![The Real NCIS: Meet the Veterans Who Keep the Show Authentic [Exclusive]](https://theamericanvanguard.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Inside-NCIS-How-Military-Veterans-Shape-TVs-Most-Authentic-Franchise.jpeg)
NCIS stands as one of television’s most authentic portrayals of military life, largely due to the expertise of its veteran advisors. These professionals ensure that every detail, from salutes to uniforms, is depicted with accuracy and respect. In a revealing discussion, advisors Leon Carroll, Alan Burghard, Michael Smith, and R.J. Cline share their methods for maintaining the show’s credibility.
Originally a spinoff of JAG, the NCIS franchise has become a television mainstay, evolving into a global phenomenon with adaptations in Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawai‘i, Sydney, and more recently, Origins. With its main series nearing its 500th episode, NCIS continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Aside from its engaging cast and intriguing storylines, the franchise’s success is largely attributed to the real-life veterans who ensure the show’s realism. Their contributions have made NCIS one of the most accurate dramatizations of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Military Advisors Explain How The Show Stays Accurate
NCIS advisors, including Robert “RJ” Cline, Leon Carroll Jr., Michael “Mike” Smith, and LtCol Alan “Al” Burghard, bring their extensive Marine Corps, Navy, and NCIS experience to the show, influencing everything viewers see on screen.
During an extensive roundtable, these experts discuss their journey to the franchise, their daily roles, and the significant moments that reinforce their impact beyond television.
The ‘OG’ NCIS Technical Advisor Who Built the Show’s Authenticity
Leon Carroll’s journey to becoming the go-to technical advisor for NCIS was unexpected. Initially unfamiliar with the television production process, Carroll found himself immersed in a 21-hour shoot on his first day. Despite the grueling start, his role evolved into a career-defining position, where he established crucial relationships with the show’s leadership, ensuring authenticity without disrupting production.
How NCIS Keeps Its Military Realism Consistent Across Spin-Offs
With a background in the Marine Corps and NCIS, Burghard is instrumental in maintaining military accuracy across the franchise. His responsibilities range from script review to overseeing weapon handling, ensuring that the show’s portrayal of military operations remains consistent. Despite the challenges of working with international adaptations like NCIS: Sydney, Burghard continues to safeguard the franchise’s authenticity.
The Art of Fixing Mistakes Without Killing the Scene
Michael Smith, a retired Navy Master-at-Arms, transitioned to technical advising after the passing of Dwayne Swear, a key advisor for NCIS: New Orleans. Smith’s proactive approach to correcting inaccuracies on set reflects his commitment to realism while respecting the production process.
When NCIS Storylines Hit Close to Home for Veterans
Carroll emphasizes the importance of respecting military culture, citing an instance where he corrected the improper lighting of the American flag on set. Such details, though minor to civilians, are vital to maintaining trust with veteran audiences. Burghard concurs, emphasizing the significance of portraying service members with respect, even when storylines require negative portrayals.
When NCIS Storylines Get Personal for Veterans
Advising on NCIS: Origins, R.J. Cline highlights the show’s focus on depicting the psychological toll of military service, offering viewers a more comprehensive understanding of service members’ lives beyond their duties.
The Proudest “Saves”: Honoring Service on Screen
Burghard recalls a poignant moment where real Marines were enlisted to ensure a funeral scene was executed with precision and respect. Such dedication to authenticity underscores the franchise’s commitment to honoring real-life service members. Similarly, Smith recounts a meticulous portrayal of military honors in Hawai‘i, where real honor guard personnel were involved.
Why NCIS Is Quietly One of TV’s Most Veteran-Friendly Franchises
The franchise’s commitment to employing veterans extends beyond its depiction of military life. Veterans in background roles contribute significantly to the show’s authenticity, embodying the discipline and professionalism inherent to military service. Carroll affirms the franchise’s veteran-friendly environment, highlighting the personal connections that advisors have with the military community.
Advice for Veterans Who Want to Work in Film and TV
Smith offers practical advice for veterans aspiring to enter the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, gaining industry experience, and building relationships based on trust. Cline adds that the structured environment of film and TV production can be a natural fit for veterans accustomed to military operations.
The Franchise’s Real Superpower
Ultimately, NCIS‘s success lies in its dedication to authenticity and respect. While the show compresses reality for dramatic effect, the advisors ensure that it remains respectful to the military community. As the series approaches its 500th episode, this commitment to authenticity continues to resonate with audiences, particularly veterans and military families.
