It's so important to note why the NCOs rebelled against Sobel. It's not because he was too tough as a trainer, or that he was mean and vindictive. Arguably those qualities DID help make them all better soldiers. They refused to serve under him because in real warfare he's indecisive and easily confused. And that's why moving him to that other training regiment was a great solution. Keep him doing what he does well, (even if he's annoying while doing it), and let battle-competent people lead them into battle.
It was also because he kept trying to sabotage Winters, who was a more natural leader, calm under pressure and popular with the men. Qualities that made him a better commander than Sobel ever was. It was pure jealousy.
I would say it was also because not only was he bad but capricious. He was vindicative to his underlings. The manager who succeeds because of him but fails because of everyone else. The US army was very focused on the NCO(non commission officers so sergeants and the like). If sergeants rebelled there was a definitely a problem. In the modern US army the NCOs are typically there longer than the officers.
@@becketv1 NCOs generally know how to work around poor officers. However, Sobel seemed unable to listen to advice from his subordinates and would go all formal military when challenged. The NCOs decided they could not work with this. I saw some actual combat veterans comment on the portrayal of Sobel in this episode and they focused on the fact that when he got lost he refused to listed to his second-in-command. According to them, an officer getting lost during training is very common and the proper way to solve it is to check with your NCOs to see if they can guide you.
I envy you guys watching this for the first time. Having said that, every time I re-watch this magnificent series (25 times and counting) and know what's coming, it hasn't jaded my excitement and emotions the slightest.
I am a combat veteran and I have been following your work . As you watch this you may notice that you will start feeling as if you are part of the unit . For vets like myself it is really cool to watch . Thank you for this and may God bless you both for the rest of your lives .
Thank you for your service. I haven't served in the military, but I admire and appreciate all of you who have, and I agree with your assessment of this series. And, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY for the rest of your lives as well.
The soldier talking to the cockney guy was looking at a Luger, a German hand gun. Many of the men wanted these as souvenirs. It comes up several times in the series.
Lugers were the gun that Germany was known for in WW1 so when those WW1 veterans sons went to war they wanted the gun their dads and uncles had talked about.
I’m a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper myself. When the instructor said, “Hopefully under deployed canopies,” he was reminding them to check and make sure their parachute was properly deployed after they exited the aircraft. When a trooper exits the aircraft, he or she counts off four seconds, then looks up to make sure their parachute is fully deployed and their are no malfunctions with it. If there are, the reserve chute worn over the stomach is immediately deployed.
Lost count of how many times I've watched this masterpiece. More than glad to watch again with you guys. Guaranteed you be die hard BoB fans by episode 3
You are going to bloody-well love this series... it's my absolute favourite... I'm a 61-yr-old Canadian. My father and two uncles participated in WW2. One of my uncles was in a Canadian Armoured unit in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was wounded on two separate occasions. First, he was wounded in the foot by a sniper. Then after recuperating, he re-joined his troop in Sicily, and then Italy. He was riding in a half-track that was attacked by a German tank. Everyone in his squad was killed, except my uncle, who was badly wounded. A British Tommie picked him up and got him to an aid station. He lost a leg, had a fractured skull, and a shattered elbow. But his war wasn't over. On his way home, his hospital ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean, and he woke up floating on his hospital cot in the sea. He was picked up by an escort destroyer and eventually made it back to Canada. Even with one leg, and a partially useful arm, he was a productive member of his community and lived to be almost 80 years old.
I have to watch this series at least once every year. It’s like a grounding. Never fails to centre me, and make me realise humility and gratefulness. I just love this series. It has EVERYTHING. Enjoy your reactions guys. I KNOW you’ll have nothing but positive vibes and feels for it. All the best. X
Love this series!!!! Every episode is unique and gripping in its own way. All based around true stories no less. P.S..... When you get to episode 9?..... Bring a box of tissues. Trust me.
I subscribed because I love this series, and I really enjoy watching reactions to it. You seem like an intelligent couple, so it should be fun. Get some popcorn, sit down, strap in, and hold on for arguably the best miniseries ever made. Also, I'd say it's about 98% historically accurate. CURRAHEE.
Best series ever made. By the end of it, you will have a deeper appreciation for the greatest generation. Enjoy it. Each episode will hit a bit different from the others before it, but they all have their emotional parts. This one always has the least amount of tears... Prepare yourself... Each man (or woman) must do that themselves..
I have watched this and it's companion series "The Pacific" several times. I have also followed quite a few reactions to them as well and I will eagerly do it again with you two.
@@steved1135 One reason is because there are those that loved this show and feel that they are the better for seeing it but, they found it so emotionally draining that they can't bring themselves to do it again with "The Pacific".
Great video guys! Currahee is my favourite episode of them all. I rewatch it once a year. David Schwimmer is an absolute revelation, such an underrated actor. Looking forward to seeing your other reactions in this series.
If after Band of Brothers (& after short break from war stuff), if u find u like Paratrooper stuff, consider movie "A Bridge Too Far" made in 1977. All-star cast. Movie specifically abt "Operation Market Garden" (largest Airborne operation of the war). Combined US & British paratroopers w/British infantry & armor in support. Massive & complex operation (what cld go wrong?). Great movie.
