In the realm of military operations, the distinction between “reel” and “real” holds paramount significance. While “reel” might conjure images of mechanical devices or entertainment, it finds little relevance in military jargon. On the other hand, “real” emerges as a pivotal concept. The line between the two is clear, emphasizing that combat readiness cannot solely be attained through simulations. The shift from “reel” to “real” underscores the gravity of military service, demanding adaptability and resilience in face of genuine challenges that extend beyond the realm of mere practice. And for a common citizen’s eye it’s either from third person reviews or visual representations from military portrayals. So hop on for some deeper exploration in these topics :
Dissecting Inaccuracies From Games To Real Life
Video games are a popular form of entertainment that often draw inspiration from real-world scenarios, including warfare and military operations. However, the accuracy of these depictions can vary widely, leading to misconceptions among players about how assault rifles function, how special operations missions are conducted, how sniping and reconnaissance are executed, and how combat tactics like cover fire and urban warfare are applied. Many video games oversimplify the mechanics of assault rifles, often portraying them as highly accurate and capable of firing endlessly without repercussions. In reality, assault rifles require skilled marksmanship and controlled bursts to maintain accuracy. The portrayal of unrealistic reloading times, ammunition capacities, and firing rates contributes to misunderstandings about the limitations of these firearms. Video games often overlook the challenges of managing recoil, aiming, and maintaining accuracy during rapid fire. In real-life scenarios, sustained firing can lead to decreased accuracy and control due to recoil forces. Games often portray reloading as a swift process, whereas real-life reloading can be time-consuming, particularly under stress.
Video games frequently glamorize special operations missions, showcasing lone operatives accomplishing complex objectives with minimal consequences. In reality, special operations are meticulously planned, involve teams of highly trained individuals, and emphasize stealth, intelligence gathering, and coordination. Games like Hitman while movies like James Bond franchise based on Ian Fleming’s novels are prime examples of solo-queuers – while in reality no country’s military units conduct drills or trainings such way. Games often present protagonists gathering crucial intelligence effortlessly, while real-life intelligence requires careful analysis of multiple sources, including human intelligence, satellite imagery, and intercepted communications. They tend to simplify stealth mechanics, making it seem easier to avoid detection than it is in reality. Spec ops missions involve extensive training in stealth techniques, terrain analysis, and evasion tactics. In real life, it’s always the Element of Surprise paired with the battle wits, operator skills, dominating gun statistics and leading the battlefield with recce information along with teamwork and critical communications.
Games frequently depict sniping with pinpoint accuracy over extraordinary distances. In actual sniping, factors such as wind, gravity, and bullet drop must be carefully considered to achieve accurate shots. Even if latest triple-A titles such as Sniper Ghost Warrior, Battlefield 2042, Call of Duty MW franchise etc. employ realistic factors on a rifle’s shooting, the real deal is a distant dream for a guy with a keyboard and a gaming chair. Military snipers endure months-long and year-long sniper training and each platform requiring more and more skill as the guns and ranges change.
Games often portray cover fire as an easy means to suppress enemies, neglecting the importance of coordinated teamwork and proper use of suppressive fire techniques. Urban combat requires intricate planning and consideration of civilian safety. Games may omit the challenges of distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants and the difficulties posed by narrow streets, complex buildings, and potential booby traps.
No HUD?
For a fellow gamer, it’s just a visual adventure with unlimited resources. Accurate headshots are the daily bread of shooting games. But the real life, it’s as hard as it can get. A military operator having nothing but some couple of hundred metres distance between the enemies getting pinned down. The person is even considered insanely lucky if his rifle has got a good optic because many countries’ average infantrymen do not have resources for full modernization and shooting privileges. After all in a planet of 195 countries, USA, Russia, UK, Germany, India, China and just a handful of them are actually considered superpowers deserving of their defense budget expenditure.
In games health, its unlimited health. If a gamer is taking damage, just crouch/hide/take some pills and once again he has got the full 100HP. Real life? He would be lucky to survive after receiving one fatal shot.
