presents a distorted and overly positive view of war and military life, downplaying or ignoring the devastating consequences of military action. They argue that militainment promotes a romanticized and heroic image of the military that is far removed from the reality of war, and that this can have a negative impact on public understanding of the military and its role in society. 

One of the main criticisms of militainment is that it is a form of propaganda that promotes military ideals and values to the general public. This is seen as a dangerous development, as it can lead to a skewed and overly positive view of the military and its actions. Critics argue that this can result in a lack of critical thinking about the consequences of military action and can obscure the reality of war and its impact on soldiers and civilians alike. 

Another criticism of militainment is that it often portrays war as a glamorous and exciting endeavor, rather than the brutal and devastating experience that it is. This depiction of war as a heroic endeavor can have a negative impact on public perception of war and the military, as it downplays the sacrifices that soldiers and their families make in service to their country. This, in turn, can lead to a lack of support for those who are affected by military action, as well as a lack of accountability for the military and its actions. 

Overall, critics argue that militainment is a dangerous phenomenon that has the potential to shape public perception of the military and war in a negative way. They argue that it is important for the general public to be aware of the distinction between the reality of war and the sanitized version of it that is presented in militainment, in order to have a more informed and nuanced understanding of the military and its role in society. 

Conclusion 

While the intention of militainment is to sanitize the reality of war and present it as a heroic and glamorous endeavor, it is a controversial phenomenon that has been criticized for presenting a distorted and overly positive view of the military and war. Critics argue that militainment is a form of propaganda that promotes military ideals and values to the general public, downplaying the devastating consequences of military action and leading to a lack of critical thinking about the military and its role in society. 

Despite the criticisms, militainment remains a popular and influential aspect of popular culture, shaping the way that many people understand and view the military. It is important for the general public to be aware of the distinction between the reality of war and the sanitized version of it that is presented in militainment, in order to have a more informed and nuanced understanding of the military and its role in society. Ultimately, the impact of militainment on public perception of the military and war is a complex issue that deserves ongoing examination and critical evaluation.

Credits and Acknowledgements

{1} Saving Private Ryan, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Amblin Entertainment, 1998

{2} The Hurt Locker, Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro, Summit Entertainment, 05 June 2009

{3} Top Gun: Maverick, Dark Star, Joseph Kosinski, Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, Paramount Pictures, 2022

{4} Mail Call, R Lee Ermy, Robert Kirk & Rob Lihani, History Channel, 4 Aug 2002

{5} R Lee Ermy and author with PackBot at FLIR bomb maker course, Colorado, 2011

{6} Band of Brothers, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Playtone DreamWorks Television HBO Entertainment British Broadcasting Corporation, 2001

{7} Capt. Jennie Schoeck and actress Moon Bloodgood meet in front of an A-10 fighter for an interview with the news media, during the production of Terminator Salvation at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM on July 18, 2008. Capt. Schoeck is assigned to the 358 Fighter Squadron, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ was the A-10 fighter advisor for the production. Moon Bloodgood portrays a lead resistance pilot in the movie. The 358th Fighter Squadron is the Air Force’s only active-duty A/OA-10A formal training unit the 358th FS conducts all formal course directed aircraft transition, day/night weapons and tactics employment, day/night air refueling, air combat and dissimilar air combat maneuver training for pilot initial qualification, requalification and instructor qualification in the A-10A for the Combat Air Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Lance Cheung)

{8} Rhode Island National Guard Air Show, Quanset Point RI, Photo Credit David Tashji, August 2006

{9} Platoon, Roland Neveu, LightRocket, Getty Images, Orion Pictures, 24 Dec 1986