Citizen Soldier

Would rate this a definite worth a watch, let's say 7 (put a 10 in to offset Mr 1/10 who clearly doesn't u sweat and the point of a review- just that he thinks war is a waste of money which is a different question)

But yea a refreshing no bs account of what wars are really like told from the human perspective (albeit from one sides perspective only). The pov footage was not detrimental at all in my opinion and really did immerse you in the situation at least as much as possible from the couch. Gripping for the most part and completely devoid of the standard 'murica yeah! mentality that is often conveyed in war documentaries/movies. And no I'm not American.

Citizen Soldier is set in post-9/11 and is about a group of Oklahoma men and women in the National Guard who get deployed to fight in the most menacing areas of Afghanistan. Go-pro helmet cameras were used incredibly in the making of this documentary because it gave a more personal look in to the soldier's tour of duty. This film included honest and genuine interviews from the National Guard members, which added a more inclusive and emotional element to the film. It stands out amongst all other military films because it is not simply a documentary about violent warfare or pro-war propaganda, but instead it shows the dramatic transformation of average civilians to National Guard soldiers fighting tirelessly in Afghanistan. It is focuses on the brotherhood and bond shared between these brave soldiers and defines what it truly means to have a fellow soldier's back while on the battlefield. The leadership and bravery that the armed troops of our country possess truly amazed me. I thought it was a heartfelt film.

Whether you are a bleeding liberal or a conservative, this documentary will provide more education about war, about troops serving overseas, about what happens after war, and the bond forged by our men and women who serve than any history book or newscast. This should be added to curriculum taught in schools so students and people in general see an unbiased version of what war is - not the politics, but the day-to-day events. I will watch any documentary I can find to get an unfiltered understanding of war so I better appreciate the freedoms I have because of the volunteers (full time and civilian troops). I gave this documentary 8 stars because I feel like some things might be missing (possible op sec), but I really enjoyed the honesty the film makers demonstrated.

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.

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..