Transformers Assited by Military and DOD

The Transformers was an American cartoon series depicting a war between giant robots who could transform into vehicles, animals, and other objects.In Japan, the series was called Fight! Super Robot Life Form Transformers (??! ?????????????????, Tatakae! Cho Robotto Seimeitai Toransuf?m?). The Transformers toy-line and cartoon series owed their existence to the Japanese toyline, Microman (an Eastern descendant of the 12 inch G.I. Joe action figure series). For many, like myself, Transformers were a huge part of their childhood and this movie was long awaited. The technology and computer graphics in the 80s or even 90s were not advance enough to accurately portray the concept behind Transformers. Today’s CGI technology has finally caught up and Steven Spielberg’s and Dream Works team went all out!

Transformers quickly grossed astronomical amounts attributing to Steven Spielberg’s and Dream Works continued success. Anyone who has seen Transformers knows why this movie is in the Top 20 at theaters and already grossed over $70-Million USD! The most realistic computer graphics in movie productions yet, with an action packed video that featured a bunch of military high tech equipment and military men and women (both active duty and former) as extras and speaking roles.

More than 300 Airmen and numerous aircraft were featured in the July 4th released film to help make this movie possible. Backed by the Defense Department, the movie was more factual and realistic than most movies that portray the military are. Many 80s movies were notoriously incorrect with their cast, ranks, equipment, and protocol.

Air Force aircrafts played a huge role by providing security during the filming and in one case during the movie, an F-22 Raptor turns into an evil Transformer called Starscream. The movie showed breath-taking video footage of a F-22 in an unrestricted climb to 15,000 feet. With details of the Transformers essential to the movie, some machines took up to 10,000 pieces to make. Using real aircraft made the movie more realistic and aided in the computer-generated battle scenes.

Along with the F-22s, F-117 Nighthawks and the CV-22 Osprey are featured prominently throughout the movie. Also featured are the A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III, MH-53 Pave Low, HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant, AC-130 Gunship, C-130 Hercules, MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle and Air Force One.

This film was able to access and film areas and aircrafts that people have never filmed before and thereby expanding the presence of the military for the general civilian public. Transformers was also the first motion picture permitted to film in and around the Pentagon grounds since 9/11. The cast and crew felt the weight of the responsibility and followed instructions to the letter. When filming was completed, they were invited to visit and pay respects at the private 9/11 Memorial Chapel.

A special movie screening in Washington, D.C., allowed many service members from all branches to view the movie before the rest of the public. Many left the movie proud of the military involvement and the way military life was depicted on screen.

"The movie was fantastic," said Chief Master Sgt. Mike Gasparetto stationed at the Pentagon. "The special effects were amazing and there was even a good plot to go with it. The movie accurately depicted life in the military and I think is a great recruiting tool. The movie did a great job of putting a face on what we do as Airmen and as service members, which I think is important for the general public to see so they understand better our job in protecting them."

"It’s a thrill to know my face will be seen in a movie," said Airman 1st Class Mehtar Sullivan, an emergency management technician with the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.

Airmen were not the only ones in attendance. Soldiers, Sailors and Marines were also invited to the screening.

"Military people will get a lot out of this movie because of how realistic they depicted the way it is in the field, the way we all work together, and the equipment we use," said Army Sgt. Charles Eggleston, a Walter Reed patient. "The whole thing was action packed and I loved seeing the A-10 ‘bringing the rain’ the way they always came to help us out while I was in Iraq. Some of my fellow Soldiers and I were talking about it’s funny that with all the movies out there, it took a movie about alien robots invading the planet to get the military stuff right."

The work of Airmen and other military members left a lasting impression on the minds of the cast and crew.

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