The film's plot of an assassin sent to kill a rogue colonel is fictional.

The film depicts the Vietnam War, specifically around 1969.

Helicopters were vital to US operations, as shown in the film, for transport, assault, and medevac.

USO shows existed, but sending Playmates to a forward fire base is highly unlikely and dramatized.

Drug use, particularly marijuana and heroin, was a known issue within US forces during the war.

The film captures the stress, fear, and moral ambiguity faced by soldiers in combat.

Vietnamese characters are mostly background figures, with limited dialogue or development.

Some tactics are realistic, but others, like the bridge assault, are highly stylized for the film.

While powerful, there's no historical basis for US troops playing Wagner during attacks.