Jesus, time to have mine and see others hearts ripped out and put back together at the end of this series. I’ve probably watched this close to a dozen times and certain parts with the men of easy company, ironically, never gets easier. This is one of the best shows ever made and I hope you enjoy it as many times as I have.
Yeah, this is mainly taken from the book by Stephen Ambrose - Band of Brothers. The majority of the interviews you see during the episodes were done by a lady that I've seen in videos of the 20th Anniversary of the show, which was held at the WWII museum in New Orleans. She had some funny stories to tell about the men. She's pretty good looking so, I think a few of them might have had a little crush on her at the time. All of the men you will see in the interview clips were from Easy Company, some are represented in the show, some are not, but they were all there in real life. Dale Dye (who plays Colonel Sink) was actually from the military. He ran the actors boot camp to get the actors ready to play the roles they were selected for. The guy that plays Nixon did a video diary of the actors boot camp which you should watch when you finish this. It's pretty damn funny. Also, in real life, Sobel was not well liked by the men, although later, many would admit that his hard training served them well in actual combat. There will be some artistic liberties taken by the show runners in this mini-series. Obviously, time has to be compressed, sometimes they will have a man do something on screen that was done by someone else in real life, mainly because it wouldn't serve the show well to try and have 200 main actors. So, they had to consolidate actions in various places. Also, they do make some mistakes in places. Keep in mind the production of this was done before widespread internet access, it wasn't easy to confirm details of actions. The stories came from the men, as they remembered them, and sometimes, they just made mistakes. But all in all I think they had a deep desire to make the show as accurate as possible.
The cast is full of actors from the UK and Ireland. About half of Easy Company, actually. They had some really wonderful dialect coaching making them sound flawlessly American
Your awesomeness in coming in hot and fast with these epic like films and miniseries! Will you be continuing all the way to The Pacific! I highly recommend and hopefully you're far enough ahead in having seen the series to avoid the uncalled for spoilers!
Also a lot of the animosity in the Guarnere scene was due to linking Sobel religiously to Liebgott(who was not actually Jewish in real life). It added drama to the show.
Just a little basics that will help you understand the organization A squad is about 12 men Three squads make a platoon of about 42 men Three platoons make a company of 145 men From there the pattern of threes continues to battalion, regiment, and division. The name Easy company is because they are in the 5th company (or “E” company) of the regiment. Ranks going up: Enlisted: private>corporal>seargent Officers: lieutenant > captain > major > colonel> general Enjoy one of the best shows ever produced
Also, to add - the "ideal" company is commanded by a Captain with a First Lieutenant as Executive Officer (2nd in command) and all the Platoon Leaders are Second Lieutenants. During wartime this all gets fuzzier, which is why we see Easy Company with the CO, XO, and Platoon Leaders all being First Lieutenants with hierarchy based on seniority.
So glad yall chose this.I have one of the biggest movie collection in my state and this series is at the very very very top and in my opinion the best mini series in history.Just off the top of my head if using movies and tv shows as a guide, this series has from it Office Space, Friends, The Walking Dead, HBO series OZ, Doom, The X-Men movies, Hook, Venom, Saw, A famous late night tv host, Captain America The First Avenger,Critters, I still know what you did Last Summer,and so much more. Excellent choice will be here everyday for this series
A great first reaction from you two. Some reactors spoil the series and make it hard for me to watch and some I have given up with part way through, but I think I'm going to enjoy this with you two. 👍
You are going to love this, amazing show. By the end, you will know and love each man of easy company. I was waiting for you to get to the bit when Hoobler talked with the British soldier 😂
Hello guys first time joining your channel and I'm very impressed that you show such response and respect of the matter. Just F.Y.I. every episode gets harder and harder. After you watch this series there is a must see documentary that's like episode 11 of band of brothers. It's called we stand alone together the man of band of brothers. It is the best war related thing I ever seen. It's the real man telling thier stories.
As much of an asshole as Sobel was ANY surviving member of EASY company would say that it was BECAUSE of HIM and HIS methods that they were trained well enough to survive!!!😮😮
Battalions are made of Companies. Companies of Platoons. Platoons of Squads. Squads of small Fire Teams. There are larger units than Battalions (Regiments, Brigades, Divisions & larger). 101st Airborne was (is) a Division - like British 1st Airborne in WW2.
As you start this series, be prepared. AFTER you finish the series the following are mandatory- We Stand Alone Together (this is the documentary the interview clips come from). Ron Livingston's behind the scenes home movies (officially endorsed by HBO) Then the American Veteran's Center UA-cam channels interviews with both the veterans and actors who portrayed them. Yes there are inaccuracies but hands down BoB is the best miniseries out there.
I was in E/506th Reenacted back in the 90's so i had the honor of drinking & singing sharing stories with all these Scallywags. every time i watch this series it brings back memories. and after all these years their story and this series is going strong. i'll try to comment on each esp as you go as there is things that were changed to fit the flow of the series. alot was also left out. if you have any Q's about the series or troopers. just ask i have access to all the company info , Also for more info my buddy's podcast on WW2 and Easy Co. "We're Not Lost , Privet " he's the #1 guy on the history of Easy Co.
