The screenplay reportedly draws on Douglas Day Stewart's officer-candidate experience, including a real Paula he dated but did not marry; this is credited for the setting's specificity. — Bill Simmons
Foley’s decorations are listed as the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Gallantry Cross unit citation, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, and a final item transcribed as “Combat Actionary” (unresolved). Their extensive detail is appreciated without requiring the film to explain each one. — Bill Simmons
Hackford reportedly housed Gossett twenty miles away to keep him apart from the other actors. — Bill Simmons
Lisa Eilbacher reportedly found it frustrating to pretend to struggle on the obstacle course because she was in excellent physical condition.
Gere reportedly mastered the karate while Gossett struggled, accidentally kicked him in the groin, and a trained stand-in was used during Gossett's two-day absence. — Bill Simmons
Foley putting Mayo's dollar in the right rather than prescribed left pocket is interpreted as a small deliberate rebuke. — Bill Simmons
The Tides Inn is identified as the motel location. — Bill Simmons
The hangar is reportedly now the 1,200-seat McCurdy Pavilion. — Bill Simmons
Mayo’s motorcycle is identified as a Triumph Bonneville. — Bill Simmons
Gere reportedly disliked the ending until factory workers became emotional during rehearsal. — Bill Simmons
Stewart’s listed credits include The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, The Blue Lagoon, this film, Thief of Hearts, and Listen to Me. Thief of Hearts is praised for a burglar using a stolen diary to become a woman’s dream man; Listen to Me is recalled as a debate movie with Kirk Cameron, Jami Gertz, Roy Scheider, and Amanda Peterson. — Bill Simmons
Keith reportedly swallowed a ring attached to string so it could be retrieved. — Chris Ryan
Winger reportedly negotiated without an agent and omitted a nudity clause, leaving her surprised by a more explicit rewritten sex scene. — Chris Ryan
