Veterans and war movies have a complicated relationship. Do you think veterans like war movies?

The answer to this question is complicated. Some veterans love war movies because they can relive their experiences and feel like they’re back in the action. Other veterans find war movies triggering and upsetting. It depends on the veteran’s individual experiences.

Others believe that these films could offer a form of closure or understanding about their experiences. Recent studies suggest that veterans enjoy war movies but for different reasons than non-veterans. Let’s take a closer look at this interesting topic.

Why Do Veterans Watch War Movies?

Veterans are often drawn to war movies because they offer a chance to relive their experiences, share them with others and reflect on what they went through. War movies can be a way for veterans to process their memories and emotions; for the rest of us, they offer a unique glimpse into the experience of war. The veteran’s reaction to the film would, of course, depend on his experiences.

For many veterans, war is a confusing and chaotic time, full of violence and death. Watching war movies can be a way of understanding and processing these events. It can also be a way of sharing their experiences with others who have not been through the same thing.

For some veterans, war movies are a way of reliving their experiences. They may watch the same movie over and over again, trying to catch every detail. This can be a way of coping with trauma or simply of feeling closer to their experiences. It can also be a way of sharing their stories with others.

For many civilians, war is something that happens in history books or on the news. War movies can help to bring these events to life and help people to understand what it is like to experience them. This can be a valuable way of educating people about the reality of war.

Regardless of veterans’ experiences, war movies can offer a special place in their hearts. 

Who is the Target Audience for War Movies?

While some veterans may find them interesting and reflective, the majority of the target audience is civilians. This is likely because veterans have experienced war firsthand, so they don’t need a movie to provide that experience. Civilians, conversely, can learn about war through these movies and gain a new perspective on what it’s like.

While veterans may have different reactions to war movies, there are some commonalities. For example, many veterans find themselves drawn to these films because they offer a chance to relive their experiences. This can be both good and bad for veterans. On the one hand, it can be therapeutic for veterans to revisit their memories and process them in a safe environment. However, on the other hand, it can also be triggering and difficult to watch war movies if veterans are not in a good place mentally.

Another reason veterans may be drawn to war movies is that they offer a way to share their experiences with others. Many veterans feel like they can’t talk about their experiences with civilians because they don’t understand what it was like. War movies can be a way for veterans to bridge that gap and help civilians understand what they went through.

Finally, war movies can be a way for veterans to reflect on their experiences. This is particularly true for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Watching war movies can help veterans remember both the good and the bad times, and it can help them make peace with their past.

Can Vets be Called to War?

An induction, otherwise known as a draft, occurs when the government requires people to enlist in the military during times of crisis. For example, suppose every available reserve service member is called to active duty, and the military still needs more troops. In that case, those who are retired from service may be inducted back into action. The United States last had a draft during the Vietnam War.

While there has not been a draft since 1973, veterans can still be called back into service through a process called recall. A recall occurs when the president or Congress authorizes the involuntary return of retired or discharged service members back to active duty for national emergencies or wartime needs. Service members who are recalled typically serve on active duty for 12 months or less, although this can vary depending on the situation.

In recent years, veterans have been recalled to active duty to serve in support roles during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While veterans are not typically called to fight in combat roles anymore, they may still find themselves deployed to war zones in support capacities.

Why Do Veterans Not Talk About War?

The fact that they might have upset their families by talking about the war may have kept World War I veterans from speaking about their experiences. However, nearly 9 out of 10 veterans returning from combat have experienced violence firsthand, whether it be through witnessing it, being a victim of it, or causing it. For many of them, the fear for their lives was a daily reality during their time at war.

Since 2003 American troops began returning from the Iraq war, it has become apparent that many more soldiers have PTSD than was previously supposed. More veterans have sought treatment for this disease after returning from the present conflict than in any prior American war. Vets who digest their wartime experiences frequently find it easier to transition to civilian life. 

One unfortunate result of wars is increased tension back at home among families. According to one study, over half of the veterans have more fights with their spouses, 20% have lost sexual closeness, and more than 55% report having some problems with domestic life when they come home. Sadly, 40% of vets don’t want to utilize military medical services because they lack confidence in the system.

What Are Some Good War Movies?

• Saving Private Ryan (1998)
• Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
• Dunkirk (2017)
• 1917 (2019)
• Black Hawk Down (2001)
• We Were Soldiers (2002)
• Lone Survivor (2013)
• American Sniper (2014)
• Fury (2014)
• 12 Strong (2018)