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From the Marine Corps to Hollywood with Military Technical Advisor James Dever

November 25, 2020 by Barb Allen

From the Marine Corps to Hollywood with James Dever

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A military technical advisor for some of the biggest movies ever made

Sergeant Major (USMC Ret) James Dever is now among Hollywood’s most elite Military Technical Advisors. He always makes sure to remind the actors he works with to honor the people they are portraying. 

James joined the Marines through the Delayed Entry Program when he was just 17 years old. He went on to serve a lengthy and honorable career in his beloved Marines Corps before embarking on a new and highly successful path.

james dever hollywood

In this episode we walk through James’ youth, as he shares how he and his brothers learned to adapt and overcome their many serious challenges.

He talks about the Hollywood legend that inspired him to become a Marine, and what his 25 years of service were like – including the time he was assigned to mentor Clint Eastwood through his portrayal of a United States Marine. That movie was Heartbreak Ridge.

After 25 years of service, James picked up where he’d left off with that experience, and pursued a professional career in Hollywood. With blockbusters like American Sniper, The Last Samurai, Sicario 2, and other award-winning films on his resume, James is at the top of his industry.

Talking with James is like being given a private backstage tour through many of the blockbusters we’ve all watched and enjoyed. From a fiery mishap on the set of The Last Samurai, to training in the Moroccan desert for American Sniper, and a powerful experience in a chance reunion with a Vietnamese woman he’d helped rescue as a child, this was not just an interesting interview, but an entertaining one.

Remember the uniform you’re wearing. People have died in that uniform, so respect it and what you’re doing. – James DeverClick To Tweet

If you’re curious to hear about the work and some mishaps behind-the-scenes of hit movies, gain a deeper respect for the service of our military members, and learn some tricks of the trade, you do not want to miss this episode of American Snippets!

Here are some of the questions We asked:

What is a Military Technical Advisor?

What are some examples of areas you provide expertise in?​

What was it like working with Clint Eastwood?​

Why do scenes inside of vehicles always look so fake?​

What is it like to reenact combat scenes, when you’ve experienced combat firsthand?​

What are some trends you see in the movies Hollywood is making?

How do politics influence your work?

What are some of the challenges military families face?

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Barb Allen

Co-Founder, Author, And Speaker at BarbAllenSpeaks.com
Barbara Allen is an Author, Speaker, Gold Star Wife, and professional veterans advocate who understands the personal and factual struggles of turning adversity into advantage. But this lesson did not come easily and this upper hand must be diligently maintained. Now, Barbara brings her life lessons to her audiences in keynote speeches and custom programs. She relates to her audiences’ lives and challenges, and teaches them how to become gladiators in their own life’s arena.
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Filed Under: American Dream, Military, Patriotism, Podcast, Veterans Tagged With: james dever

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Each week Barb and Dave bring you inspiring stories from exceptional Americans who will not simply inspire you, but propel you into action in your own life. The goal of American Snippets and their all-star lineup of guests is to re-ignite that spark within you, by showing you the exceptional things being done by Americans all across this great nation. Their mission is to create a meaningful platform that encourages national pride, promotes the American Dream, emphasizes the upshot of giving back, and supports all who honorably serve.
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