I believe that the frustration that LT. McDonough had towards 3rd Platoon was just. The lack of discipline of the leadership within this platoon caused a tremendously dangerous situation for McDonough and his platoon. This Platoon leader decided that getting sleep was more important than staying awake for the expected engagement wit LT. McDonough’s platoon. Though it is important for leaders to ensure that they are healthy in order to properly be able to lead others, it is not wise to do it when they are expecting such an important encounter.

When LT. McDonough says “Leadership must be positive” he is referring to the mindset that a leader must have. A leader should be able to avoid displaying frustration to his subordinates. LT McDonough said this quote after the Viet Cong destroyed the village . This is a circumstance that is devastating to McDonough and those within his platoon. However, a leader does not have the privilege of demonstrating his frustration to an extent that degrades the mental state of the platoon more than the circumstance itself.