Actors Who Trained With Military Units for Months

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I often find myself immersed in the world of Hollywood, yet rarely do I encounter productions that involve spending months with real-life military units. However, there are exceptional cases where the creative teams carefully incorporate this time into pre-production to ensure authenticity in their work. The actors you see on screen have invested extensive periods with active military units or instructors, absorbing a wide range of knowledge – from intricate radio procedures to survival tactics – and enduring hours with heavy equipment, mirroring the rigorous realities of the military lifestyle.

Such readiness often extends beyond weapon management. It might involve team communication strategies, map reading, basic first aid, familiarizing oneself with equipment like aircraft or vehicles, and enduring long physical training sessions alongside colleagues who perform these tasks in reality. These aspects significantly enhance performance while ensuring a safe environment for cast members during challenging filming periods.

Tom Cruise

For ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, he dedicated several months working closely with U.S. Naval aviation teams. He underwent training in water survival, ejection seat procedures, and high-pressure endurance work before experiencing tactical flights as a passenger. His training encompassed regular carrier operations, daily meetings, and discussions with Navy personnel to simulate the rhythm of an actual squadron.

He learned a curriculum that gradually advanced from managing air sickness to navigating low-level flight patterns in the rear seats of fighter planes. Additionally, he received training side by side with the crew on deck, learning essential hand signals and practicing safe maneuvers around aircraft during takeoff and landing phases at sea.

Miles Teller

For the movie ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, he spent months training alongside Navy aviators, honing his skills for prolonged flight sessions, managing cockpit duties, and responding to emergency situations. The curriculum encompassed water survival in a dunker, checking oxygen masks, and maintaining disciplined communication during extended missions.

1. Through frequent flights and a daily fitness routine devised by military experts, he developed resilience against prolonged G forces. Additionally, he picked up essential cockpit practices like efficient checklist usage, harness handling, and swift equipment checks, which minimized minor mistakes during demanding flight maneuvers. (123 words)

2. Frequent flying and a military-designed fitness regimen helped him cultivate endurance for prolonged G forces. Besides that, he mastered vital cockpit practices, such as streamlined checklist usage, harness management, and swift gear inspections, which significantly reduced small errors during challenging maneuvers. (126 words)

3. He honed his ability to withstand prolonged G forces by frequently flying and following a fitness routine tailored by military trainers. Moreover, he acquired practical cockpit habits like efficient checklist use, harness management, and swift gear checks that minimized minor errors during complex maneuvers. (125 words)

Glen Powell

For several months, his preparations for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ involved working alongside Navy aviation units. During this time, he gained knowledge on how flight crews organize missions, handle emergencies, and adapt after strenuous maneuvers. The training focused on clear communication over the radio, quick problem-solving in confined cockpits, and cooperation with mechanics who ensure jets are ready for action.

Powell frequently undertook multiple flights to acclimate himself to high G forces, all while ensuring proper hydration and adhering to breathing methods commonly used by fighter pilots. Additionally, he honed his skills on equipment checks for survival and became familiar with the aircraft’s seat kit so that he could move effortlessly within the plane during routine operations and emergency situations.

Monica Barbaro

For the movie ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, she spent months practicing with Navy aviation teams, mastering overwater survival and escape drills before taking to the skies for multiple training missions. These preparations included hands-on familiarization with aircraft systems to manage notes, visors, and oxygen gear while keeping focus on her acting performance in front of cameras.

Her daily routine involved attending briefings, taking notes after flights with her instructors, and training to endure prolonged periods in flight attire. Barbaro focused on refining aircrew communication skills, including clear callouts, head nods, and hand signals, all of which are essential for maintaining smooth coordination in cramped cockpits.

Lewis Pullman

To prepare for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’, he spent numerous months under Navy supervision to master cockpit etiquette, emergency protocols, and prolonged flight resilience. He honed his skills in swiftly securing himself, performing pre-flight inspections, and keeping himself organized with maps and jottings during turbulence, making writing challenging.

Besides training in water survival, Pullman honed his skills in seat pan and canopy procedures to ensure the movements appeared genuine when filming. Frequent aerial blocks aided him in mastering respiration methods that mitigate tunnel vision during steep bank turns with high gravity forces.

