<span style=”color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, ‘Times New Roman’, Times, serif; font-size: 12px;”>As LT McDonough assumes command of his Platoon, he quickly makes a series of decisions. How do these decisions effect his standing and place in the Platoon? Do certain decision or events stand out to you more than others?</span>

After reading this chapter, I felt like LT McDonough did a great job in assuming control of his Platoon considering the situation he was placed in. He was experiencing a difficult dilemma, the previous PL Lieutenant Rolfe was so timid and uninvolved that he caused the NCOs and soldiers to fend for themselves and be the de facto leader of the Platoon. He was put in the situation of needing to regain the trust of his men so they believed in his leadership despite having absolutely no real combat experience. While nervous and shaky at first, McDonough gave his first orders with confidence and without stuttering. It soon became clear after being out on patrol that Sergeant Donne was the real leader of the platoon during LT Rolfe’s command. The point man spotted two potential enemies 125 meters away near a dirt mound, and LT McDonough realized his men were about to fire on their position. However, against the advice of SGT Donne who claimed they were “VC” he ordered his men to hold their fire. By sticking to his own guns and trusting his instincts, McDonough asserted his control over the Platoon. This decision could have been costly, as these potential enemies could have been involved in the attack that resulted in the lieutenant being medically evacuated out of the combat zone. While this might be the case, I think LT McDonough made the right call by making a quick decision that showed his men his leadership capabilities. His standing in the Platoon was also increased by his decision to accompany his men on patrols into the bush, even at night. His men informed him that typically officers never went beyond the security perimeter at night, a job that was left to the grunts. By venturing out, he showed that despite having no experience he was willing to follow his men into dangerous situations while not compromising his command of the Platoon.