11. All branches of the service relied heavily on training films
Since the Second World War, the US military used films as a major part of its training programs, including an extensive reliance on cartoons. The films were professionally produced to cover a wide variety of topics. Some were used to motivate soldiers, some to instill a sense of pride. Some even introduced specific military traditions and history. Others shaped political positions. Some were presented in an amusing manner while others, such as the Navy film of the Forrestal disaster, were deadly serious. There were films used which were of World War II vintage, while others were produced to reflect the conditions and dangers to be found in Vietnam.
Military trainees viewed films which demonstrated how to brush their teeth, protect their paychecks, and prevent the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases. They saw films which presented the maintenance of weapons, the prevention of foot problems, and the use of firefighting equipment. They also were presented with films which depicted the history and glorious record of the branch of service represented by the uniform they wore. Other films presented their enemy and what could be expected from them, as well as the dangers of the political system they were fighting for. Training films were presented early in the recruiting process, and continued throughout the career, as they continue to do today.
