Continuity mistake: When the Nazi SS guard puts a pistol to Rutger Hauer's head, it's a Luger, but when the guard turns around, he's holding a Walther P38.
Continuity mistake: In the opening scene, Gunnery Sgt. Hartman is making his speech and passes by Privates Cowboy and Joker on his way to the other side of the barracks. On his way he passes Private Pyle standing to the right of Private Joker. Later in the scene, when he rushes over to confront Private Joker and then moves on to Private Cowboy and then Private Pyle, Private Pyle is on the left of Private Joker. (00:02:00)
Continuity mistake: When Cronauer first goes with Tuan to see the Vietnamese village, he is wearing a white shirt. In a subsequent shot, the shirt is plaid.
Continuity mistake: When James is eating at home alone, he flips his spoon into his water glass. In some shots it's leaning against the right side of the glass, and in other shots it's against the left side.
Continuity mistake: Near the beginning of the film, the soldiers are filling sand bags with mud. Beletsky, whose hands and forearms are covered in wet mud, puts down his sandbag and takes out a photo of his girlfriend. In the next closeup shot of him holding the photo, his hands are suddenly clean and dry. (00:11:00)