A shooting game’s user journey is like FIFA’s Amateur mode, along with unlimited health and maybe even ammunition. NPCs can carry abnormal amount of ammunition. A person carrying 400 rounds for two assault rifles 100 rounds for his pistol while also carrying those heavy backpacks, kevlar suit, accessories, health kits etc. is just absurd. But a real life scenario isn’t that resourceful. Just a standard AR-15 and a Glock, carrying 4 NATO 5.56 magazines and 4 9mm magazines and that’s it. Your ammo is out? No worries, you ammo will refill in the heavenly clouds unless the exfiltration team intercepts for help.
The biggest advantage is maybe the map. A gamer’s eye has the whole map’s 2d view in a particular corner of his screen. Maybe a drone deployment for recce, maybe a friend’s callouts, maybe AI assistance etc. and the user gets all the targets market in the map. While in real life, military personnel are out in the dark. Not all countries are USA, UK or India that they would have a MQ9 kilometres above the ground providing real-time battlefield information. For most countries; military units, manual surveillance maybe the best case scenario of a mission success KPI. Just a first-person view with maybe a maximum of 100 yards through your naked eye and that’s it. You can get easily pinned down, you can get easily ambushed – one wrong move and death awaits.
Are Suppressors Shown The Right Way?
A suppressor or silencer can be considered can be considered one of the most crucial attachments of a gun whether it is a pistol, assault rifle, sniper rifle or whatever. Its primary objective? To reduce the noise and muzzle flash. You might recognize the pivotal functions on how they are depicted in movies and games. But function of suppressors aren’t either portrayed well enough or given misinformation on these visual platforms.
It operates through a combination of intricate engineering principles. When a bullet is fired from a rifle, the rapidly expanding gases generated by the burning gunpowder propel the bullet out of the barrel, creating a sonic boom and a blast of hot gases. A suppressor mitigates these effects in several ways. First, as the bullet exits the barrel, the suppressor features a series of internal baffles or expansion chambers. These baffles are designed to slow down and cool the high-pressure gases, disrupting their rapid expansion. This reduction in pressure gradient helps decrease the loudness of the muzzle blast. Second, the suppressor contains sound-absorbing materials, often resembling metal mesh or composite materials. These materials absorb and disperse the remaining sound waves generated by the firing process, further reducing the noise produced. The suppressor also contains a large volume of air space, allowing the gases to expand gradually, which aids in noise reduction. Additionally, the suppressor’s exit port is larger than the caliber of the bullet, which permits the gases to escape more slowly and smoothly, reducing the audible crack that is commonly associated with supersonic bullets.
Sound Level Reduction: Misconception – Suppressors in movies and games often portray firearms as nearly silent when equipped with a suppressor. Reality – While suppressors significantly reduce the noise produced by firing a gun, they don’t make it completely silent. A gunshot with a suppressor still produces a distinct and audible sound, often described as a “suppressed” or “subsonic” crack. The sound level reduction depends on factors like the caliber of the bullet, the ammunition used, and the design of the suppressor.
Muzzle Flash: Misconception – Suppressors in media tend to eliminate or drastically reduce muzzle flash, making them appear less visually impressive. Reality – Suppressors can reduce muzzle flash to some extent, but they don’t completely eliminate it. The combustion of gunpowder and the ejection of gases still generate some level of visible flash. Moreover, subsonic ammunition, which is often used with suppressors, can produce more noticeable muzzle flash due to incomplete burning of gunpowder.
Accuracy and Recoil: Misconception – Movies and games sometimes depict suppressors as devices that inherently enhance accuracy and reduce recoil. Reality – While a suppressor can have a minor impact on reducing recoil due to the redirection of gases, it doesn’t magically improve accuracy. The primary function of a suppressor is to reduce noise, not to enhance shooting performance. Factors affecting accuracy, such as bullet ballistics, shooter’s skill, and rifle quality, remain unchanged.
Ammunition Type: Misconception – Media often portrays suppressors as making any bullet fired “quiet.” Reality – Suppressors are more effective with subsonic ammunition, which is specifically designed to avoid breaking the sound barrier. Supersonic bullets, even when fired with a suppressor, will still produce a noticeable sonic crack as they exceed the speed of sound.
Attachment and Detachment: Misconception – Movies and games often show suppressors being attached or detached from firearms swiftly and noiselessly. Reality – In reality, attaching or detaching a suppressor requires precision and often involves threading the suppressor onto the muzzle of the firearm. This process is not quick or completely noiseless, and it may involve a distinct “twisting” sound as the suppressor locks into place.
