Big Picture: Project Modern Army Needs (MAN)

Year Published: ca. 1971 - ca. 1977

Creator: National Archives and Records Administration

Format: 16mm/video file

Description: National Archives and Records Administration ARC Identifier 2569730 / Local Identifier 111-TV-473 Big Picture: Project Modern Army Needs (MAN) DVD Copied by Timothy Vollmer. The first of the new episodes in the Army's weekly television series, THE BIG PICTURE, covers a three-day demonstration of today's Army capabilities and tomorrow's Army possibilities, called "Project MAN." Industry, government, and military leaders were shown what the Army has and what the Army is developing to be prepared for war and to maintain the peace. Now, brought to the television screen for the first time in its entirety, "Project MAN" becomes a showcase of new Army hardware in review. The title "Project MAN" has a double significance. M-A-N stands for Modern Army Needs. That the initials should spell out the fundamental determining factor of the quality of an army, whatever its equipment, is both intentional and highly appropriate. In addition to the display and demonstration of Army weapons and equipment, most exciting footage has been assembled to show the skills of the Army Rangers. This is not only good, strong entertainment, but it emphasizes the point that the quality of the Army--any army--depends on the quality of its great fighting men. Scenes show Rangers in simulated hand-to-hand combat, very realistically performed; a demonstration of climbing techniques, leaps from a tower with the aid of a resilient rope to reach the ground in a second's time, and finally, shots of Rangers making long cable slides past large-scale underwater explosions. As the film concludes, audiences will watch unveiling ceremonies--presided over by the Secretary of the Army--of the statue, "The Infantryman."