Every aspect within the film industry is constantly advancing, allowing movies to tell greater, more realistic stories than ever before. Be it advancement in technology, preparing incessantly to get into character or training with unusual set of groups for roles – you will see filmmakers go the extra mile to deliver a realistic product to the audience.  One such film is 12 Strong, a story based on true events that unfolded a world away in the aftermath of 9/11. To showcase the most truthful representation, the filmmakers have roped in helicopters, pilots and crews, supplied by the Army's legendary 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) Airborne "Night Stalkers."!

The "Night Stalkers" are experts at flying Special Operations forces into combat and are experts in flying missions ranging from direct action air assault to fast-rope insertion, overwater helocasting, extraction, and special boat support, as well as urban assault. The powerful Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters were brought on board, kicking up veritable tornados of dust and dirt, providing a dramatic effect for the cameras. "Realism is extremely important, especially when you are endeavouring to tell a true story," says director Nicolai Fuglsig.

Jerry Bruckheimer, the producer of the film, states, "We were fortunate to work with the Night Stalkers on 'Black Hawk Down.' They are the cream of the crop, the very best helicopter pilots in the service. They had just come back from deployment, so we were lucky the timing was right and we were able to get them."

On flying the MH-47 Chinook for the film, real-life Night Stalker Jeff Gladden says, "The flying scenes that we're doing here are exactly as they would have been done in Afghanistan. And these are the exact kind of aircraft that flew the men to their mission."