Question: Strange question, but I was wondering why the soldiers were using what looks like a Vietnam-era M60 machine gun. Wouldn't they be using the newer version of the gun the M60E3 (which looks different than an old M60 - most notably the fore grip), which was reportedly lighter and easier to use? Also, the M249 SAW (FN Minimi) is carried by a few soldiers and I've been told that this much-more-reliable gun replaced the older weapon entirely.
Grumpy Scot
26th May 2005
Black Hawk Down (2001)
17th Apr 2005
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Question: In the scene where Eversmann is briefing his team ready for them to gear up and go out, he says something like "sorry ass JROTC". What does JROTC stand for? (00:26:00)
Answer: Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps is an elective course offered by many high schools, and taught by retired Commissioned and Warrant Officers, and retired senior noncommissioned officers. They do learn military drill and ceremonies, but not tactics and techniques of combat. The goal is to produce a well-rounded high school graduate who can enlist in the military at a higher pay grade. The joke, or derision, has to do with JROTC cadets who can March and salute.
Chosen answer: Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp. You have JROTC in high school and ROTC in college. It's a way of getting a commission in the military early on. It's often not looked fondly upon by officers who came up through the enlisted ranks first.
24th Apr 2004
Black Hawk Down (2001)
Question: Several times in the movie, you see a solider bang a magazine against his helment as he reloads. Why do they do this?
Answer: It's to make sure all the rounds are properly seated in the magazine, and to remove sand/dirt, greatly reducing the chances of jamming an M-16.
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Answer: At the time of the battle, not all units had gotten or were going to get the M60E3 which was mostly issued to Special Forces units. The M249 SAW has neither the range or power of the M60. It is designed to provide extra firepower to a squad and it will only supplement the M60E.
Grumpy Scot