Folks who have followed this blog for the past nearly 4 years know that after returning from Iraq, I was sent to Fort Irwin, California to take a major role in a new IED Task Force. I had good days and I had bad days at that job, but I loved it!! I was making a difference and keeping Soldiers alive. As a matter of fact, I think some of my best posts were written back in 2005, if you have nothing better to do.

Well, Directors Tony Gerber and Jesse Moss recently released a DVD about the Fort Irwin, home of the National Training Center, called “Full Battle Rattle“. The movie follows an Army Battalion as they “battle” for control and peace in the restive town of Medina Wasl. Medina Wasl is the first town a unit comes into contact with as they drive out into the “Iraqi” desert. The rotation begins with the town being a neutral party, or “gray”, in a volatile province. The actions of the Soldiers training there will turn that town “white” (friendly) or “black” (insurgent stronghold).

Tony and Jesse do a great job of giving the viewer an accurate view of everything that goes into training our troops as accurately as possible. They say that every day at the NTC (Soldiers do a 30-day train-up there) is like your worst day in combat. Soldiers are pushed to their limits with challenges that span the entire spectrum of military operations. From chaplain training to “knock and enter” raids, virtually every possible scenario is run throughout their 30-day exercise.

Full Battle Rattle tells the stories of the Soldiers fighting this fictitious battle as well as the stories of the native Iraqi roll players who provide an extremely accurate portrayal of life in the Middle East. Many of the roll players are refugees who fled just prior to or since the invasion. They play rolls that range from baker to chief of police to town drunk. Soldiers are confronted with realistic scenarios that incorporate dealing with the families of civilians killed on the battlefield.

The movie will show the viewer how difficult decisions are to make at the command level and get them personally involved in the life or death decisions of one man – the Battalion Commander. You will feel sorry for and angry at these combat troops as they fumble their way through the most difficult training experience the military can provide its Soldiers. The directors will bring tears to your eyes even as you watch a fake memorial ceremony for Soldiers “killed” in combat.

You will also rejoice as the Soldiers slowly learn what they are doing wrong and work even harder to make it right. The movie brings you into the private lives of the Iraqi-born contractors who are sacrificing so much to help us help them. In addition to following these combat troops, you will follow two particular role players as they struggle with the challenges of obtaining citizenship. It was good to see some of the people I used to work with again doing what they do best. I miss their end of rotation meals!

To be honest, when I first learned of this movie, I didn’t think I was going to like. Having spent seven years of my life at Fort Irwin, both as an OPFOR (opposing force – insurgent) Soldier and a senior trainer in IEDs, I know what the NTC is capable and the value it has to our military’s success. Having watched the movie, I am both proud and honored to have watched it. Let’s face it, there aren’t a lot of positive documentaries coming out about our military these days!!

Stand by for information on where to buy/rent/view this must-see movie!