<p class=”MsoNormal” style=”margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-indent: .5in;”>Before arriving in Vietnam, LT McDonough is filled with motivation and eagerness. He is motivated to lead and eager to fight his war. The training our military provides its soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines injects them with that eagerness and motivation. This is not to say that an individual does not possess these characteristics prior to their military training. If they do, their training will certainly enhance it.  After LT McDonough’s first few encounters with individuals in Vietnam he noticed something very different about them.  Some people had the long stare and others had become mad with a lust for blood. Another individual, the PL he was replacing, was just trying to get out alive at all cost and it seemed that it was even at the cost of his own soldiers’ safety. It is my belief that a leader can prepare for moments of war but it is very difficult to prepare for something never experience and so gruesome.</p>
 
<p class=”MsoNormal” style=”margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-indent: .5in;”>Understanding the effects of war is so important for an Army Officer because they are the individuals their soldiers are going to seek out for guidance in the face of battle. They are going to look to their leaders during times of hardship. As leaders it is our job to ensure we embody the values of the Army at all times and set the standard for what we view as right.  As we develop as leaders within the Army we better prepare ourselves for the situations that LT McDonough experienced during his first few hours in Vietnam. The only thing we can do as soldiers and leaders is prepare. This gives us the best possible chance to succeed as a leader.</p>