I've never been to any war and I hope I never will be, but if I should imagine what it's like I would think something like that. It doesn't depict war as a series of heroic and great battles, where at he end the triumphant soldiers put their flags on the land of the occupied and the national Anthem intones.
On contrary, it broadcasts a true picture of it. Because it is horryifying, and full of blood, dirt, pang, despair, lost body parts and lost comrades. Where you can easily lose your mind, clear judgement and humanity. If I remember right, _Nick Nolte's_ lieutenant was the only one, who represented the world of a mindless war movie with big explosions. Because he was not in action on the battlefield, just made commands on the background and never was face to face with the terror of war.
My only concern is that I think it was too long, but it's just kinda nitpicking, otherwise excellent movie.