Try to remember that while this is one of the greatest series ever made, it also presents a perspective. There are a few characters that they present in a pretty bad light, but these were real men with families, and now…descendants. Sobel is a great example. He was arguably one of the best trainers of paratroopers out there. And even in Ambrose’ book, credit for why Easy company was so excellently trained goes to him. That said, he may not have been suited for combat, which is likely why they replaced him with Lt. Meehan. In later years Herbert Sobel’s son did come to some of the company reunions. He spoke about how the tyrant-like character so many of the men remember was not at all like what he remembers of his dad. Apparently, he was a very loving father with a quick sense of humor. Again, just try to keep in mind that these are not 2D characters.
Agreed that his son said those things. Sobel died, however, alone of malnutrition. That son, nor any other family member, was in his life to know that he was starving to death. If he was this kind loving father, where is the disconnect?
Well history is written by those who lived much longer than Sobel did. All we see are the soldiers' recollections of Sobel in the Army, not from Sobel himself.
Some Poor Chap Baked Red Bricks During Christmas Afternoon. Squad, Platoon, Company, Battalion, Regiment, Brigade, Division, Corps, Army. 3 of each makes 1 of the next higher unit.
"We're all very British". Actually quite a few of the actors in the show are British. The actors portraying Winters, Martin, Liebgott and Ranney are all British. Christian, the guy who drank from his canteen is Michael Fassbender, Irish. Keep your eyes open in later episodes for James McAvoy and Tom Hardy. From what I hear the actors still get together occasionally for reunions.
I remember my dad talking about not bring able to understand a word some of the Brits spoke . Thanks to the internet, I can decipher what the Cockney guy said. My dad originally trained in the tank destroyers and later joined the airborne because of the additional pay.
At this point Easy Company was about 150 men. A command structure, which included Nixon as Intelligence Officer. Then 3 Platoons of 40+ men, subdivided into 2 squads of rifles, a machine gun and a mortar team. Each platoon would likely have a lieutenant (like Winters) in command, and then each squad would have a sergeant (like Guarnere) or similar NCO to relay the Lts orders and keep discipline.
Well then, you have just made a brilliant decision! If you're going all the way with this...be prepared to grow, laugh, learn and suffer with these characters. The first episode is in some ways my favorite, if only for the innocence and the fact that I know what lies ahead for these men. This was when their biggest threats were "Army noodles with ketchup." I love the power move Winters makes by literally grabbing the pen out of Sobel's hand while asking for it...this series is epic, intimate and a true story. Hard to call this a TV show honestly, it's a 12 hour Saving Private Ryan in quality...CURRAHEE! ♠
A US Army/Marine company consists of the company commander (usually a commissioned officer with the rank of captain), the company executive officer (usually a first lieutenant) and three or four platoons each under a second lieutenant, the lowest commissioned officer rank in the US Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. Each platoon is divided into squads, each commanded by a sergeant.
You are in for a heart wrenching ride as you get to know the real people that fought the battles. Sobel had a tragic final years of his life. In the 1960s he attempted suicide but only managed to blind himself. About a decade or so later he died of malnutrition.😢 The men he trained credited him with making them one of the best units in the Airborne.
Hey duck stop telling them shit that gives info that they lived they need to find out not be told that someone had hard time after the war that tells them sobel will be fine in the series 😂moron
It's worth mentioning that, though many of them didn't like him, alot also credit Sobel's training as a big contributor to their success, Sobel's story is actually really sad, he wasn't a leader of men and had his flaws for sure, but he did play a big part not just in the molding of the soldiers themselves but also their bond early on.
$50 in 1942 was equivalent to $968 in todays purchasing power so that would mean they would be making todays level of over $1900 per month. That was what I was making in 1973 as an E-5. Not too bad for privates pay and they all got a promotion by end of their jump training so they were making even more. Good reaction, best of luck.
Sobel was an excellent training officer but a horrible combat leader. He was also petty and vindictive. However, Easy company members credit Sobel with being a big part of their future successes. The nitpicking taught attention to detail, the spaghetti scene taught that orders and or situations can change immediately and you have to react. As hard as he was, they learned the lessons they needed to learn. As was said in a different movie, "The more you hate me, the more you will learn."
It's a brilliant series. I've got the DVD and the Blu-ray tin box set. The Pacific isn't too bad either but there's more emphasis on storyline in that one. Would you ever check out long way round with Charlie boorman and Ewan McGregor? Round the world motorcycle adventures.
For both of you to know, about half of the actors in this series are British. Because the series was filmed in the UK there was a requirement that 50% of the roles had to go to British actors. Maybe you'll be able to pick them out (maybe you'll recognize some of them) but their American accents were really very good!
13:08 The men were responsible for packing their own parachutes. Even though they were trained how to do it, there was always a chance that someone screwed up.
Basic paratroop strategy: drop behind enemy lines capture whatever objective planned (usually, but not always, a bridge or town where roads meet) then your forces catch up to them and all is hunky'dory. Problem is, if your forces don't win elsewhere you have light infantry that is surrounded and they have only the supplies they carried with them. They can't very well take prisoners. And you probably over estimate tanks. It's OK, everyone does, even them. ua-cam.com/video/taHFUKKKmJM/v-deo.htmlsi=88KitHMIrDHfliKn 13:24 training film on facing tank Oh, if I hadn't told you, minor spoiler, have a blanket in studio. 1 future episode- I won't say which- can make the suggestable feel cold.
