PBS' "Writing the Wartime Experience" documentary is a short look at soldier-writers, including my favorite "warrior writer," Anthony Swofford (author of "Jarhead"). Several writers read from their own writing, mostly essays and letters. The film doesn't capture any of the opposition from within the military regarding soldiers who write about their experiences unexpurgated; the best wartime writing is often viewed as unpatriotic, due to the critical thinking that it encourages in readers. "Writing the Wartime Experience" ignores any controversy surrounding the authors it highlights, and thus feels a little one-sided.

It's weird, most of the documentaries I've seen just don't nail the experience of being apart of the military but this one hit home for me. I was in the Army at the time the 2nd Iraq war started but never was sent to battle zone I was apart of a training post and they kept us there to train the troops going in. In a way I was the lucky one.

If you ever want to explain to someone what it's like to be in the military and what it feels like this is a good way to do it. It shows the ultimate decisions a solider may have to make after signing on the dotted line and what parts of the job make it so demanding. It shows the person what life could be like for them as a soldier. It doesn't church it up either way good or bad it's just reality.

Not, only was it well written but PBS just has some amazing people working for them now, because the way it was shot is breathtaking.

If you have someone who wants to join the military have them watch this video...not to scare them...but to give them a glimpse of what is possible. It will help open their eyes and their mind. I'll also say there is a very good life in the military but it comes with risk and luck playing a factor.

In closing if you were in the military, you'll love this video and you'll love showing it to your friends and family.

Pray for our Troops and their safe return and
pray for our Leaders and their tough decisions.