I think this rumor may have been fueld by a story attributed to Lee Ermy, the actor who plays the Drill Instructor in "Full Metal Jacket" and the host of "Mail Call", about how he refused to wear a rank he didn't earn, so he intentionally wore something else incorrectly on his uniform at the same time.  I don't know if the story is true or not. 

I think most of the errors in military uniforms (and customs and courtesies) in movies and TV are due to ignorance on the part of the movie crews.  What looks right to someone who has no idea of what the regulations are might look completly wrong to someone who has worn the uniform for a few years. 

Another reason might be an attempt to have something look correct to the majority of the intended audience of the movie - they may want something to look right to most of the audience, but most of the people who make movies probably don't know any better themselves. 

A really good example of a movie that was made without a military consultant is "Basic", starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sharon Stone, and John Travolta.  I've only seen the movie once, but if I remember correctly, they had a lot of errors that made the movie difficult to watch:  one character was a female Ranger and Samuel L. Jackson's character changed rank (up and down) as the movie went on, but he'd be yelling in someone's face while that person was wearing a higher rank than his own. 

I don't agree with the notion that they do it on purpose to insult the military.  Although there are people involved in making movies who disagree with national policy and who don't care for the military, having an actor wear a uniform improperly isn't very insulting if it's a subtle error.

JPW wrote:

Hollywood isn't filled with ex-military to point out errors.  some movies get consultants some don't. some consultants are idiots  some are not.


some believe "hellywood"  as in Hell wood  does it wrong on purpose to insult our military so they are made to look foolish and weakend to help bring about the dustruction of America which they hate.


Personally  I think it is choice 1  but there might be some  robo Reublicans here so I thought I should give both options.

JPW,
robo here , been missing you JPW.

The movie studios often hire military advisors to make sure they are doing things right.
I lived near the Studios for several years.

Worked with many studio people.

They strive for realisum but I don't think they put the emphasis on having everything correct that they once did.

It is up to the Producer and director how much emphasis they put on it.

Garrysr wrote:

My wife hates to watch military movies or tv with me, as I tend to notice the mistakes. Really hate the "Sta-puft Marshmallow man" beret look.   I tried to wear mine right, as I respected the ones who earned them in the past.

My wife hates me at movie time also!...lol