Caliber Universality: Misconception – Media sometimes portrays suppressors as universally compatible with various firearm calibers. Reality – Suppressors are often designed and tuned for specific calibers. Using a suppressor with a different caliber can result in reduced effectiveness, damage to the suppressor, or even dangerous conditions.
Newbie Gunners
Firing an assault rifle such as an AK-47 or any firearm in full auto mode can have a significant impact on the body, especially for someone who is doing it for the first time and might not be familiar with the recoil, noise, and overall experience.
Recoil: The AK-47 is known for its relatively strong recoil, especially when fired in full auto. The recoil can cause the shooter to lose control of the weapon, leading to poor accuracy and potential danger if the firearm is not properly managed.
Noise and Concussion: Firearms, especially high-caliber rifles, produce loud noise and shockwaves upon firing. This can lead to temporary or even permanent hearing damage if proper ear protection is not used. The concussion from the blast can also be disorienting and startling for someone firing the weapon for the first time.
Physical Impact: The recoil of a full-auto AK-47 can cause physical discomfort, bruising, and even injury if the shooter is not holding the weapon properly against their shoulder.
Accuracy and Control: Firing in full auto mode can make it extremely challenging to maintain accuracy. The recoil can cause the barrel to rise, resulting in shots going higher than intended. This can also lead to the shooter struggling to keep the firearm on target.
Fatigue: Sustained firing in full auto mode can quickly lead to physical fatigue due to the recoil forces and the need to manage the weapon’s movement. This can further degrade accuracy and control.
Safety Concerns: Inexperienced shooters might inadvertently point the firearm in unsafe directions, leading to potential accidents. Without proper training and control, there’s a higher risk of misfires or unintentional discharges.
While the whole gun experimenting topic is fully allowed to explore in countries like US, most countries have strict gun protocols and so is India. Yet be it legal or illegal plenty accidents/deaths/freak incidents occur where both experts and ill-trained content creators have fallen. On January 14, 2020 a Bareilly boy was in the process of a Tiktok shoot with a loaded revolver where he forced his mother to be the gun holder but it accidentally went off and the boy was dead on spot. On May 20, 2021, a 19 year old Tiktok star of Swat, Pakistan accidentally shot and killed himself while shooting a fake suicide video.
Such extreme events have even occurred in major film production sets. On October 21, 2021, a live cartridge was fired from a pistol used as a prop by renowned actor Alec Baldwin at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico, killing cameraman Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin and armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed will each face two counts of involuntary manslaughter, or alternatively, two counts of manslaughter, the Santa Fe district attorney said on January 19, 2023. This incident caused a major uproar around the world.
A co-star shot Brandon Lee, a 28-year-old actor and the son of martial artist Bruce Lee, in the head in 1993 when they were filming “The Crow.” The prop gun that was used had a live bullet in it. The incident cut short the aspiring star’s rise in Hollywood and generated a discussion about gun safety on location. Lee fell to the ground on the set when the prop cannon was discharged. When Lee didn’t get up right away, the crew initially assumed he was joking, but they soon realized something had gone horribly wrong when they noticed he was breathing heavily and bleeding heavily from the right side of his abdomen, according to author Bridget Baiss in the 2001 book “The Crow: The Story Behind the Film.” Lee underwent hours of surgery at the New Hanover Regional Medical Centre in Wilmington in an effort to preserve his life from the actual bullet that had been lodged close to his spine. But it wasn’t sufficient. Lee was given the all-clear to pass away about 12 hours after being brought to the hospital. His passing shocked both Hollywood and the Lee family.
Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)
Firing an RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade) in a real battle scenario and shooting the same action for film purposes in Bollywood and Hollywood are different in several ways due to the nature of their contexts and requirements. In a real battle scenario, the primary concern is the safety of the soldiers and civilians involved. The RPG is used as a lethal weapon to engage enemy targets and achieve military objectives. RPGs are used for their intended purpose in warfare, aiming to hit enemy vehicles, fortified positions, or other military targets. The focus is on accuracy and effectiveness. In an actual battle, military units must adhere to logistical constraints such as ammunition availability, range limitations, and tactical considerations. Military personnel are trained to operate them within the framework of military regulations and rules of engagement. The use of RPGs is governed by international laws and agreements.