A company would have 3 platoons. Three companies would make a battalion. Three battalions would make a regiment. Winters commands 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR).
Yes, all of the NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers) who wrote those letters, could legally be lined up against a wall and shot. As Col. Sink stated "It's no less than an act of mutiny," and what made it worse was that they did it during wartime. Mutiny is a death sentence in the military. In peacetime, that act could be argued down to simple "Dereliction of Duty" ..... A highly punishable action, in and of itself. But, the Sergeants knew that it came down to a choice of, getting killed because of an action/inaction by Capt. Sobel, or getting killed because of something they did, themselves. At least there was a chance of surviving the war, if they could get rid of Sobel ..... They had no chance if Sobel stayed.
Nice. Easily one of the best TV series of all time. This should be required viewing in schools these days. You two are great reactors, but I have to warn you, this is a tough watch. And you thought Saving Private Ryan was good... Cheers. p.s. 50 USD in 1941 is equivalent to 1,074 now...
I think that little scrap on the ship between Guarnere and Liebgott is because Liebgott took offense at Guarnere's comment that Sobel was a Jew. He was just making an observation, he wasn't insulting Jews; but I think Liebgott took it that way.
Great job. Love your reactions. The Pacific mini series is great. It shows the war against Japan. Highly recommend watching it. Also please watch True Detectives season 1. It’s a masterpiece. Don’t bother with 2,3,4, 5. They are all disappointing. Different cast different directors.
$50 was the equivalent of about US $950 in today's money. Give or take. In June, 1944, $10,000 was roughly US $179,000 in today's money. I love that every reactor sees David Schwimmer and goes "Ross Geller? I can't take him seriously as a hard ass." Minutes later they're "Sobel's an ass."
$10,000 dollars was a VERY VAST amount of money back in the 40s. Think about it they only made $100 a month back then and it was just after or during the great depression. It is equivalent to $214,737 in today's money.
You guys noticed 'Ross', Dsvid Schwimmer. Keep your eyes open for a LOT of young actors who are now known. Fun fact, Damian Lewis, Winters, is Brit with a strong British accent. No one believed he was a Brit. They thought he wan an American doing a bad accent because his American accent is so good. Simon Pegg Michael Fassbender Tom Hardy Michael Cuditz Neal McDonough James McAvoy Jimmy Kimmel That is off the top of my head.
a company (200 men) is 3-4 platoons a platoon is 2-3 squads a squad is 2-3 teams (4 men) .... a battalion (1K men) is 4-6 companies a brigade is 2-3 battalions a division (15K men) in 3-4 brigades
always will to take the ride once again with new reactors.. Hope you enjoy it!!
I love how it takes no more than 15 minutes for reactors to start admiring Winters.
It's so important to note why the NCOs rebelled against Sobel. It's not because he was too tough as a trainer, or that he was mean and vindictive. Arguably those qualities DID help make them all better soldiers. They refused to serve under him because in real warfare he's indecisive and easily confused.
And that's why moving him to that other training regiment was a great solution. Keep him doing what he does well, (even if he's annoying while doing it), and let battle-competent people lead them into battle.
It was also because he kept trying to sabotage Winters, who was a more natural leader, calm under pressure and popular with the men. Qualities that made him a better commander than Sobel ever was. It was pure jealousy.
I would say it was also because not only was he bad but capricious. He was vindicative to his underlings. The manager who succeeds because of him but fails because of everyone else. The US army was very focused on the NCO(non commission officers so sergeants and the like). If sergeants rebelled there was a definitely a problem. In the modern US army the NCOs are typically there longer than the officers.
@@becketv1 NCOs generally know how to work around poor officers. However, Sobel seemed unable to listen to advice from his subordinates and would go all formal military when challenged. The NCOs decided they could not work with this.
I saw some actual combat veterans comment on the portrayal of Sobel in this episode and they focused on the fact that when he got lost he refused to listed to his second-in-command. According to them, an officer getting lost during training is very common and the proper way to solve it is to check with your NCOs to see if they can guide you.
I envy you guys watching this for the first time. Having said that, every time I re-watch this magnificent series (25 times and counting) and know what's coming, it hasn't jaded my excitement and emotions the slightest.
Same here, except I might have your 25 beat.
I am a combat veteran and I have been following your work . As you watch this you may notice that you will start feeling as if you are part of the unit . For vets like myself it is really cool to watch .
Thank you for this and may God bless you both for the rest of your lives .
Thank you for your service. I haven't served in the military, but I admire and appreciate all of you who have, and I agree with your assessment of this series. And, GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY for the rest of your lives as well.
@@dezinguy Thank you for your kind words . they mean more than you could ever know. God bless you
The soldier talking to the cockney guy was looking at a Luger, a German hand gun. Many of the men wanted these as souvenirs. It comes up several times in the series.
Lugers were the gun that Germany was known for in WW1 so when those WW1 veterans sons went to war they wanted the gun their dads and uncles had talked about.
I’m a former 82nd Airborne paratrooper myself. When the instructor said, “Hopefully under deployed canopies,” he was reminding them to check and make sure their parachute was properly deployed after they exited the aircraft. When a trooper exits the aircraft, he or she counts off four seconds, then looks up to make sure their parachute is fully deployed and their are no malfunctions with it. If there are, the reserve chute worn over the stomach is immediately deployed.
