Major Payne

To research his character, Damon Wayans endured several weeks of DI qualification training, learning the requirements of a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, as well as other aspects of Marine Corps training. Viewers can see several small things he does like the cadence of his walk, almost unconsciously correcting his cover after berating & getting in the face of each cadet, and the list goes on. A common sentiment among former DI's, not only in the Marines, but in all other branches, is their statement that one most be akin to an improvisational or stand-up comedian as a DI, since they constantly have to improvise on the spot, break down the cadets, come up with statements on the fly, and Wayans' prior experience as one was a huge asset.

When Major Payne reports to Brigadier General Decker at the beginning of the film Payne salutes Decker without wearing his cover. U.S. Marines do not salute indoors unless, for instance, they're on some type of duty that requires them to be in full uniform including covers.

Featured in At the Movies: Dolores Claiborne/Funny Bones/Major Payne/Circle of Friends/Tall Tale: The Unbelievable Adventures of Pecos Bill (1995)