In the film industry, safety of the cast and crew is paramount. Special effects, controlled explosions, and CGI are used to simulate RPG firings while ensuring the well-being of everyone on set. Filmmakers often exaggerate action sequences for cinematic effect. RPG firings in films might involve more elaborate visual and sound effects, intended to entertain the audience rather than accurately represent real-world RPG usage. Movie productions have the flexibility to create multiple takes of a scene using editing techniques. This allows them to stage RPG firings without the constraints of limited ammunition or real-world tactical considerations. Filmmakers need to adhere to safety regulations, obtain permits, and follow industry guidelines when depicting explosive or weapon-related scenes. They are not subject to the same strict regulations as military personnel.
Attempting to fire a real RPG without proper knowledge of its basic requirements can have severe consequences and even for the sake of content regardless of authorized permission, these weapons are in a genre of their own.
Personal Injury: RPGs are powerful weapons that require specialized training to handle safely. Mishandling or improper firing can result in serious injuries, including burns, shrapnel wounds, or even death. Even if a RPG is properly shoulder-launched, the noise and flash generated is immense which can easily the person on the forefront deaf, blind or blurred. That’s improvised earplugs, military-grade headphones and googles and helmets are worn – applicable for both military training and authorized citizens.
Legal Consequences: Attempting to use an RPG without proper authorization is illegal in most countries. It can lead to criminal charges, imprisonment, and significant legal penalties.
Property Damage: RPGs have a significant blast radius and can cause substantial property damage. Improper firing could result in unintended destruction of property, including buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. In densely populated areas, attempting to fire an RPG without proper training could put bystanders, civilians, and emergency responders at risk, leading to potential casualties.
Fire in the hole !! Gone wrong
A grenade explosion in real life is a rapid and violent release of energy caused by the detonation of an explosive compound contained within the grenade. In real life, these are very dangerous explosions either triggering incendiary damage or brutal shockwaves from the fragmentation. Shrapnel gets scattered everywhere. Depending on the death radius of the type of grenade, the victims would insta-die then and there or will be beyond saving. But movies somehow get these wrong.
Movies often exaggerate the size of grenade explosions, making them much larger and more destructive than they are in reality. Grenades are relatively small devices and their explosions have a limited blast radius compared to larger explosives. Yet with those exaggerated explosions the fatalities go wrong further as characters sometimes come out of those without even taking a speck of damage. Movies frequently depict grenade explosions with large fireballs and mushroom clouds. In reality, grenades produce minimal fire and no mushroom cloud due to their small size and the composition of the explosive material. Characters in movies often throw back grenades that have been thrown at them. While this is possible with quick reflexes, the time it takes for a person to react and pick up the grenade makes it a very risky and unlikely scenario. Movies sometimes show grenades detonating upon impact after being thrown, which is generally not how they work. Most grenades have a short delay (usually a few seconds) between initiation and detonation. They often depict characters being thrown through the air by a grenade blast. While the shockwave can certainly propel people, the exaggerated distances and heights seen in movies are unrealistic.
Don’t be a loser. Always buy a defuser.
Bomb defusal is one of the most nerve-wracking military operations and has become a very popular entertainment form especially in games such as Counter Strike series and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Yet this complicated topic is featured very wrongly in games and movies. Movies often depict bomb defusal scenarios with unrealistic time constraints, such as countdowns that can be stopped at the last second. In reality, bomb disposal experts prioritize safety over speed and take their time to carefully analyze and defuse the device. Extreme incidents may occur when bomb defusals or terror operations have ‘Dead Man’s Switch’ defusing – (A dead man’s switch is a switch that is designed to be activated or deactivated if the human operator becomes incapacitated, such as through death, loss of consciousness, or being bodily removed from control.) The cliché of cutting the correct color wire to defuse a bomb is far from reality. Bomb technicians don’t rely on simple wire cutting but instead use intricate procedures to render the device safe. Movies sometimes show bomb disposal experts using everyday items in creative ways to defuse bombs which is actually not and require specialized tools for those. Movies sometimes depict bomb technicians using the same procedures for all types of bombs. In reality, each situation is unique, requiring careful analysis and adaptation of techniques. Characters may handle bombs casually or even shake them without causing detonation. In real life, such actions are extremely dangerous and would likely trigger the explosive device.
Do Big-Budget Games Get It Right?
