Citizen Soldier

It was a very intimate view into the guard in a war.

It is a scary land. I know IEDs were a major killing thorn to soldiers in Afghanistan.

One comment that stuck a nerve was about how the local villagers are self serving as you can't trust them.

Imagine this scenario flipped. Would you not be self serving, especially as a 14 year old.

In reality, we're over over there for self serving reasons, along with some aid, etc etc.

They are just trying to defend their close knit families. Who are prob under threat by the Taliban or insurgents to aid them in their mission.

We have never have an armored tank and soldiers meandering in our backyard at 3am demanding ID while living in the US. While I know it's necessary for safety, expects the other side to just continue to allow this to their homes is hard to imagine.

This film shows the reality of armed conflict for everyday people, no propaganda, just a documentary showing the realities of army reserve part time soldiers with normal civilian lives in the thick of the Afghanistan war. Afghanistan is one of the most volatile places on this earth and the documentary covers the rawness of its actuality. It isn't just a video of their job, but a film depicting the real emotions of the war such as the loss of a fellow solider or the high emotions of adrenaline filled firefights. If you want to see something that depicts the war for what it really is, without any dramatizations or additional patriotism, then this is a perfect documentary for you. Being a ex soldier of the Australian Army with a combat deployment to Afganistan and currently in Baghdad, Iraq as a private contractor this films relates to me in many ways. It also helps people that are unaware of the situations and the reality of what veterans have encountered whilst on combat operations. Absolutely recommended. David Salzberg has done wonders again to show the reality of war. Well done.

I recently watched this film that was nothing short of superior. It was a true portrayal of the bravery, spirit and brotherhood of our soldiers fighting for our country. No propaganda, no crafted protagonists, no censorship - just raw footage of ordinary citizens being extraordinary heroes. Post 9/11, a group of Soldiers in the Oklahoma Army National Guard was deployed to one of the most dangerous parts of Afghanistan. This is not only their story; it's their reality. When I watch classic war movies such as Saving Private Ryan and Full Metal jacket, they definitely prove to be entertaining, however I always wonder how close to reality they touch. In Citizen Soldier, there is never a doubt. As seen from a helmet cam, you not only watch the constant danger and uncertainty these soldiers face but also experience it. The reoccurring theme of comradery is prevalent in the periodic interviews with the soldiers as they recollect their thoughts and feelings. Each soldier had one thought on their mind, and that was to keep each other safe. Citizen Soldier is an incredibly crafted documentary with real depth that will give you an overwhelming sense of appreciation for our military.

In the documentary Citizen Soldier, Directors David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud deliver an astonishing film about the Oklahoma National Guard's deployment in one of the harshest regions of Afghanistan. This film transcends the boundaries of a typical military film by using footage from helmet cameras to provide audiences with an immersive look at life and war overseas. As I watched from their perspectives, I couldn't help but feel like I was a part of their fight. Audiences get to see seemingly ordinary citizens transform themselves from strangers into a family of brave men and women known as "Citizen Soldiers". It amazed me to see what these men and women experience while deployed. They're thrown into hostile environments and must deal with adversity as a team. The most moving part of this film was watching these real people, in real combat, willing to put their lives on the line for their fellow soldiers. Through all of the victories and losses, they form an unbreakable bond that lasts long after they return home to their civilian lives. Not only is Citizen Soldier a moving documentary, but I think it's also an outstanding way to show appreciation to these soldiers, and all citizen soldiers. It's a fantastic film and I highly recommend it.

This docu drama is the genuine article. At times chaotic and farcical it shows what random engagements can be like and their effect on the troops. There is some real emotion here from soldiers woefully under appreciated for the dangerous work they do. Afghanistan as a war might lack the glamour, pull for your average joe, and some serious questions can and should be asked about being over there, but these guys are putting it out there and deserve as many plaudits as we can bestow upon them..