Corrected entry: Glover's shoulder boards at end of movie are for commander, not captain.
Corrected entry: The movie states that it's set 7 years after the US became involved in the war. This would make it about 1968. When Brad Johnson and the girl are dancing, the song "Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" by Johnny Rivers was playing, which was not released until 1972.
Correction: The US officially became involved in 1965 not 1961...1965+7=1972.
Corrected entry: Throughout the movie where there are shots of the pilot's hands they are not wearing gloves. In all the services gloves are required safety equipment for flight crew members.
Correction: Yes, flight gloves (only made of Egyptian cotton) are technically "required", but I spent 12 years of my life in Prowlers (electronic attack variant of the Intruder). I hardly ever wore gloves.
Correction: It's stated he was selected for captain. He is still the rank of commander until he is officially promoted. Being selected doesn't mean he has been promoted yet, no different than being promoted at work. If it's May 1st and you get promoted to a higher position effective July 1st, it doesn't mean you are the title you have been promoted to until you officially begin in that position.
Steve Kozak