Omg I’m so excited for this!!! Thank you for reacting to this!! This will stick with you forever
BoB is the masterpiece of masterpieces about WW2.
So glad you’re starting this fantastic series! I’m all on board for first time watching!
The $50 bonus would be $900 today. The 10,000 life insurance would be $178,000 today.
Thank you! ☺️
Lost count of how many times I've watched this masterpiece. More than glad to watch again with you guys. Guaranteed you be die hard BoB fans by episode 3
You are going to bloody-well love this series... it's my absolute favourite... I'm a 61-yr-old Canadian. My father and two uncles participated in WW2. One of my uncles was in a Canadian Armoured unit in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. He was wounded on two separate occasions. First, he was wounded in the foot by a sniper. Then after recuperating, he re-joined his troop in Sicily, and then Italy. He was riding in a half-track that was attacked by a German tank. Everyone in his squad was killed, except my uncle, who was badly wounded. A British Tommie picked him up and got him to an aid station. He lost a leg, had a fractured skull, and a shattered elbow. But his war wasn't over. On his way home, his hospital ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean, and he woke up floating on his hospital cot in the sea. He was picked up by an escort destroyer and eventually made it back to Canada. Even with one leg, and a partially useful arm, he was a productive member of his community and lived to be almost 80 years old.
I have to watch this series at least once every year. It’s like a grounding.
Never fails to centre me, and make me realise humility and gratefulness.
I just love this series.
It has EVERYTHING.
Enjoy your reactions guys.
I KNOW you’ll have nothing but positive vibes and feels for it.
All the best.
X
Thanks for watching! Think it will be a tough one but looking forward to seeing the rest of the show!
Please make sure you watch the 11th episode "We stand alone together". It is other interviews like the ones seen at the start of each episode.
Everyone that reacts to the series inevitably does anyway .
Oh boy, here we go...
The old men at the beginning of each episode are the real people, At the end of it all the production identifies them directly.
Why would you spoil that
@@jhold7553some people think it is just a show and not what really happened.
I know it's just the first episode of Band of Brothers but i already want to see The Pacific!!
This definitely is the best TV show that has ever been made.
Yessss I was one of the many that recommended this and loved your SPR reaction I’m ready to watch this again with your guys reactions :D
Love this series!!!! Every episode is unique and gripping in its own way. All based around true stories no less.
P.S..... When you get to episode 9?..... Bring a box of tissues. Trust me.
"The eyes of the world are upon you" What a line...
Great reaction!!!! Can't wait for Episode 2!!!
I subscribed because I love this series, and I really enjoy watching reactions to it. You seem like an intelligent couple, so it should be fun. Get some popcorn, sit down, strap in, and hold on for arguably the best miniseries ever made. Also, I'd say it's about 98% historically accurate. CURRAHEE.
Best series ever made. By the end of it, you will have a deeper appreciation for the greatest generation. Enjoy it. Each episode will hit a bit different from the others before it, but they all have their emotional parts. This one always has the least amount of tears... Prepare yourself... Each man (or woman) must do that themselves..
I have watched this and it's companion series "The Pacific" several times. I have also followed quite a few reactions to them as well and I will eagerly do it again with you two.
Yes, for some reason, The Pacific is underrepresented in reactions.
@@steved1135 One reason is because there are those that loved this show and feel that they are the better for seeing it but, they found it so emotionally draining that they can't bring themselves to do it again with "The Pacific".
Great video guys! Currahee is my favourite episode of them all. I rewatch it once a year. David Schwimmer is an absolute revelation, such an underrated actor. Looking forward to seeing your other reactions in this series.
Appreciate it! Yeah he was amazing in this show! Wasn’t sure at first but he won me over quickly!
If after Band of Brothers (& after short break from war stuff), if u find u like Paratrooper stuff, consider movie "A Bridge Too Far" made in 1977. All-star cast. Movie specifically abt "Operation Market Garden" (largest Airborne operation of the war). Combined US & British paratroopers w/British infantry & armor in support. Massive & complex operation (what cld go wrong?). Great movie.
Jesus, time to have mine and see others hearts ripped out and put back together at the end of this series. I’ve probably watched this close to a dozen times and certain parts with the men of easy company, ironically, never gets easier.
This is one of the best shows ever made and I hope you enjoy it as many times as I have.
Yeah, this is mainly taken from the book by Stephen Ambrose - Band of Brothers. The majority of the interviews you see during the episodes were done by a lady that I've seen in videos of the 20th Anniversary of the show, which was held at the WWII museum in New Orleans. She had some funny stories to tell about the men. She's pretty good looking so, I think a few of them might have had a little crush on her at the time. All of the men you will see in the interview clips were from Easy Company, some are represented in the show, some are not, but they were all there in real life. Dale Dye (who plays Colonel Sink) was actually from the military. He ran the actors boot camp to get the actors ready to play the roles they were selected for. The guy that plays Nixon did a video diary of the actors boot camp which you should watch when you finish this. It's pretty damn funny.
Also, in real life, Sobel was not well liked by the men, although later, many would admit that his hard training served them well in actual combat.