Brad Pitt

He meticulously readied himself for ‘Fury’ by spending months in training with armor units and technical crews on genuine tanks, mastering crew roles within the confined space of a World War II vehicle. His rigorous routine encompassed loading exercises, understanding radio procedures, and becoming aware of blind spots while navigating uneven terrain on the tank.

He performed maintenance duties such as track inspections and routine servicing to ensure precision with tools and parts during filming. Pitt focused on synchronizing the collaboration between tank and infantry backup, mirroring how armored forces operate cohesively within a broader unit.

Shia LaBeouf

Over several months, ‘Fury’ honed his skills with the help of armor professionals and tactical consultants. He meticulously drilled gunnery commands, synchronizing loader timing, and ensuring turret safety were second nature. To maintain teamwork amidst engine noise, he fine-tuned communication using headsets and hand signals, enabling the crew to stay in sync during rapid target adjustments.

In his preparations, LaBeouf spent time in muddy and wet conditions to mimic the exhaustion and deterioration of the crew and equipment. He rehearsed emergency techniques for clearing jams and stopping turrets, enabling him to swiftly restore the system during filming sessions.

Logan Lerman

I devoted several months to mastering the responsibilities of a tank crew member, specifically for ‘Fury’, under the guidance of seasoned armor veterans and museum teams that maintain historical tanks. The core of my training was honed on the loader position, the management of ammunition, and navigating safely within the confined combat zone.

During movement of the vehicle, he focused on mastering radio call structures and maintaining intercom etiquette, thereby enhancing coordination among team members. Additionally, Lerman became adept at organizing equipment within the tank, ensuring cables weren’t tangled and traverses remained unobstructed.

Jon Bernthal

For several months, he worked closely with armor consultants in the lead-up to ‘Fury’, focusing on mastering strategies for combining dismount and vehicular operations. He honed his skills by practicing mounting and dismounting quickly under pressure, transitioning weapons near a moving vehicle, and ensuring safety as the tank maneuvered.

Bernthal learned to work effectively with an armored team using distinct signals, enabling infantry and tanks to operate together seamlessly. He practiced reloading equipment in the field, managing wounded personnel near vehicles, and maintaining sector surveillance as the tank discharged its fire.

Michael Peña

He spent months learning the intricacies of being a tank gunner by training with armor teams. This included mastering tasks such as aiming guns, choosing shooting ranges, and how crews distribute their focus during combat. Additionally, he honed his ability to identify terrain and potential cover from a tank commander’s perspective, ensuring that his dialogue and actions mirrored the actual decision-making process of a real crew.

His routine involved spending numerous hours practicing mock drills within the turret, aiming to make the positioning of hands, foot movements, and headset adjustments second nature. Additionally, Peña honed his skills by working on hatch operations, using periscopes, and swiftly switching between primary and secondary sights during these practice sessions.

Mark Wahlberg

He spent months honing his skills in solitary survival tactics, including navigation, reconnaissance, and marksmanship under pressure with Navy special forces trainers on rugged terrains. He mastered the use of communication devices, identifying coordinates, and executing urgent response procedures on challenging slopes.

Wahlberg thoroughly practiced essential first aid procedures such as applying tourniquets and airway management techniques to ensure a seamless execution of these tasks while filming. Additionally, he honed his skills in preparing equipment like plate carriers, managing hydration, and adjusting slings for prolonged ascents.

Taylor Kitsch

During several months, he underwent rigorous training for his ‘Lone Survivor’ work, working alongside special operations trainers. This training encompassed small unit strategies, nighttime navigation, and traversing rough terrain. He also mastered standard hand signals, efficient radio communication, and maintaining proper spacing while moving along narrow ridgelines.

As I honed my craft on the shooting range, I meticulously worked on improving my aim from unconventional angles, all the while clad in my battle gear. I fine-tuned my room entry techniques and maintained a polished performance in close quarters, ensuring my footwork remained swift and my muzzle control remained precise.

Emile Hirsch

He spent months rigorously preparing for his role as the ‘Lone Survivor’, undertaking endurance hikes carrying packs, mastering rifle usage in rugged mountainous landscapes, and rehearsing emergency drills. Instructors placed great importance on water conservation strategies, blister avoidance techniques, and pacing management – skills that authentic teams employ during prolonged missions.

