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…[Read more]

In response to Murray, I both agree and disagree with points he made about LT McDonough’s decision to send his men to the beach. I agree that the intent behind the decision was of good faith and it was a good decision to send his men for a day of relaxation/recuperation. I believe that SGT James should have followed the orders to stay no deeper…[Read more]

Lt. McDonough made the tough decision of transferring his Platoon Sergeant under the suspicion that he violated their female captive. I think that this decision was the correct one. Regardless of whether he did or did not, the effect was made. The trust was lost between the two key leaders of the platoon. Trust is obviously an extremely important…[Read more]

The thing that stuck out to me the most during the attack was Lt. McDonough’s command and control over the entirety of the situation. Effectively focusing fire and moving his men around the Patrol Base to stop attackers while also dealing with wounded, civilians, and eventually, coordinating friendly forces. As for bringing all available…[Read more]

Lt. McDonough wrote wisely over the aspect of fear. It should not be shameful because 99% of individuals feel it. As McDonough says, the challenge isn’t in denying fear. It’s being able to act when you face it. I believe that his first fears were that of combat, dying, and the fear of leading his platoon and the thoughts of his men. His first two…[Read more]

I believe his first few experiences and observations of the people he encounters are raw, true experiences; however, in saying so, it is difficult for me to explain the majority of his experiences without referring to other war stories. It seems so much of the same that everyone from war-type scenarios faced. “The blood-crazed killer”, “The…[Read more]

I don’t know whats going on with the beginning of my paragraphs.

<p style=”margin: 0px 0px 1.2em; padding: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, ‘Times New Roman’, Times, serif; font-size: 12px;”>- I don’t believe that professional reading is an essential element of self-development. However, I think that reading of some capacity is important for mental stimulation and growth. I look at it as one way to e…[Read more]