There will be some artistic liberties taken by the show runners in this mini-series. Obviously, time has to be compressed, sometimes they will have a man do something on screen that was done by someone else in real life, mainly because it wouldn't serve the show well to try and have 200 main actors. So, they had to consolidate actions in various places. Also, they do make some mistakes in places. Keep in mind the production of this was done before widespread internet access, it wasn't easy to confirm details of actions. The stories came from the men, as they remembered them, and sometimes, they just made mistakes. But all in all I think they had a deep desire to make the show as accurate as possible.
Good explanation!
One of my favorite parts of the show is that scene with Hoobler and the British soldier dressed up as a German. So funny. Cheers!
Glad to see y'all have started this amazing series! Looking forward to following along with your future uploads!
The cast is full of actors from the UK and Ireland. About half of Easy Company, actually. They had some really wonderful dialect coaching making them sound flawlessly American
Buckle up! Always enjoy your reactions.
Your awesomeness in coming in hot and fast with these epic like films and miniseries! Will you be continuing all the way to The Pacific! I highly recommend and hopefully you're far enough ahead in having seen the series to avoid the uncalled for spoilers!
Also a lot of the animosity in the Guarnere scene was due to linking Sobel religiously to Liebgott(who was not actually Jewish in real life). It added drama to the show.
Just a little basics that will help you understand the organization
A squad is about 12 men
Three squads make a platoon of about 42 men
Three platoons make a company of 145 men
From there the pattern of threes continues to battalion, regiment, and division.
The name Easy company is because they are in the 5th company (or “E” company) of the regiment.
Ranks going up:
Enlisted: private>corporal>seargent
Officers: lieutenant > captain > major > colonel> general
Enjoy one of the best shows ever produced
Also, to add - the "ideal" company is commanded by a Captain with a First Lieutenant as Executive Officer (2nd in command) and all the Platoon Leaders are Second Lieutenants. During wartime this all gets fuzzier, which is why we see Easy Company with the CO, XO, and Platoon Leaders all being First Lieutenants with hierarchy based on seniority.
So glad that you two are reacting to Band of Brothers. I really like you two.
One of my favorites!! Let's lock & load fam!👍
So glad yall chose this.I have one of the biggest movie collection in my state and this series is at the very very very top and in my opinion the best mini series in history.Just off the top of my head if using movies and tv shows as a guide, this series has from it Office Space, Friends, The Walking Dead, HBO series OZ, Doom, The X-Men movies, Hook, Venom, Saw, A famous late night tv host, Captain America The First Avenger,Critters, I still know what you did Last Summer,and so much more. Excellent choice will be here everyday for this series
Have you got the BBC/HBO seasons (2) of 'Rome'? That is joint-top place, along with this series, in my opinion ofc.
@ I don’t sadly but this series still top for sure for me
So glad you are on this journey! It is brilliant and hard to watch at time and there will be tears, but I am here for it!
A great first reaction from you two. Some reactors spoil the series and make it hard for me to watch and some I have given up with part way through, but I think I'm going to enjoy this with you two. 👍
You are going to love this, amazing show. By the end, you will know and love each man of easy company. I was waiting for you to get to the bit when Hoobler talked with the British soldier 😂
You've made me so happy that you're doing these now thank you both 🥲
Hello guys first time joining your channel and I'm very impressed that you show such response and respect of the matter. Just F.Y.I. every episode gets harder and harder. After you watch this series there is a must see documentary that's like episode 11 of band of brothers. It's called we stand alone together the man of band of brothers. It is the best war related thing I ever seen. It's the real man telling thier stories.
Great reaction to the first episode. Looking forward to seeing your reactions to the rest of the best miniseries of all time.
As much of an asshole as Sobel was ANY surviving member of EASY company would say that it was BECAUSE of HIM and HIS methods that they were trained well enough to survive!!!😮😮
They still hated him for being an asshole and a terrible commander.
You have to watch The Pacific after this series
Liam and Steph, sit back and enjoy the ride. It is epic.
best miniseries ever made, enjoy! 😊
Joint top place along with 'Rome' by BBC/HBO.
$50 in 1942 was equal to $970 today. But the big thing was, they would get double the regular Army pay if they signed up!
Yup.
Battalions are made of Companies. Companies of Platoons. Platoons of Squads. Squads of small Fire Teams. There are larger units than Battalions (Regiments, Brigades, Divisions & larger). 101st Airborne was (is) a Division - like British 1st Airborne in WW2.
As you start this series, be prepared. AFTER you finish the series the following are mandatory- We Stand Alone Together (this is the documentary the interview clips come from). Ron Livingston's behind the scenes home movies (officially endorsed by HBO) Then the American Veteran's Center UA-cam channels interviews with both the veterans and actors who portrayed them.
Yes there are inaccuracies but hands down BoB is the best miniseries out there.
I was in E/506th Reenacted back in the 90's so i had the honor of drinking & singing sharing stories with all these Scallywags. every time i watch this series it brings back memories. and after all these years their story and this series is going strong. i'll try to comment on each esp as you go as there is things that were changed to fit the flow of the series. alot was also left out. if you have any Q's about the series or troopers. just ask i have access to all the company info , Also for more info my buddy's podcast on WW2 and Easy Co. "We're Not Lost , Privet " he's the #1 guy on the history of Easy Co.