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’ve honed my patrolling skills to seamlessly blend map reading, compass navigation, and GPS checks into my routine, all while maintaining a clear understanding of my surroundings. I’ve also mastered quick fixes for gear like sling adjustments and swift magazine changes, ensuring my focus remains on the path ahead rather than my equipment.

Ben Foster

During several months, he underwent intensive training alongside ex-Navy special operatives, focusing on team communication, accuracy with firearms, and effective maneuvering in confined spaces for the film ‘Lone Survivor’. This training equipped him to customize a rifle to his personal measurements (height and arm length) and maintain its accuracy through repeated checks.

Foster employed quiet hand signals, rounding corners tactically, and teamwork strategies where partners took turns watching different areas in intricate landscapes. Additionally, he focused on swift emergency medical aid and evacuation techniques tailored to actual situation progression.

Chris Hemsworth

He spent numerous months training alongside Army special forces advisors and equestrian instructors, learning to navigate rough terrain and handle weapons on horseback. The training encompassed techniques for approaching and maintaining a distance from vehicles, as well as effective communication while riding in a dusty and noisy environment.

In simpler terms, Hemsworth honed his skill of requesting backup from the air in various training situations. He also figured out how a detachment works collaboratively with local allies. Additionally, he perfected his gear arrangement to prevent chafing while on horseback and mastered swift transitions into combat-ready positions.

Michael Shannon

As I embarked on the journey to bring ’12 Strong’ to life, my preparations stretched over months. I honed my skills in detachment leadership, mastering the art of emotional detachment while leading my team. I meticulously planned our patrols, considering every detail, from movements in bitter cold and high winds to strategic maneuvers. My training also encompassed rehearsals for linkups with supporting aircraft, especially under fast-changing conditions where deconfliction was crucial.

Shannon dedicated his time to field exercises focusing on maintaining coordinated duos, managing ammunition, and adapting positions on rough terrain. During this period, he honed his skills in team-level communication and understanding how duties evolve during encounters.

Trevante Rhodes

For the film ’12 Strong’, he spent several months learning mounted strategies, securing convoys, and navigating through villages under the guidance of special forces advisors, all the while collaborating with locals. He mastered safe weapon handling and proper muzzle position during horseback riding as well as when dismounting into confined spaces like alleys.

During patrols, Rhodes focused on essential phrases and hand signals to help communicate despite language barriers. He regularly trained on equipment responsibility, lens inspections, and swift adaptations to ensure preparedness throughout extended periods.

Bradley Cooper

To prepare for the role of ‘American Sniper’, he spent several months undergoing intensive training with expert snipers, focusing on precision shooting at long ranges, estimating distances, and understanding wind factors. This regimen involved constructing steady shooting positions using sandbags and barriers, as well as meticulously recording data for various rifles and ammunition types.

In a more conversational manner, Cooper honed his ability to communicate effectively with the shooter, ensuring swift adjustments were made without unnecessary ammunition expenditure. Additionally, he focused on familiarizing himself with gear arrangement, proper sling usage, and maintaining his rifle, all aimed at streamlining actions during prolonged scenes.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Instead of being a ‘Jarhead’, he underwent extensive training for several months following Marine procedures. This involved field drills, weapon maintenance, and mastering desert navigation techniques. He was taught squad signals, radio communication protocols, and daily rituals that ensure a unit’s efficiency in harsh, arid conditions.

Gyllenhaal underwent his training in active shooting ranges and honed his skills for moving during the night using limited lighting sources, which closely resembled actual training sessions. To increase his stamina, he engaged in long runs, marches while carrying weight, and calisthenics – all of which were identical to typical military physical conditioning regimens.

Vicky Kaushal

As a follower preparing for the movie ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike,’ I spent months undergoing intensive training with the Indian Army instructors. This involved mastering techniques for room interventions, patrolling, and handling various weapons. My preparations included navigating obstacle courses, enduring early morning fitness regimens, and practicing drills that sharpened my ability to quickly identify targets in confined spaces.

Kaushal gained expertise in managing magazines, lighting, and camera angles as he navigated multiple rooms. Additionally, he honed his skills in team communication and realistic methods for carrying injured individuals, particularly during high-action scenes.

Could you share if there’s anyone else involved who spent multiple months working alongside actual military units? Please leave your answer in the comments below.

2025-09-10 20:20