by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The first of the TV "reality" shows to reflect the tenor of America following September 11, 2001, Combat Missions was hosted and overseen by ex-Navy SEAL and former Survivor contestant Rudy Boesch. Each hour-long episode featured a group of "combat specialists": ex-Green Beret and Delta Force members, SWAT team participants, CIA operatives, and the like. Comprising four six-man squads, the contestants squared off in simulated combat missions (with plenty of live ammo!). As in Survivor, one contestant per week was eliminated from the proceedings, until only two finalists remained. Combat Missions debuted over the USA cable network on January 16, 2002.
