Keanu Reeves vs. Military Infantry: A Tale of Misconception and Reality

John Wick is known for his action-packed sequences and brutal hand-to-hand combat. However, when examining the skills and tactics used by Keanu Reeves's character in John Wick movies, how do they stack up against those of real-life military infantry soldiers? This article explores the discrepancies and highlights the realities of modern combat scenarios.

Legends and Lone Wolves

John Wick is often portrayed as a lone wolf, with an aesthetic focus on explosives and close-quarters battle (CQB). However, the intensity and precision of the fights in John Wick bear little resemblance to the coordinated and intense training or reality of a seasoned military infantry soldier. Here's a detailed comparison:

Clearing Rooms and Explosives

One key element of military tactics is the use of depth support. For example, in John Wick, clear rooms by setting off explosives and then dancing in, with minimal enemies coming out to fight. In reality, military units work in a coordinated way. A hallway is secured by four soldiers: two at corners and two controlling the center. They systematically clear rooms and neutralize threats:

Two soldiers control each corner of a hallway and four more control the sides. They move up the outside wall to the next door. One team fires at the far door, suppressing the center. Meanwhile, the other team places explosives and tosses them through the door. The team clears the room and moves to the next one.

This coordinated effort ensures that threats are systematically eliminated with precision and efficiency, contrasting with the chaotic, improvised nature of Wick's fights.

The Role of Technology and Teamwork

Consider how the modern military uses technology to their advantage. In the real world, the use of automatic fire from a distance can be much more effective than close encounters. Military units often opt for a combination of long-range fire, grenades, and suppressionary fire to neutralize threats from a safe distance. They also have the benefit of supporting fire from various directions:

Threats come from unexpected angles, not just from camera angles. This is often due to coordinated movements and unexpected fire from various positions.

Firefights can be relentless and often involve multiple shooters, leading to a constant stream of gunfire. The goal is not about flashy dance moves but about imposing overwhelming firepower.

Close Quarters Battle (CQB): A Mismatched Reality

John Wick movies emphasize hand-to-hand combat and close-quarters battles. However, in real-world military operations, CQB is about controlling the environment, not just engaging in close battles. Military training focuses on:

Controlling access points to buildings and blocking lines of sight to isolate threats.

Using the environment to one's advantage, such as blocking doorways and using windows and walls.

Quickly seizing and securing an area while denying access to the enemy.

These tactics involve a much higher level of planning and coordination, where individual actions can lead to the broader objective of neutralizing threats. Wick's character often engages in one-on-one fights at close range, which is not representative of the complex and dynamic nature of military operations.

The Real vs. The Realistic

The John Wick films, while entertaining, offer a distorted representation of real-world combat. Here are some key differences:

Real combat is often quieter, relying on stealth and surprise, while Wick movies focus on loud and frequent gunshots.

Military operations are often about protecting civilians and having strict rules of engagement, which Wick movies often ignore.

Modern infantry warfare involves extensive planning, precision, and the use of technology to gain an advantage.

While John Wick's action sequences are captivating, they do not reflect the true nature of combat. Military operations require a different set of skills, tools, and mindset, and the outcome is often determined by more than just individual combat prowess.

Conclusion

John Wick's fights are a blend of Hollywood action and martial arts skills. While impressive, they do not accurately represent the skills and tactics of real-life military infantry soldiers. Understanding the differences between John Wick's style and real-world combat is crucial for anyone interested in the realities of modern warfare.

Key Takeaways

CQB in movies vs. actual military tactics.

The role of technology and teamwork in real-world warfare.

The importance of strategic planning and environmental control in military operations.

By comparing John Wick's action sequences to real-world military operations, we can gain a better understanding of the complexities and realities of modern combat.