I believe that LT Mcdonough’s frustration with the other platoon leaders was within acceptable bounds. I’m going to provide a personal anecdote about lack of communication and trying to establish a linkup with a friendly force. During the field mission at JRTC at Ft. Polk, I was part of a 6-man infantry scout team as the RTO. Being a very small unit that emphasizes stealth over force, being unheard and unseen by the enemy is of utmost importance. While moving, we noticed an unknown company sized element moving towards us from the 3 o’clock. Immediately, with no cover other than weeds that are a few feet high, we hit the deck and ceased all movement while my Squad Leader was glaring at me. I immediately knew to make contact with higher to determine if the force was friendly or enemy. As any military member who uses radios in the field knows, this is not a quick process. I had to contact my platoon RTO, who had to relay to HHC Company RTO, who then had to talk with all the companies in our vicinity. Thankfully, in my experience, we confirmed it was friendly forces and were able to show ourselves without immediately being demolished. Back to ‘Platoon Leader’, a lack of this communication with one known platoon was much bigger of a deal than it should have been. An unannounced linkup combined with potential friendly fire and a sleeping PL who should have been conducting the link up is definitely grounds to become upset. What sets it apart for me is that this is in theater and risks lives for the incompetence of one soldier, and a leader at that. The only thing I have learned about becoming upset with peers while in the Army is to do it in the correct setting. Officers shouldn’t necessarily argue or make scenes in front of enlisted members. Same goes to NCO’s with their junior enlisted. It sets a bad example. I cannot speak to McDonough’s situation because I have not experienced anything like that, and especially not while serving in Vietnam. However, in my personal opinion, it was warranted.