Any decision a leader makes impacts someone, no matter how seemingly insignificant. As a military leader, this applies to an even greater extent since each decision relates to life or death. When the LT pulls his men in early due to a gut feeling, it clearly changed the course of the night’s events. When he boldly confronts the soldier who challenged his authority, he sets the standard for respect to leadership. And of course, in the instance in which the quote refers, when he gives the OK to fire on the unknown force in the tree line, he makes an impactful decision with deadly consequences. As an Army Officer, every decision is vital and must be made firmly rooted in logic and rationed with a combination of one’s values in addition to just his/her training. In the situation of friendly fire, McDonough notes that he had not received report of American troops in the area. Based off of the information he was provided, he could not have known anything else other than to eliminate the perceived threat. While being guilty of firing at one’s own is a difficult truth to grapple with, the job demands decisiveness and action– both of which LT McDonough possessed. As we continue to develop our skills as future Officers, we must allow the gravity of our position to sink in; we must understand the risk we accept in our role and the power we have to dictate between success and failure, and to control it to the utmost of our ability.