Top 10 Documentaries on Military Operations

Description: Featuring former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, this film explores his reflections on the Vietnam War and the lessons learned from military operations. It's a masterclass in understanding the complexities of decision-making in wartime.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and McNamara's 11 lessons from war are often cited in military and political studies.

Description: This documentary follows a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan's Korengal Valley, capturing the raw, unfiltered reality of modern warfare. It's a poignant look at the bonds formed under extreme stress and the psychological toll of combat.

Fact: The film was named after PFC Juan Sebastián Restrepo, a medic who was killed early in the deployment. It was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Description: Set in the former palace of Uday Hussein, this documentary follows U.S. soldiers as they live and fight in Iraq, offering a mix of humor, camaraderie, and the harsh realities of war.

Fact: The title refers to the nickname given to Uday's palace by the soldiers, reflecting their attempt to find normalcy in an abnormal situation.

Description: Focusing on the death of an Afghan taxi driver in U.S. custody, this film investigates the use of torture by American forces and the broader implications of military operations.

Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, highlighting the controversial practices of enhanced interrogation techniques.

Description: This documentary examines the decisions made by the U.S. administration in the early stages of the Iraq War, offering a critical analysis of the planning and execution of military operations.

Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures involved in the planning, providing insider perspectives on the missteps and consequences.

Description: The tragic story of Pat Tillman, an NFL player who joined the Army and was killed in Afghanistan, with the film exploring the cover-up of his death by friendly fire.

Fact: The film was made with the cooperation of Tillman's family, who sought to uncover the truth behind his death.

Description: This Danish documentary provides an intimate look at a group of soldiers during their deployment in Afghanistan, focusing on the moral dilemmas they face and the impact of war on their psyche.

Fact: The film sparked controversy in Denmark for its portrayal of soldiers' actions, leading to debates about the ethics of war reporting.

Description: A follow-up to "The Fog of War," this film features Donald Rumsfeld, exploring his role in military operations, particularly the Iraq War, through his own words and documents.

Fact: The title is derived from Rumsfeld's famous quote about "known knowns" and "unknown unknowns," reflecting the complexity of military strategy and intelligence.

Description: Soldiers from the New Hampshire National Guard are given video cameras to document their experiences in Iraq, offering a firsthand, unfiltered perspective on the war.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use soldiers as documentarians, providing an authentic, soldier's-eye view of the conflict.

Description: This documentary showcases the writings of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines, offering a literary insight into the emotional and psychological impact of war.

Fact: The project was inspired by the National Endowment for the Arts, aiming to capture the voices of those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.