During this recently passed Fleet Week, I asked a Navy sailor and a Marine what they thought of all those wacky music videos that their compatriots are churning out and posting on YouTube.
The sailor thought they were funny, but would never star in one himself, even though the guys in his shop keep saying that they want to make one during their upcoming South American sojourn. The Marine, on the other hand, didn’t think that they were really all that appropriate (decorum, history etc.) and wouldn’t be thrilled if any of the guys under his command started making them, but he understood why they were being made in the first place…namely, massive boredom that marathon sessions of “Call of Duty” alone cannot alleviate.
Anyway. Now that the hubbub around the Lady Gaga “Telephone” video, as made by guys in Afghanistan, has died down, it’s high time to point the spotlight on some of my favorite military-made music videos. Aside from the general awesome factor, what I’ve always liked about these things is that they give you some real insight into what it’s like to actually be out there on a base or a functioning aircraft carrier etc. Considering the fact that I once dreamed of being an embedded reporter (and occasionally still do), I find it pretty fascinating. Plus, it’s nice to see that they’re having fun out there.
Enjoy!
Navy Carrier Squadron, “Move Along” (All American Rejects): There’s a few of these, but the VAW-113 Black Eagles top my list because of the Brady Bunch squares and the first person view of an aircraft launching off the carrier, which always gets a thumbs up in my book. (Want more? Check out the VAW-116 Hawkeye Squadron’s versions of “Pump It” and “Hey Ya.”)
US Soldiers in Iraq, “The Ding Dong Song” (Gunther): The HHC 1-21 Mortars out in Baghdad give new meaning to desert dance party. Plus, how do you not love this song?
USMC, “What Is Love” (Haddaway): Marines, doing it “A Night at the Roxbury” style in Iraq! Bonus points for the shopping cart, the sprinkler and the fishing pole.
Crazy British SAS Dance, “Is This the Way to Amarillo”: This might be the one that started them all. Apparently, these guys are actually in the British Royal Dragoon Guards and the video was e-mailed around so much, back in 2005, that it crashed a server at the Ministry of Defense. Amazingly, it appears to have been shot in one long cut.
And now, to book end it…
Royal Navy, “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen): Not ones to be left out from the fun the Dragoons were having, the officers and staff of the HMS Campbelltown whipped this one up while patrolling in the Indian Ocean. Funny how the Brits go classic, while the Americans go contemporary.