That's really rich coming from a fellow re-enactor. You know good and well that I've been very public regarding the fact that I do not have military SERVICE. It's only a BACKGROUND. Which by the way, is more than many out there have that have never been around any type of military unit. That said, yes, my time with the production company had me working the front lines. Again just a BACKGROUND. However, I did participate in THE largest ever Vietnam war re-enactment set in the United States. Over 500 re-enactors were involved and like you, I had experiences that someone with zero time with a military unit would never have experienced. During this particular event, a small contingent of US troops were holding a firebase which was subsequently overrun by NVA and VC units. Trying to hold that firebase and getting pushed back while being charged by these units, while not real, was a very close simulation. At some points it was difficult to remember that it was a re-enactment and fear kicked along with adrenaline. It's something I won't forget.
That said, I very much appreciate those who actually have military SERVICE and am thankful for the sacrifices they have made.