Watch Camp Leatherneck

Camp Leatherneck is a military-themed documentary series that aired on National Geographic in 2010. The show follows the daily lives of military personnel stationed at Camp Leatherneck, a United States Marine Corps base located in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The first few episodes of the show depict the arrival of the Marines to the austere base and their preparations for combat operations in Afghanistan. The Camp is situated in an extremely hostile terrain and Marines have to gear up for difficult living conditions. The series is aimed at a general audience and offers an unvarnished view of life in a war zone.

The early episodes show the Marines going through intense training exercises, including mock combat drills and advanced weapons training. As the series progresses, viewers get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of the base, including its mission to help stabilize the region and its efforts to win over the trust of the local population.

The show also offers glimpses into the personal lives of the Marines, including their struggles with homesickness, combat injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Viewers are shown that life as a Marine is not just about the physical rigors of combat, but also the emotional toll that serving in a war zone can take.

One of the standout features of Camp Leatherneck is the access that the production team was given to the Marines at the base. The show's cameras are allowed to capture intimate moments of life at the base, including the Marines' interactions with local Afghans, their camaraderie with fellow soldiers and their daily struggles.

Throughout the series, the Marines are shown to be dedicated to their mission and to each other. The show does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life in a war zone, including the loss of fellow Marines and Afghan civilians.

Camp Leatherneck also offers a glimpse into the larger political context that the Marines are operating in. Episodes touch on controversial topics such as the use of drones and the relationship between the Afghan government and the U.S. military presence in the country.

While the series portrays the Marines as heroes, it also acknowledges the complexity of their mission and the challenges they face. The show forces viewers to consider the broader political and ethical implications of America's military presence in Afghanistan.

Overall, Camp Leatherneck is a well-produced and insightful documentary series that offers a unique look into life on the frontlines of America's longest-running war. It is a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operations of a U.S. military base in one of the most dangerous parts of the world. The show does an excellent job of humanizing the soldiers and offering viewers a better understanding of what life is like for those who have served in Afghanistan.