Factual error: During a montage depicting Afghan fighters shooting down Soviet aircraft, the stock military shots show an A6 Intruder, an F4 Phantom, and soon after, an F-16 Falcon getting shot down. All are jets Russia never used, as they are American aircraft. (01:22:15)
Factual error: It would have been 1983 when the congressional committee leader returned from the refugee camp and approved the big funding increase. However, he is shown arriving in a 737-300, which did not enter service until February 1984.
Factual error: When Charlie speaks to the Pakistani generals, you can see that neither is wearing a proper medal bar on their uniform. In fact, the medals represented are not even Pakistani. Ironically, one general's ribbon bar is made up entirely of Soviet awards. (00:30:30 - 01:31:45)
Factual error: During the Vegas hot tub scene (subtitled as taking place on April 6, 1980) near the start of the film, a man and woman discuss a TV show proposal. The woman mentions it will be like 'Falcon Crest', a show that won't begin airing until December 4, 1981. (00:03:10)
Factual error: During the briefing CIA Islamabad station chief mentions Soviet 7th, 8th, 18th infantry divisions, 4th and 7th armored divisions as employed in Afghanistan. All above mentioned divisions were disbanded long before the Soviet Army entered Afghanistan. 4th Guards armored division (Soviet Guards divisions had their own line of numeration) as well as any other Soviet armored division never operated in Afghanistan. (00:39:50)
Factual error: There is a picture in Charlie Wilson's office of a B1 bomber when Gus and him are in his office talking. The B1 was not put into service until 1986, and this is set in the early 80s. (01:30:00)
Factual error: Early in the movie, in Charlie's apartment, scene dated 1980, the Juice Newton version of 'Angel in the Morning' is playing in the background. However, that particular version of the song won't be released until 1981.
