The Pentagon is mulling new measures that would prevent Hollywood from tapping into the active military force to provide assistance — including on-screen acting — for new movies without written Department of Defense permission.
The proposal comes in the fallout from the production of “Zero Dark Thirty,” a production that showcased the hunt for Osama bin Laden. The proposal also comes amid an acting gig for several Navy SEALs in “Act of Valor.”
The rules, if OK’d, would mandate any active duty service member to obtain permission from the Department of Defense to participate in any film feature — including television shows, documentaries and computer and video games, The Hill reported.
“This rule addresses how military personnel may appear in entertainment media,” the Pentagon wrote, in a statement reported by The Hill. “This rule requires the written permission of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs … in order for active duty military personnel to serve as actors in significant roles and in roles beyond the scope of their normal duties.”
A controversy brewed over the making of “Zero Dark Thirty” that saw Republicans accusing the Obama administration of endangering soldiers’ lives. The rule is aimed at preventing such fiascoes from occurring again, the Pentagon said, The Hill reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.