I feel that LT. McDonough began his leadership process as routinely as possible considering how things were at LZ North English. The Lieutenant wasn’t in Garrison, and because he is first meeting this platoon in combat, he has to assess the situation and get right to business quickly.  I feel like LT McDonough’s decision not to speak to his soldiers unless he is giving them commands may make him seem unpleasant and possibly standoffish and I would have done things slightly differently in this area.

The way we handle ourselves is dependent on the uniqueness of each situation. When LT. McDonough came into this leadership role he was replacing a horrible leader, LT. Rolfe, so to say he should have done things slowly could have taken him a lot longer than usual. When LT. McDonough first came to LZ North English there was little to no leadership within the platoon at all other than that from the higher ranking NCO’s, such as SGT Donne. To make things right LT. McDonough observed these conditions and realized he needed to help this platoon, and he did by instilling more tactics and patrols, which he also took part in.  I agree with the way LT McDonough conducted himself. The only thing I would have done differently would have been to talk to the others in the platoon. I also would have relied on the senior NCO’s within the platoon to get as much information as possible regarding the conditions of the area and enemy.

It is easy to apply the leadership style of legitimate leader to LT McDonough. In regards to emotional intelligence, I feel as if he slightly lacks in this area. The lack comes from his disregard to try and get to know the men within his platoon, and I feel like he could have done so in a professional manner.  Although he does seem to have a bond with Phil Nail, he doesn’t seem to have one with anyone else. I feel like having some form of connectedness is essential, but he purposefully tries to avoid having any relationship with his soldiers.

Lt McDonough’s ability to face his fears comes when he realizes he compromised one of his missions. I don’t know as if he was never afraid again while in combat, but he doesn’t allow the fear to control his behavior anymore. When he shouted “booby trap” after his compass fell from his chest strap he could have gotten a lot of people hurt and even killed.  I think once he realized the severity of what occurred he becomes more aware of his feelings and how to cope with them rather than act upon them.