Explanation: The Roman Lorica Segmentata, depicted in the above panels, is considered the most distinctive form of Roman armor, and is often used in depictions both before and after its actual, historical existence. Segmentata was used mostly from the 1st-3rd century AD, with some usage straggling into the 4th century AD. Before and after? Chainmail or scale armor. Or no armor.

At the bottom, this is extrapolated to American history as a metaphor to show how out-of-place it is! Behold, GI Joe (GI Jane?) seizing the airports of the American Revolutionary War.

Counter point: the Lorica Segmentata looks fucking cool.

It also works the other way around. People often depict medieval soldiers with outdated armour and weapons, saying things like: "he probably had his grandfather's sword lying around and took that with him to the battle". That's like taking WW2 equipment to Iraq (or Cold War era Soviet tanks to Ukraine 😬).