Big budget or AAA titles of stealth, military, and shooting PC games often prioritize gameplay, entertainment, and accessibility over strict realism. While these games may incorporate elements of real-world tactics and equipment, they typically take creative liberties to enhance player experience and engagement.
Gameplay Balance: Real-world military engagements involve careful planning, coordination, and adherence to protocols. In games, the primary goal is to provide a fun and engaging experience for players. This often means allowing players to perform actions that might not be feasible or realistic in a true military scenario, such as carrying an extensive arsenal of weapons and gadgets. For example, in the “Call of Duty” series, players often carry multiple heavy weapons, reload quickly, and regenerate health, which deviates from the limitations of real-world combat situations.
Accessibility: Game developers aim to make their titles accessible to a wide audience, including gamers who may not be familiar with military tactics or equipment. This can lead to simplifications and exaggerations in gameplay mechanics for broader appeal. For example, in the “Rainbow Six Siege” series, characters often survive multiple gunshot wounds before being incapacitated, allowing for more dynamic and extended engagements compared to real-life combat.
Dramatic Narrative: Video games often strive to tell compelling stories and create high-stakes scenarios. This can result in scripted events and set pieces that heighten tension and drama, even if they deviate from realistic military tactics. For example, the “Battlefield” series includes large-scale, cinematic battles with explosive moments and destruction, creating a spectacle that is more focused on entertainment than strict realism.
Balancing Gameplay Mechanics: Game developers need to balance gameplay mechanics to ensure that the game remains challenging and enjoyable. This can lead to adjustments that deviate from reality, such as weapon accuracy, movement speed, and damage values. Games rely on visual and audio cues to provide feedback to players, which may not accurately represent real-world scenarios. This includes highlighting enemies, showing bullet trajectories, and using dramatic sound effects.
Hardware and Control Limitations: Video games must be designed to work with various hardware setups and input devices. This can lead to simplifications and shortcuts in gameplay mechanics and control schemes. For example, in the “Ghost Recon” series, players can control complex military equipment and vehicles with relatively simple controls, allowing for smoother gameplay but sacrificing some realism.
The Positives?
Weapon Accuracy and Handling: Many games strive to accurately represent the handling and mechanics of various firearms and equipment. This can include realistic reload animations, weapon sway, and bullet ballistics. Some games emphasize tactical decision-making, cover-based combat, and squad coordination, which mirror real-world military strategies and teamwork. Many games incorporate authentic military equipment, uniforms, and vehicles, providing players with a glimpse into the types of gear used by real soldiers.
Environmental Interaction: Games often allow players to interact with the environment, using objects for cover, setting traps, or creating distractions, similar to how real-world soldiers utilize their surroundings.
Attention to Detail: High-quality graphics and attention to detail in character animations, uniforms, and equipment can contribute to a more realistic and immersive experience. Many games provide the visual art of breath-taking battlefields and more the years are passing by, more the immersive graphics and environment are increasing.
Many AAA shooting games have come a long way in terms of graphics, loadout visuals, personal and tactical equipment, explosions, battlefield terrains etc.
Games like Battlefield 2042, COD MW2, World War 3 etc. certainly invest more to build those realism factors but not everyone has those PC setups to play these AAA titles. In countries like India, it’s more of a mobile set than a gaming PC setup which justifies the fact that games like PUBG (BGMI) /CODM etc. are more famous among regular teens. Are the close to realism? Well certainly not. Graphics tone down from 4K to below HD resolutions. Long range applications don’t have altitude, windage, distance allocation etc. with just some random recoil. Most in-game weapons aren’t even licensed. Moreover companies make try to maintain a balance between a rich guy’s WASD setup while a poor guy’s gyroscope for their target sales of games, so at the end of the day, these factors don’t become that big of an issue.
Some Are As Much Actual As They Can Be
Its true most of the movies irrespective of the countries’ media industry position use CGI while a small fraction of it uses actual good-quality CGI which seem both realistic and are expensive. But some of the operators are actually trained with handguns, rifles, other handheld weapons etc. to the very extent of expert levels. These gun-trained actors trend is once again mostly common in Hollywood because of the legal weapon policies and also a much higher average budget of films and cast. Actors like Chris Pratt, Linda Hamilton, Robert de Niro, Charlize Theron, Demi Moore, Will Smith, Mark Wahlberg etc. have had undergone actual police and military-grade training because of their demanding roles. Unlike most other countries’ films, Hollywood’s greater average budget in shooting/action/military/fiction genres containing bigshot names pave way for the audience to indulge themselves in a more actual sense. Many of the world’s biggest stars such as Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, Madonna, Robert Downey Jr., Snoop Dogg, Clint Eastwood etc. even own guns themselves.
