In LT McDonough’s early days in Vietnam he encounters other soldiers that depict the varied experience of war. LT McDonough states that the roads that lead young men to war are not political or national, but individual in nature(8). It becomes increasingly clear through LT McDonough’s early interactions that the motivations and individual backgrounds soldiers bring with them to war, in combination with the challenges faced in combat, shape their experience and response to war. For example, LT McDonough quickly realizes the previous PL, LT Rolfe, felt no responsibility for the platoon or mission, and further his only goal was to protect himself.
In contradistinction to LT Rolfe is the 1st LT in the 173rd Airborne McDonough meets when he first gets to the 173rd. LT McDonough’s encounter with the 1st LT illuminated the mental effects of war. As the 1st LT rambled on about his gruesome experiences, McDonough understood his madness was “born out of terror and dehumanizing ferocity.” McDonough questions if this LT was once like him, not debilitated by his own memory.At the conclusion of the first four chapters it is clear LT McDonough is contemplating his own fate, wondering if war will turn him into the “crazed killer” 1st LT or a “blatant coward” like LT Rolfe.
I do not believe the army prepares officers for the effects of war. The U.S. Army’s ultimate mission is to fight and win the nations war, and while the mental soundness and well-being of soldiers is an aspect of maintaining a fighting force, ultimately the effects of war are personal and unique to each soldiers experience. Lt. McDonough states destiny is born out of “uncontrollable circumstance.” While you cannot control the situations you will face, you can control your preparation and response. From reading about LT McDonough’s experience I am reminded that as an officer I need to understand my responsibility to prepare myself as a leader for the experiences that will test my integrity and leadership abilities. As made clear by LT McDonough, no soldier can forsee what experiences they will face but a leader can prepare for these moments by constantly working at self development. Through continual reflection and honesty a good officer can see their shortcomings and improve them to ultimately be confident in your abilities and values.
As we continue in our process of self development and preparing to lead as officers it is essential we acknowledge the ways in which we can improve our mental strength and ability to maintain our discipline in the midst of unparalleled stress. While LT McDonough was extremely well trained to operationally accomplish the Army’s mission of fighting and winning wars, ultimately it is up to each individual soldier to assume responsibility for their mental fortitude and know when to ask for help. Furthermore, it is essential for officers to understand the effects of war because officers must look after their soldiers and be able to recognize when one of their men or women are struggling. When officers take initiative to understand their soldiers unique backgrounds, values, and personalities officers can more easily perceive when their soldiers are struggling, and can thus maintain a better fighting force overall.