LT McDonough provides cadets with a view that is often overlooked througout the course of their training. LT McDonough describes his life at West Point before Vietnam, his time at West Point and his many experiences and fun times. This is a feeling that many cadets are used to, he goes to the schools that cadets envy; Airborne school, jumpmaster school and Ranger School. These experiences are the goals that all cadets strive for and view as the pinnacle that could be achieved.

When LT McDonough arrives in Vietnam, he is immediately taken away from this sheltered idealistic view that new lieutenants have about going to war and experiencing combat. People feel excitement and also trepidation, knowing that they will be leading soldiers of the world’s most powerful military into combat.

LT McDonough’s first experience is with a fellow LT from the 173d. This man shows just what can happen to a person that takes too much joy in combat and warfare. This LT has gone mad with bloodlust, all that he wants to do is kill Vietnamese and string them up, committing atrocities to dead bodies with a fervor that is despicable. LT McDonough then questions his own fortitude and if he would be the type of person that could also succumb to this behavior. It is a valid concern for a person to have, especially after seeing someone who snapped in such a violent manner.

After seeing this lieutenant, LT McDonough then goes to his AO for his platoon and has his encounter with LT Rolfe. LT Rolfe has planted himself firmly against the ground, never moving or attempting to lead his men. He lets the entire platoon function on their own while he attempts to hide and use them as his own personal protection detail. He will do anything to stay alive, and he sees his life as more important because he has a wife and child, while most of the men in the platoon are only “boys with nothing.” LT McDonough is disgusted with this train of thought, particularly noticing the high mortality rate of his new platoon. He blames LT Rolfe for his lack of leadership and empathy for his men and not putting his soldiers over him.

There is no actual way to prepare for this type of combat environment, no matter how much training the Army can give someone. It is in these moments that the true test of a person’s character is shown. A person can succumb to the bloodshed and killing, relishing in the pain that they bring to the world, or they can see combat for what it is, a necessary evil. A leader will understand that not everyone will survive, and in that moment it is seen whether they will fight side by side, or use their soldiers as a shield in order to make sure that the platoon leader survives.

Cadets especially need to understand the effects of war. We need to hear about them, to see them and learn about them all. We are not exposed to some of the realism of warfare when we train, we do not see the death or the destruction. Cadets need to learn about all of this. It is integral to becoming a stronger leader, a more emotionally intelligent leader, and an overall better soldier.