I think LT McDonough resolves conflicts appropriately, particularly due the dire circumstances he finds himself in. When PFC King fires his m79 Grenade launcher at LT McDonough on patrol, in reaction to LT McDonough burning his marijuana and reprimanding his disrespectful behavior, LT McDonough remains aware of the big picture. While initially LT McDonough fumed with anger and fear, he was able to acknowledge the way in which his fear was affecting him. Although LT McDonough’s actions in putting his rifle to PFC King’s face was inappropriate, ultimately in this situation LT McDonough needed to assert his authority and thwart any subsequent subordination. Moreover LT McDonough remains cognisant of the big picture, which in this case is completing the mission and maintaining control of his platoon, and uses this experience to improve his leadership. LT McDonough felt “indebted” to PFC King for allowing him to establish his authority and LT McDonough gained experience in moderating a tense situation with a reprobate soldier.
When LT McDonough’s patrol base is attacked he remains incredibly focused on maintaining a constant stream of communication. First he searches for his RTO and eventually takes the radio himself, continually calling up to hire to get the aid he needs. He is also direct in his decision making and when calling up to higher he knew exactly what he needed and how he planned on implementing it. Importantly, LT McDonough makes note of the fact that even before he could voice his exact command his soldiers were doing what he wanted and performing to standard. LT McDonough’s soldiers preparedness is a result of his desire to improve discipline and tactics. LT McDonough’s men were prepared to execute the commander’s intent to the extent that they were able to quickly complete the tasks necessary for survival under immense pressure.
LT McDonough’s decision to stop the Cobra gunships from firing on the village speaks volumes about his character because if LT McDonough decided to allow the gunships to fire he could have relieved himself of some responsibilities in that protracted firefight. However, LT McDonough had enough mental fortitude to acknowledge that he should not order firing on the villagers and was able to call off powerful back up even in the face of a firefight in which ⅓ of his men were hurt. I agree with LT McDonough when he stated, “Military leaders must weigh the effects of their decisions carefully because usually there is no turning back.” As an Officer you will make decisions that have unalterable consequences and often those decisions will need to be made quickly. LT McDonough was able to take decisive action because he accepted his responsibility as the leader to make those decisions. Thus LT McDonough was able to be resolute in his choices as he acknowledged the importance of his leadership and continually learned from his previous mistakes and successes. While there is no turning back in many of the decisions we will make as officers, ultimately it is important to recognize, like LT McDonough did, that our development as leaders is a long process and we must learn from our past decisions to improve our leadership.