Originally called 'Combat High' when it premiered on the NBC network in 1986. Due to Neal Israel's connection with Police Academy (1984), this tele-movie was renamed 'Combat Academy' when the film went into syndication.
Reputedly, the debut feature film of actor George Clooney, though some cast lists have him included in 'And They're Off' (1982).
A number of the 'special appearance' cast were known from popular American television series. These were 'M*A*S*H' (Jamie Farr), ''The Jeffersons'' (Sherman Hemsley), 'Cheers' (John Ratzenberger), ''Night Court'' (Richard Moll) and ''The Love Boat'' (Bernie Kopell).
On an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's talk show, George Clooney correctly guessed the film, when Kimmel was describing the plot to him (as part of a game).
Movie star George Clooney was an unknown actor when he appeared in this comedy tele-movie.