Arnold Schwarzenegger had trained with a Los Angeles SWAT Team for three months for his 2014 Sabotage movie. Linda Hamilton trained with Israeli weapons experts to master every gun she had in in her role for the movie Terminator 2. Keanu Reeves practised to insane levels for his John Wick flicks which features insane headshots just from a handgun. The relationship between Hollywood and the gun industry has been a longstanding and financially lucrative partnership. The portrayal of firearms in films and TV shows has captured audiences’ attention for decades, contributing significantly to the success of both the entertainment and firearm sectors. Hollywood seeks to create immersive cinematic experiences that resonate with audiences. Including firearms in films adds a layer of realism and authenticity to action-packed scenes, enhancing the audience’s engagement. To achieve this, filmmakers often collaborate with the gun industry to access accurate firearm models and technical expertise. The gun industry recognizes the power of film as a marketing platform. Firearms showcased in popular movies gain significant exposure, resulting in increased brand recognition and consumer interest. Manufacturers often provide firearms on loan to production companies, showcasing their latest models and innovations in prominent scenes. This form of product placement acts as a form of advertisement to a vast and diverse audience, indirectly boosting sales. Action-packed films often perform well at the box office and attract high viewer ratings. The inclusion of realistic firearms and explosive action sequences contributes to the appeal of these genres. This success encourages both Hollywood and the gun industry to continue their collaboration, perpetuating the cycle of firearm-related content creation and consumption. Numerous firearms used in films have become highly sought-after collectibles, driving demand in the firearm market.
(Above) Matt’s personal vault flaunting his gun licensed gun collection
The no-bar rule on civilian gun possession has expanded the gun industry directly to the consumer level. While for military affairs, names like Colt, Daniel Defense, Sig Sauer, FN etc. pop up, the list is much longer than one might think. There are numerous companies which make and mod all types of guns. Coming down to the consumer level, people have plenty of options for owning guns. Casual collection, expert reviews, just for fun, display, training purpose, home defense etc. are some of the options what people of USA consider while buying guns. There are also frequent legalized gun ranges where people shoot downrange and are applicable for all types of weapons – from shotguns and handguns to DMRs and long-range snipers. Content creation in this domain is also one of the key drivers for the popping off of this industry.
But there are downsides of these which are truly worse. Although no matter how strict laws of a country are, top personalities and politicians may certainly have licensed personal guns including India while the unlicensed ones are largely in possession of illegal gangs/petty crime syndicates etc. However this issue is just the tip considered to the same issue in US which is the whole freaking iceberg. The issue of legal gun possession in the United States is a contentious and complex topic that continues to generate debates surrounding public safety, individual rights, and the societal consequences of widespread firearm ownership. While the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants citizens the right to bear arms, the reality of legal gun possession has resulted in numerous negative outcomes, including shootings, deaths, and increased criminal activity. The United States has experienced a disturbingly high number of mass shootings, often involving legally obtained firearms. These incidents, characterized by the intentional targeting of multiple individuals in public spaces, have left a trail of devastation and trauma in their wake. The availability of firearms to individuals with malicious intent has enabled these tragedies, with incidents such as the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the Las Vegas massacre, and the Pulse nightclub shooting serving as stark reminders of the deadly consequences of legal gun possession. Legal gun possession contributes significantly to the high rates of gun-related deaths and injuries in the U.S. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly 40,000 gun-related deaths in 2019, encompassing suicides, homicides, and unintentional injuries. Studies have also shown that the presence of firearms in households with a history of domestic abuse significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes. Illicit firearms obtained through theft, straw purchases, and trafficking often originate from legally purchased weapons. Criminals capitalize on lax gun regulations, exploiting loopholes to acquire firearms that are subsequently used in various criminal activities, including armed robberies, drug-related violence, and gang conflicts. One of the most disgusting statement is that USA has become the stereotype connection whenever school shootings and non-terrorism mass shootings come to shore. A part of civilian gun market also falls prey to the illegal gun smuggling especially towards the drug cartels of Mexico. Mexico’s notorious cartels throughout the history with the more recent ones such as Sinaloa, CJNG etc. have been more pronounced in their military-level adaptability and many of cartel members are found yielding M4s, FN SCARs, Barrett M82, all of which are US military firearms, thus bringing up the issue of weapons smuggling. USA is ranked at 120 guns ownership per 100 people while India sits at just 5 per 100 people.
