Through Lt. McDonough’s experiences and observations of the other soldiers he has come across within the first few days being with his new unit can be informative. I believe as future Lieutenants of the Army, we can learn from what we observe from the other soldiers around us. In the story, Lt. McDonough wants to be able to prove himself by utilizing the tactics that he learned from much of his training. Training for combat is beneficial in ensuring that you can be tactical, while keeping yourself and others alive, all while killing the enemy. It is clear that Lt. McDonough is competent and fully capable of thoroughly thinking through his plans to conduct patrols with his soldiers. Once he meets the men of his new platoon, it becomes evident that the soldiers have not had the proper leadership. Lt. Rolfe, was ready to go home and his behavior indicated that he could no longer lead a platoon.

Many will view Lt. Rolfe as unfit to lead a platoon, which is correct. The former Lieutenant was incapable of performing his duties as a platoon leader.  However, I believe that because of the traumatic experiences Lt. Rolfe experienced left him in a state of constant arousal. It is my opinion that Lt. Rolfe has developed PTSD and to the contrary, this does not make an individual weak.  In fact, when people experience events that threaten their lives the natural flight or fight response kicks in. The flight or fight defense mechanism was even present when our species was at risk of dying from other animals in the food chain. The natural response is utilized to advance chances of survival.  When an individual is consistently exposed to traumatic events, this response continues to kick in. For some people, unfortunately, being in this arousal state doesn’t go away.  Even mentally strong people cannot prepare for the way their natural response to trauma will affect them in their future life. There are neurobiological factors to prove that this is true. Some scientists even show that there are individuals that have an embedded resiliency, while others do not. In soldiers, without PTSD their brains displayed increased connectivity in the medial prefrontal region, which helps to control emotional responses compared to those with PTSD. There are also neurobiological phenotypes and pre-combat vulnerabilities that can determine whether someone is more likely to have PTSD after experiencing trauma.

Therefore, I consider it difficult to prepare anyone for combat adequately. Unless there is a neurobiologist present to determine these factors; it is not likely anyone can know whether they will be prepared for the traumas they will endure. We can practice resiliency, and we can learn what to expect from other soldiers that have experienced war, but no one can equip themselves for any after effects that may occur.

I feel it is clear that the Army struggles to prepare their soldiers for these mental and emotional experiences in combat. Although the Army has made great strides in helping those that come home with PTSD, there is little preparation for what the soldiers will experience before them leaving for combat.  There is still such a stigma on PTSD, and it is viewed as a soldier being weak. I do not think this makes a soldier mentally weak, but it does inhibit them from performing their duties, which makes for sad circumstances.

Megan