I believe his first few experiences and observations of the people he encounters are raw, true experiences; however, in saying so, it is difficult for me to explain the majority of his experiences without referring to other war stories. It seems so much of the same that everyone from war-type scenarios faced. “The blood-crazed killer”, “The scared-shitless until he is safe behind friendly lines coward”, and so forth. These stereotypical encounters of a fresh soldier seem to emanate the same old story. But it only affirms a thought in my head. This is how it actually was. Maybe these stories keep happening because, when it comes to the real thing, this is how people actually act. As most war stories go, LT McDonough’s experiences wonder me and fill me with both the longing for adventure and the fear of death. I cannot say it any better than he says himself, “I lay there wondering which I would turn out to be…”

I don’t believe any soldier, let alone a leader, can fully prepare for real war moments. You can read about it, you can talk with veterans, and you can train for it, but when all is said and done, nothing quite prepares you like the experience itself. I believe that one can be more prepared for this first encounter but some aspect will still come as a shock. Maybe it’s just me.

I believe that understanding the effects of war is most important to an Army officer for controlling your emotions, and subsequently, your actions. We talked about this in our class lectures about emotional intelligence. Everybody is going to experience it differently but preparing as best as you can and understanding the risks that war poses to you and your soldiers is the top reason in my book. I know from reading first-hand accounts that individuals get anxious, they feel fear, excitement, and a myriad of other emotions when they enter a combat zone. The quicker you realize your emotions are the same as millions before you, the quicker you can calm yourself and rationalize the decisions that need to be made to be successful. Knowing how your soldiers are reacting to war and understanding their emotions lets you determine how best to lead them.

Does the Army prepare you for the effects of war? Again, I hate to tread the line of indecisiveness, but yes and no. Seasoned veterans can explain it to you, and you can train time and time again, but until you experience it first-hand, it will come at you first as a stranger. And until you meet this stranger a few times, only then will it become routine.