Fires: The Chinese treated all POWs the same regardless of rank. This resulted in the degradation of discipline among POWs. Do you think this was the intended outcome or just 2nd and 3rd order effects? In addition, what would you do to combat the loss of morale among POWs?

I believe that these outcomes were 2nd and 3rd order effects. I think that initially, the Chinese treatment of all POWs the same, regardless of rank, was to help dehumanize them. Instead of seeing the POWs as individuals, they were viewed as the general masses and therefore, most likely more easily seen as lesser as a whole, rather than seeing the individual for who they were as a person. It most likely made poor treatment of the POWs easier to stomach. I think that on the POW side, order and discipline within the ranks began to break down as greater hardships were faced and basic survival instincts began to kick in. Rank was no longer being acknowledged across the board, and an every man for himself mentality began to sink in.

In order to combat the loss of morale, I think I would try and put forth my best face and try not to let my soldiers see me get down. I would do my best to work alongside them enduring the same hardships letting them know that I can do it and they can too. It would be very difficult for me to just stand by while those I am supposed to lead suffer around me.