Also Read, A Small Arms Comparison – India or China? Who Takes the Cake?
Mushroom clouds of fire
Creating high-quality CGI and visual effects for movies depicting warfare, shootings, explosions, and bomb blasts involves a combination of artistic creativity, technical expertise, and attention to detail. This process seamlessly blends computer-generated elements with live-action footage to create realistic and engaging cinematic sequences.
In a way realistic CGI in high budget movies of Bollywood and Hollywood need really exceptional talent, high-budget and a good script-action coordination for proper execution. Still the graphic development of fire and explosions have not reached the pinnacle of realistic details. On the other hand, it’s just a split second decision between the top-level brass of national defense boards and one push of a button can trigger mass bloodbath. Imagine the 30,000 pounds GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator which is able to be carried Northrop Grumman B2 Spirit stealth bombers and one decision of the pilot can absolutely demolish terrorist camps even 60 ft. below. And when these real-life menacing monsters get to the extremes of accidents, things turn as dark as they can be. The Lebanon 2020 port blast, a catastrophic explosion that occurred on August 4, 2020, in the capital city of Beirut, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Triggered by the ignition of approximately 2,750 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate, the explosion resulted in a devastating shockwave that ravaged the city, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The explosion’s impact was felt across Beirut, shattering buildings, homes, and infrastructure, and leading to a staggering death toll, with over 200 individuals confirmed dead, thousands injured, and countless others displaced. While the traces of the stockpile of the ammonium nitrate, this disaster had no military, anti-national or terrorist concerns yet a single explosion turned a part of the city upside down. While such action seems good to watch in games and movies, it isn’t the case in real life as people might not even live to tell the tales.
Also Read, Cognitive Warfare : The Invisible Infiltrator
Fun and Entertainment
Regardless of the massive differences between the emojis of reels and tears of real life, an average citizen is bound to know more about both of their aspects to their choice and heart’s content. And there have been many shows people have been fond of them because of their realistic depiction of actual events which have gone down in the history some in good some in bad ways while some just after effects of stressful situations.
13 Hours : Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016) – Directed by Michael Bay and starred by John Krasinki and other famous actors, this movie revolves around a CIA-sent PMC group stuck in a US diplomatic compound base in Libya surrounded by groups of terrorists.
Captain Philips (2013) – Starred by Tom Hanks as the captain of a Maersk Alabama ship, it’s all upon the wits of the him a US Navy SEAL Team Six team after they were held hostage by armed pirates in the Indian Ocean. It has 6 Academy Awards in its name.
Lone Survivor (2013) – Portrayed by Mark Wahlberg alongside other actors, it depicts Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan as a red mission in US military history where 19 US Army and Navy SEALs died leaving SEAL Marcus Luttrell as the lone survivor.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012) – Portrays the panning out of Operation Neptune Spear between CIA and Navy SEALs which resulted in the death of 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.
Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) – Declared as a ‘Blockbuster’ by Box Office India, this movie depicts a fictionally dramatized screenplay of the true event of the retaliation of 2016 Uri attacks where 19 Indian soldiers were killed in Jammu & Kashmir.
Black Hawk Down (2001) – Directed by Ridley Scott, it is the story of 160 elite U.S. soldiers who dropped into Mogadishu in October 1993 to capture two top lieutenants of a renegade warlord, but found themselves in a desperate battle with a large force of heavily armed Somalis.
Saving Private Ryan (1998) – Starring Matt Damon, Tom Hanks etc., it is a realistic recreation of WWII’s D-Day invasion and its immediate aftermath.
Honorable mentions – Top Gun, Top Gun – Maverick, Dunkirk, Anthropoid, Argo, Hacksaw Ridge, American Sniper (true story of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, known as the ‘The Legend’ and has over 160 confirmed kills rated by US Department of Defense) etc.
