Ironically, Darren McGavin was of draft age but medically disqualified for military service during World War II, while Jan-Michael Vincent had been in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve for several years at the time of filming.
Due to its huge viewing figures when first aired, this was also given a limited theatrical release.
The original air date was November 10, the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The United States Marine Corps has two, and only two, basic training installations for the initial enlisted training, commonly called boot-camp. Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego (where this movie is based), and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Officers receive their basic training (Officer Candidate School) at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia.
It was also named "Tribes" when it aired on HBO.
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