On the DVD audio commentary, David Simon recalled Neal Jones's somewhat unorthodox audition for the role of Sgt. Major Sixta. According to the story, Jones entered the audition room, immediately began screaming his lines unintelligibly - much like his character does - and then walked out of the room without another word. As he opened the door to leave, he winked at casting director Alexa L. Fogel, and she realized she had the right actor for the role.
Alexander Skarsgård is an actual military veteran, did his conscript in Sweden's equivalent to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Rudy Reyes (the muscular marine who runs around the camp with a gas mask on) portrays himself in the TV series.
Throughout the entire mini-series the reporter from Rolling Stone Evan Wright is never referred to by his name. He is referred to only as Scribe, Rolling Stone, or Reporter.