Try to remember that while this is one of the greatest series ever made, it also presents a perspective. There are a few characters that they present in a pretty bad light, but these were real men with families, and now…descendants. Sobel is a great example. He was arguably one of the best trainers of paratroopers out there. And even in Ambrose’ book, credit for why Easy company was so excellently trained goes to him. That said, he may not have been suited for combat, which is likely why they replaced him with Lt. Meehan. In later years Herbert Sobel’s son did come to some of the company reunions. He spoke about how the tyrant-like character so many of the men remember was not at all like what he remembers of his dad. Apparently, he was a very loving father with a quick sense of humor. Again, just try to keep in mind that these are not 2D characters.
Agreed that his son said those things. Sobel died, however, alone of malnutrition. That son, nor any other family member, was in his life to know that he was starving to death. If he was this kind loving father, where is the disconnect?
Well history is written by those who lived much longer than Sobel did. All we see are the soldiers' recollections of Sobel in the Army, not from Sobel himself.
FIFTY minutes to the top and back, which is still insane for 6 miles in full pack on an incline.
Some Poor Chap Baked Red Bricks During Christmas Afternoon.
Squad, Platoon, Company, Battalion, Regiment, Brigade, Division, Corps, Army.
3 of each makes 1 of the next higher unit.
Reactors always misunderstand that pay scene. "$50 a month more, that made it $100" Yes, the pay was double!
And just in case anyone is wondering, $100 in 1942 money is the equivalent of $1936 in 2024 when adjusted for inflation
"We're all very British". Actually quite a few of the actors in the show are British. The actors portraying Winters, Martin, Liebgott and Ranney are all British. Christian, the guy who drank from his canteen is Michael Fassbender, Irish. Keep your eyes open in later episodes for James McAvoy and Tom Hardy. From what I hear the actors still get together occasionally for reunions.
I remember my dad talking about not bring able to understand a word some of the Brits spoke . Thanks to the internet, I can decipher what the Cockney guy said. My dad originally trained in the tank destroyers and later joined the airborne because of the additional pay.
At this point Easy Company was about 150 men. A command structure, which included Nixon as Intelligence Officer. Then 3 Platoons of 40+ men, subdivided into 2 squads of rifles, a machine gun and a mortar team. Each platoon would likely have a lieutenant (like Winters) in command, and then each squad would have a sergeant (like Guarnere) or similar NCO to relay the Lts orders and keep discipline.
Well then, you have just made a brilliant decision! If you're going all the way with this...be prepared to grow, laugh, learn and suffer with these characters. The first episode is in some ways my favorite, if only for the innocence and the fact that I know what lies ahead for these men. This was when their biggest threats were "Army noodles with ketchup." I love the power move Winters makes by literally grabbing the pen out of Sobel's hand while asking for it...this series is epic, intimate and a true story. Hard to call this a TV show honestly, it's a 12 hour Saving Private Ryan in quality...CURRAHEE! ♠
11:16 in the book this is based on. It stated Sobel designated him mess officer because he knew Winters hated it.
😱 that’s awful!
A US Army/Marine company consists of the company commander (usually a commissioned officer with the rank of captain), the company executive officer (usually a first lieutenant) and three or four platoons each under a second lieutenant, the lowest commissioned officer rank in the US Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. Each platoon is divided into squads, each commanded by a sergeant.
This is the standard organization not one the 101st Airborne was exactly able to match.
You are in for a heart wrenching ride as you get to know the real people that fought the battles.
Sobel had a tragic final years of his life. In the 1960s he attempted suicide but only managed to blind himself. About a decade or so later he died of malnutrition.😢 The men he trained credited him with making them one of the best units in the Airborne.
Hey duck stop telling them shit that gives info that they lived they need to find out not be told that someone had hard time after the war that tells them sobel will be fine in the series 😂moron
It's worth mentioning that, though many of them didn't like him, alot also credit Sobel's training as a big contributor to their success, Sobel's story is actually really sad, he wasn't a leader of men and had his flaws for sure, but he did play a big part not just in the molding of the soldiers themselves but also their bond early on.
Great series! Very good choice for a reaction
This is going to be an awesome wild ride!
I'm sure that anyone that served has served under both a Sobel and a Winters, and that is true in every service in the world.
$50 in 1942 was equivalent to $968 in todays purchasing power so that would mean they would be making todays level of over $1900 per month. That was what I was making in 1973 as an E-5. Not too bad for privates pay and they all got a promotion by end of their jump training so they were making even more. Good reaction, best of luck.
So the life insurance payout would be around $190k.
I wonder what (or if) the families of British dead received?
@@WG1807 Not sure. I know the British men complained that Americans were over paid, over sexed and over there. (England)
Thank you for watching this.
Thank you for watching this with us! ☺️
Fuck yeah yall are gonna absolutely love this mini series hand to god 🙌
Company (Captain or senior 1st Lieutenant) ---> Platoon (1st or 2nd Lieutenant) ----> Squad (Sergeant)
You won’t be disappointed in this series but it will break you !!
Sobel was an excellent training officer but a horrible combat leader. He was also petty and vindictive. However, Easy company members credit Sobel with being a big part of their future successes. The nitpicking taught attention to detail, the spaghetti scene taught that orders and or situations can change immediately and you have to react. As hard as he was, they learned the lessons they needed to learn. As was said in a different movie, "The more you hate me, the more you will learn."
