When Ocre and Harper are talking starting around the 1:40 mark, the soldiers behind them continuously change position and actions at every cut.
The scene showing the staging areas, troops are depicted in various combinations of physical fitness uniforms or DBDUs (Desert Battle Dress Uniform, i.e., fatigues), sometimes with inconsistencies like wearing hats or not, opting for T-shirts only, or even without shirts at all. Such relaxed attire was typically restricted and must be approved by a commander.In contrast, soldiers elsewhere were expected to be in full uniform, with properly worn sleeves, hats or helmets, and carrying their weapons at all times. While the PT uniform was permitted, it had to be complete. Deviations, such as wearing sunglasses around the neck or on the head, were strictly prohibited. Private Ocre's experience of being reprimanded by a Captain for not blousing his boots accurately mirrors common military discipline issues.
In the movie, the US Army is depicted using M-60A3 main battle tanks and AH-1 attack helicopters. However, by the time of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, these had been replaced by the more advanced M-1 Abrams tanks and AH-64 Apache helicopters.
According to AR 670-1, Sergeant Major MacGregor's hair and mustache are not in compliance with grooming standards regulations.
In an early scene, as Private Ocre walks to the infirmary to have his cast removed, he passes several M60 tanks being loaded. Later, after getting his cast off, he converses with some of his squad members, remarking, "Did you guys see armored vehicles rolling out? ... And I saw Cole loading the Abrams." However, it was actually M60 tanks, not Abrams.
Captain Syverson (Henry Cavill) should have shaved his beard and cut his hair. While Special Forces personnel are granted exemptions for grooming when in the field or on special assignments to blend in with locals, these exemptions do not apply when assigned to a regular unit. As Captain Syverson was leading an attached unit, he should have adhered to the US Army grooming standards according to AR 670-1.
It appears that blank ammunition wasn't used much through the movie and was often replaced with special effects make it seem as though the guns were firing. One noticeable location is at and after 1:27:40 when the M4 is being fired but no brass is being ejected.
The turrets of the Humvees in Private Ocre's unit during the 2003 invasion of Iraq did not initially include advanced protections such as armored shields and ballistic glass viewing ports. These enhancements were developed and implemented based on the experiences and lessons learned by American troops during and after the invasion of Iraq.
An MRAP (possibly a Buffalo or Cougar) appears in the motor pool during the first scene which is set in 2003, MRAPs were not in common use until around 2007 onward by the US military.
Staff Sergeant Harper was seen using a Leatherman Skeletool while maintaining his weapon. That specific model was not made until 2007.
According to Army Regulation 600-63, smoking is prohibited in all military vehicles and aircraft. However, early in the film, soldiers are depicted smoking cigarettes inside the Humvees. This is a clear violation, particularly for an NCO like Sergeant Chutsky, who should be aware of and adhere to these regulations.