by The cracking of gunfire echoes across the arid plains. Dust kicks up as soldiers storm a remote Afghan village on horseback, engaging in an intense firefight. The camera pans across worn, focused faces under helmet and body armor strapped on over fatigues. This is no movie set – it’s the real-life story of the first American troops deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11 that inspired the film 12 Strong.
Getting Every Authentic Detail Right
Director Nicolai Fuglsig was committed to creating an authentic adaptation of Doug Stanton’s book Horse Soldiers, which documents the declassified true story of a Special Forces team sent on a dangerous mission weeks after September 11th. Critical details had to be accurate, from the equipment used down to theexploding ordinance surrounding stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, and Michael Peña.
“We tried to recreate things as authentically as possible,” says Hemsworth, who underwent months of weapons and horseback riding training to play Capt. Mitch Nelson. This included time at New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range with explosives expert Kevin Williams.
“Kevin’s a former Marine who advised us on everything we were handling, from weaponry to C4 charges to flash bangs,” Hemsworth says. While movie explosions are tightly controlled, experiments were conducted to get the fire and smoke just right. Attention to detail was so extreme that prop AK-47s were purposely dirtied so they appeared well-worn.
Rigorous Boot Camp for Key Cast
In the fall of 2016, Hemsworth, Shannon, and Peña attended a five-day Fort Benning boot camp prior to the start of filming. Each day began at 4:30 am with intense military training before they spent afternoons on horseback. This strict agenda kept actors as well as the real U.S. Army Rangers serving as advisors totally exhausted.
“We were doing ambush training, shooting blanks, running drills over and over – the boot camp was hugely beneficial,” saysHemsworth. “It gave us the basics of riding that dusty terrain, how to interact with uncertain allies, proper combat etiquette under fire.” Every cast member gained hard-won insights from the Ranger team who volunteered as technical advisors. Their main message? “Stay calm and keep your head down.”
Riding Out Live Explosions
As Capt. Nelson, Hemsworth leads the elite Task Force team of 11 Green Berets played by Shannon, Peña, and other actors into the Afghan town of Dehi. Securing this Taliban holdout is crucial to their mission, setting up a climactic battle filled with explosions from mortars and other weapons.
Hemsworth rode his horse into simulated war zone fire at high speed while safely avoiding explosives detonating close by. “I had to put my trust in the special effects guys who trigger the huge explosions from far away,” he admits. “We rehearsed repeatedly so my horse would stay relaxed.” Still, being in the midst of loud ordnance with plumes of flame just yards away while riding at a fast gallop kept adrenaline permanently high.
Safety Gear for Every Eventuality
Even thoroughly trained actors were suited up for protection. Kevlar body armor worn under wardrobe similar to real Special Forces equipment shielded torsos from errant bullets or shrapnel. Custom molded earguards tuned to withstand even the piercing crack of mortar fire preserved hearing amid the expanding/collapsing shock waves. Hemsworth also wore contact lenses, sealed eye protection, and flame retardant gel under a helmet secured by chinstrap to shield his face and head region.
Off Set Dangers – And How They Were Overcome
Actors faced multiple off-set threats including accidents, extreme weather shifts, unfamiliar weapons, and dangerous locations. Vigilant work by on location support crews prevented injuries and kept filming safely on schedule.
Shooting in New Mexico’s High Desert
Elevation changes affecting Hemsworth and other lead actors were an ever-present challenge. From Albuquerque at just under one mile in elevation to remote preserved plains reaching over 1.5 miles high, shifts of thousands of feet increased potentials for altitude sickness including headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and dizziness. Members of the crew unaccustomed to the 8,000+ foot elevations required supplemental oxygen after experiencing symptoms.
Travel to set locations at higher elevations was carefully controlled with rest stops, equipment to monitor vital signs, bottled oxygen and prompt medical response if needed. Actors from Los Angeles and other lower regions were given time to gradually acclimate during location scouting and other prep work. Fortunately no serious altitude sickness incidents occurred.
Minding Extreme Temperature Shifts
Outdoor shoots meant braving blistering cold before dawn and staying hydrated when temperatures peaked over 100°F by early afternoon. Bulky clothing adjusted for both extremes along with hats, insulating gear, coats and shade protected the cast. Crew members handed out electrolyte drinks and made certain adequate shelter, water, and rest breaks were available.
Firearms Training and Accident Avoidance
Weapons carried by the 12 Strong actors were real, functional and potentially lethal without proper handling. Armorer Richard Brien took Hemsworth and others through intensive coaching until loading and firing sequences were automatic. “Our boot camp was hugely beneficial… it gave us the basics of riding that dusty terrain, how to interact with uncertain allies, proper combat etiquette under fire,” said Hemsworth.
Safeties were kept engaged unless actually filming and all ammunition was strictly controlled. Multiple safety checks were built into daily handling procedures to prevent misfires or other gunshot injuries. Actor familiarity and repeated safety drills paid off – the only wounds inflicted came from props, not weapons.
Plotting Hazards in Advance
Detailed planning sessions established boundaries and identified hazards before each shoot. Potential risks ranged from trip and fall dangers to areas concealing venomous snakes. Marking locations to avoid, having emergency responders standing by, and designating safety zones minimized opportunities for harm.
Thanks to extensive collaboration between director Nicolai Fuglsig, Department of Defense liaisons and technical advisors, Hemsworth and other 12 Strong actors stayed secure through months of complex, grueling production. Despite long days on horseback traversing remote areas or riding into simulated battles with explosions threatening cast and crew from every side, not a single noteworthy mishap occurred. The entire team returned safely home once principal filming wrapped.
12 Strong True Story Heroes Share How Teamwork Saves Lives
In the conclusion of 12 Strong, real photos overlay the actors as they portray Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha 595. Their successful capture of Dehi with Northern Alliance fighters is a turning point in America’s fight against terrorism in Afghanistan. Despite being grossly outnumbered, clever strategy and total commitment to their teammates helped overcome extreme adversity.
Teamwork and safety are inevitably linked, both on and off the battlefield. As Capt. Mitch Nelson aka Chris Hemsworth relates, meticulous planning and preparation prevented injuries through even the most intense filming days. Training together, handling dangerous scenarios as a coordinated unit, and putting service above self are what keep soldiers alive through combat deployment. These unbreakable bonds and lessons learned also preserved the 12 Strong cast reflects Hemsworth:
“The original American warriors served as more than advisors on the film – they kept us safe. Everything depicted on screen was made as real as possible thanks to their expertise. Trust was earned on both sides through our commitment to share this incredible true story with authenticity. Just like the essential teamwork shown under fire at Dehi, we worked together as a crew to recreate it. And that’s the only way we survived.”