Funny how he didn't put his pettiness aside when promoted to commander.
$50 in 1944 was roughly $897 today, so their monthly income doubled to $1,794.
Prior to 1942, the base pay for a private was just $22!
But the series starts in 1941/42. Later, the actual invasion was, of course, in '44.
It's a brilliant series. I've got the DVD and the Blu-ray tin box set. The Pacific isn't too bad either but there's more emphasis on storyline in that one. Would you ever check out long way round with Charlie boorman and Ewan McGregor? Round the world motorcycle adventures.
Best series ever made. The end
For both of you to know, about half of the actors in this series are British. Because the series was filmed in the UK there was a requirement that 50% of the roles had to go to British actors. Maybe you'll be able to pick them out (maybe you'll recognize some of them) but their American accents were really very good!
13:08 The men were responsible for packing their own parachutes. Even though they were trained how to do it, there was always a chance that someone screwed up.
"Get your nose outta my face" was a deliberate anti-Semitic remark from Guarnere, which is why Liebgott took a swing at him.
$50 back in 1941 was about $1,073 and for the GI Insurance $10,000 back then was $214,737
Thank you! ☺️
Yay, good to see you've gotten around to BoB!
I assure you that you'll never forget this TV show. Enjoy the journey!
Basic paratroop strategy: drop behind enemy lines capture whatever objective planned (usually, but not always, a bridge or town where roads meet) then your forces catch up to them and all is hunky'dory. Problem is, if your forces don't win elsewhere you have light infantry that is surrounded and they have only the supplies they carried with them. They can't very well take prisoners. And you probably over estimate tanks. It's OK, everyone does, even them. ua-cam.com/video/taHFUKKKmJM/v-deo.htmlsi=88KitHMIrDHfliKn 13:24 training film on facing tank Oh, if I hadn't told you, minor spoiler, have a blanket in studio. 1 future episode- I won't say which- can make the suggestable feel cold.
A top 5 series all time
It looks like it’s going to be a powerful one! ☺️
A company would have 3 platoons. Three companies would make a battalion. Three battalions would make a regiment. Winters commands 2nd Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR).
Thank you for explaining that to us! ☺️
You're in for a ride here and it will change your life at least a little.
Yes, all of the NCO's (Non-Commissioned Officers) who wrote those letters, could legally be lined up against a wall and shot. As Col. Sink stated "It's no less than an act of mutiny," and what made it worse was that they did it during wartime. Mutiny is a death sentence in the military. In peacetime, that act could be argued down to simple "Dereliction of Duty" ..... A highly punishable action, in and of itself. But, the Sergeants knew that it came down to a choice of, getting killed because of an action/inaction by Capt. Sobel, or getting killed because of something they did, themselves. At least there was a chance of surviving the war, if they could get rid of Sobel ..... They had no chance if Sobel stayed.
Nice. Easily one of the best TV series of all time. This should be required viewing in schools these days. You two are great reactors, but I have to warn you, this is a tough watch. And you thought Saving Private Ryan was good... Cheers. p.s. 50 USD in 1941 is equivalent to 1,074 now...
FINALLY! Yes!!!
I think that little scrap on the ship between Guarnere and Liebgott is because Liebgott took offense at Guarnere's comment that Sobel was a Jew. He was just making an observation, he wasn't insulting Jews; but I think Liebgott took it that way.
Actually Liebgot was raised catholic and was not jewish as it is depicted in the series!
10,000 bucks is equivilent to 180,000 in todays money,, so its not to shabby a insurance payout
Woah! Ok, yeah that’s not too bad! 😂 but the cost isn’t worth it 😔
Great job. Love your reactions.
The Pacific mini series is great. It shows the war against Japan. Highly recommend watching it.
Also please watch True Detectives season 1.
It’s a masterpiece.
Don’t bother with 2,3,4, 5.
They are all disappointing.
Different cast different directors.
$50 was the equivalent of about US $950 in today's money. Give or take. In June, 1944, $10,000 was roughly US $179,000 in today's money.
I love that every reactor sees David Schwimmer and goes "Ross Geller? I can't take him seriously as a hard ass." Minutes later they're "Sobel's an ass."
Let’s goooo
$10,000 dollars was a VERY VAST amount of money back in the 40s. Think about it they only made $100 a month back then and it was just after or during the great depression. It is equivalent to $214,737 in today's money.
You guys noticed 'Ross', Dsvid Schwimmer. Keep your eyes open for a LOT of young actors who are now known. Fun fact, Damian Lewis, Winters, is Brit with a strong British accent. No one believed he was a Brit. They thought he wan an American doing a bad accent because his American accent is so good.
Simon Pegg
Michael Fassbender
Tom Hardy
Michael Cuditz
Neal McDonough
James McAvoy
Jimmy Kimmel
That is off the top of my head.
Oh it’s Jimmy Fallon at the end of ep 5 not Jimmy Kimmel
Not Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon.
a company (200 men) is 3-4 platoons
a platoon is 2-3 squads
a squad is 2-3 teams (4 men)
....
a battalion (1K men) is 4-6 companies
a brigade is 2-3 battalions
a division (15K men) in 3-4 brigades
Thank you for explaining this to us! ☺️❤️
@@Reactsandgames no prob