Deployed Troops in Afghanistan Get First Look at New Star Wars Film

For the troops deployed overseas in Afghanistan, they are getting treated to a little bit of Hollywood magic ahead of the rest of the world. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which is already one of the year’s most anticipated films doesn’t open until Friday, but some service members are getting an advanced screening of the movie this week.

The special screenings follow similar events for previous entries into the Star Wars canon in 2015 and 2016.

The latest entry in the popular film series will make its debut on overseas military installations thanks to a partnership between the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Walt Disney Studios, officials said. The film will be shown in at least six countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

“The Last Jedi” will premiere on Dec. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq; Bagram, Afghanistan; Azraq, Jordan; and Camp Beuhring, Kuwait, according to AAFES. Additional showings will follow through Christmas Day at various locations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

“We are thrilled to give service members a chance to see ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ a full day ahead of its U.S. release,” said U.S. Army Col. Scott McFarland, Exchange Europe and Southwest Asia Region Commander. “Our Middle East screenings of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ in 2015 and 2016 were very well received. We are excited to once again be able to offer a much-needed break from the harsh day-to-day reality these service members face while on deployment.”

Some of the troops will be getting a special challenge coin of the Millennium Falcon as well. DOD officials refused to answer FOIA requests from certain media members asking if it was a conspiracy to hide Chewbacca while he was on leave in Afghanistan and it not counting against the current troop strength.

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Photo courtesy US Air Force