Similar to COL McDonough, my first platoon sergeant was a small unit instructor before becoming a PSG. His description of his PSG as being wary and weary matches my own senior NCO, when I took charge of a tank platoon. The only difference being, my PSG was a Armor BOLC instructor instead of an RI. I do not know the extent that war affected him, he had five combat deployments before I met him and we took a rotation to the Republic of Korea together. He was the consummate professional who spoke softly but carried a big stick within the platoon. Compared to other senior NCOs I worked with, he stressed the importance of composure to me while backing up my guidance in word and deed to all members of the Platoon. The bond between the experienced NCO and the junior officer is paramount to temper expectations as well as ensure missions are feasible.

The Army prepares young leaders through BOLC and speciality schools by putting leaders in the position of responsibility. The most important part of such training is the practice of planning and executing missions in the framework of doctrine. LT Mcdonough read his predecessor accurately, LT Rolfe may have been responsible for the platoon, but he was not directing it in any capacity. This theme of responsibility in the absence of larger direction characterized the larger Vietnam effort in 1970 with the change of guard between Westmoreland and Abrams. The former preferred large unit actions against NVA while the latter preferred local security and the standing up of ARVN units to find, fix, and destroy NVA and Viet Cong.

LT McDonough was more prepared for war than the average officer through his experience at USMA. He understood officers were there to lead, serve, and die if duty required it. He stresses the importance of luck, but he was facing the conflict with eyes wide open. He immediately assumes responsibility of the unit`s initiative by directing patrol efforts and responsibilities. His body was hardened by Ft Benning Airborne, Infantry, and Ranger training. As iron is forged into steel, he had become the malleable material capable of rising to the challenge of leading men in Vietnam at the beginning of his tour. Just as most of his platoon were not conscripts, he had volunteered to serve in the infantry and they were devoted to survival as well as taking the fight to the enemy.

By reading such accounts such as Platoon Leader and understanding tactics are the science of survival, young leaders can prepare themselves for war through physical and mental conditioning.