It has been briefly
Diaried on this site before that the Army has commented on the HBO documentary
Baghdad ER.
But since the initial announcement the concerns have become more fervent. In a recent CNN Story, the Army's very own Surgeon General has xxxxx invoked that most tragic of conditions--Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Follow me, as we watch the cultures collide...
Cross Posted at
Deny My Freedom
The Documentary is about a medical hospital in Iraq, and is said to be highly graphic in its depictions of the horrors of war. From the Docu's website:
12-time Emmy® Award winner producer/director Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neill capture the humanity, hardships and heroism of the US Military and medical personnel of the 86th Combat Support Hospital, the Army's premier medical facility in Iraq. Sometimes graphic in its depiction of combat-related wounds, BAGHDAD ER offers an unflinching and honest account of the realities of war.
CNN has obtained a memo from the US Army Surgeon General stating the following about the documentary:
The Army surgeon general is warning that the HBO documentary "Baghdad ER" is so graphic that military personnel watching it could experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
In a memo dated May 9 and obtained by CNN, Lt. Gen. Kevin Kiley said the film "shows the ravages and anguish of war."
"Those who view this documentary may experience many emotions," he said in the memo. "If they have been stationed in Iraq, they may re-experience some symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as flashbacks or nightmares."
It is odd, in my mind, that this information is coming from the US Army Surgeon General. It could be speculated that it is part of some effort to dissuade military men and members of the public (perhaps potential recruits?)
But, I'll leave that discussion to the comments section. The Army, ostensibly, has given the film its full support:
Army officials said they fully support the film and note the Army gave the filmmakers access to the hospital. But privately they said it is so graphic that senior leaders do not want to turn Monday's premiere in Washington into a social occasion so many will not be attending, preferring to let the limelight fall on the military personnel.
After screening the film, officials said they are aware that some may use it to make an anti-war message.
So... it's not like the idea hasn't been bouncing around in their heads--how could it not be?
But, the film is appearing at the Smithsonian Institution.
The film will premiere Monday at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington as well as on 22 Army posts.
It airs Sunday on HBO -- a division of Time Warner, the parent company of CNN -- and will replay on Memorial Day.
Thought it was an interesting topic.
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Some Great Comments Here:
Yoss:
...I think this should be required viewing for anyone who claims to support the Iraq War and support the troops. The reality of this conflict's effects on the individual soldiers is something that has been downplayed by the administration at every turn, and this makes this film even more important
Turning Blue:
I read another article about this, and the Army seemed to back off a bit from its support of the film. I bet the movie is going to be very graphic and disturbing.
We aren't allowed to see coffins arriving at Dover. There is media coverage about deaths and severe injuries in my local paper when it affects local soldiers. However, this type of detailed coverage is not given on a national level. Instead, we get an impersonal number on a screen call: that's your "national coverage."
Baracon:
Shortly after the first gulf war, I was living in Denver and my roommate had been a tank driver during that conflict. We went to see "Fires of Kuwait" (I think that was the title) at the imax with his family. During this movie they showed the aftermath of several of the battles there. My roommate left about 2/3s of the way through the movie, crying. He told me later that he just couldn't watch any more. Due to personal experiences, I have a much better understanding about what he meant these days. After getting a firsthand, upclose glimpse of what carnage really means, I'm not sure how I will handle it. But I will still try and watch on sunday.