MovieChat Forums > Red Dawn (1984) Discussion > Lt. Col. Andrew 'Andy' Tanner was a....

Lt. Col. Andrew 'Andy' Tanner was a....

posted 7 years ago by sendjunk
10 replies | jump to latest

...real dick.

When he is getting ready to try to get back to 'Free America' he has a conversation with Jed.

Col. - Come with me Jed. You can quit now.

Jed - Could you?

Col. - Ahh don't give me that crap. Wake up in the morning. Grow old.

For a brave American soldier, an officer at that, he was pretty quick to suggest that Jed abandon his friends and leave them to fend for themselves, when it was pretty obvious that he was their leader, the glue holding them together, and important to their very survival.

[–] the_bamboo_spear 7 years ago

He was implying that the group leave with him. He wouldn't suggest that Jed abandon his brother and brothers-in-arms. They could get to "Free America" and enjoy their lives, since they had already done more than most other Americans. As for Tanner, he'd probably get right back in the pilot's seat and shoot down some more Russians.

[–] sendjunk 7 years ago

Judging from his tone of voice and his word choice, I have to disagree. It does not seem at all that he is saying that they should ALL go, only Jed. As a southerner, he could have easily said "y'all should come with me" or anything to that effect, but he doesn't.

[–] the_bamboo_spear 7 years ago

He doesn't have to say ya'll because he's addressing the team's leader, Jed. If Jed decides to head for Free America, the group goes. He'd know better than to ask him to abandon his own brother.

"Aren't you a little strong for a lady? I'm calling wang..."

[–] sendjunk 7 years ago

Are you suggesting then that whoever wrote that dialogue did the audience a solid by making us assume that he meant for all of them to go, instead of simply adding a word or two and removing all doubt? Especially in war or war-like situations, I would think that precise communication would be preferable over ambiguity. Maybe that exact conversation wouldn't be super dangerous in that exact moment, but imagine a different moment, whereas immediate action must be taken to save lives. Would you want people to have to guess your precise meaning, for example are you suggesting that one person or many persons should move, or simply use one half of one second to clarify your meaning?

[–] the_bamboo_spear 7 years ago

Correct. Like if a Colonel is addressing a Captain and says, "I want you to move 5 clicks east", he doesn't have to say, "I want you and your troops to move 5 clicks east", as it's understood that where the leader goes, so goes his soldiers.

"Aren't you a little strong for a lady? I'm calling wang..."

[–] sendjunk 7 years ago

Well, I guess it is easier for you to give a recent high school grad with no military training more credit than I can for understanding military nuances at the same level as a Captain. I thought it was mentioned that Jed was a quarterback, if he said "I want you to go left", generally he would be referring to one particular receiver, not every member of the offense. I myself have never been in the military, so I suppose it's possible that Lt. Colonels do in fact assume that recent high school grads are at the experience level of seasoned military vets, even though he had recent evidence to the contrary, when the Wolverines did not understand terms that he thought were simple, such as flanking and grazing fire.

Plus, if Tanner wanted to make it across a battlefield where tanks were actively engaging, in order to continue his exploits as an ace pilot for the United States, I am not sure he would think bringing a bunch of kids who do not know military jargon with him would increase his chances of success. Maybe one good man could help him, but all of them would seem to be a hindrance to him.

[–] wesperkins 7 years ago

I have wondered why he waited till the last possible second to ask him that question. What if he said yes? I'm sure he would have had to go back and grab some stuff lol

[–] Hendry_William_French 7 years ago

He was implying that the group leave with him. He wouldn't suggest that Jed abandon his brother and brothers-in-arms. They could get to "Free America" and enjoy their lives, since they had already done more than most other Americans. As for Tanner, he'd probably get right back in the pilot's seat and shoot down some more Russians.

Yep, exactly. Jed and the Wolverines had put in their time. Quit while they're ahead, instead of stay on the frontline as martyrs.

Imdb message boards - kick someone's ass on the first day, or become someone's bitch.

[–] ExTechOp (2737) 6 years ago

Gotta agree ... there's no way a career soldier is asking Jed to abandon his friends.

I think Tanner saw the Wolverines for what they were: decent kids pushed beyond the bounds of decency by a war that was forced onto them. He'd already expressed concern over Robert's kill-marks. He'd probably consider it a big win for himself if he could save their lives, whatever the risk or cost to himself.

[–] moviechatterer (13225) 4 years ago

moron.
Even when the blindingly obvious is pointed out to him , he continues to give up on his misunderstanding