IRAQ: Marine Corps keeps its distance from HBO series

Camp Pendleton on Wednesday night plays host to the red carpet premiere of "Generation Kill," the HBO series that starts Sunday from the bestselling book of the same name.

Author Evan Wright was embedded with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion during the assault on Baghdad in 2003. In his book, the Marines come off as brave, resourceful and compassionate toward noncombatants. On the other hand, there's an enormous amount of X-rated language and disrespect toward certain officers. The assault is seen as bold but rife with foul-ups.

On the eve of the premiere, the Marine Corps distanced itself from the work in an official statement:

"The United States Marine Corps does not officially endorse HBO's miniseries, 'Generation Kill.' Camp Pendleton is grateful to HBO for its willingness to provide free, off-duty entertainment to Camp Pendleton's Marines, sailors and their families."

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo: Scene from "Generation Kill." Credit: HBO