During this reading, LT McDonough tries to establish communication with the PL of another platoon while trying to link up for a night operation. However, neither the PL or his RTO were awake to respond to LT McDonough’s RTO. This made the possibility of approaching their position dangerous, and increases the likelihood of friendly-fire. After he…[Read more]

During this section, LT McDonough sent his men to the beach in hopes of curing their skin infections and bug bites. Although I thought that the intent behind this decision was a good one, I do not think that he should have gave the order. Although Sergeant James did not follow the PL’s order to allow only two men into the water at a time, and…[Read more]

I agree with what Steven said about the conditions of R&R. As he pointed out, alcohol seems to have more costs then benefits in a war environment. It can hinder soldier behavior in a negative way, and lead to the breakdown of trust, morale, efficiency, and overall battle readiness of the unit. However, in the condition that the soldiers were in…[Read more]

One of the highlights in this week’s reading was when the patrol base was attacked during the night. What stuck out to me was LT McDonough’s apparent calmness in reacting to the situation. Grenade rounds were going off all around inside the patrol base, and his men were taking casualties. The first thing that LT McDonough does is find his most…[Read more]

I do not think that Lt. McDonough overcomes his fear. Actually, I think that due to his experience of being injured, he is more aware of some of his own fears such as staying alive, keeping his men alive, making it back home in one piece. For example, after his stint in the hospital and seeing the broken or lifeless bodies of fellow soldiers,…[Read more]

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During his first few days in Vietnam, LT McDonough came into contact with a number of other soldiers, both new to the country, and battled-hardened veterans. The one interaction that stood out to me was LT…[Read more]

One series that I’ve enjoyed reading through the years are the Harry Potter books. I’ve seen all of the movies and loved every single one. But reading the books adds more description and other details that the movies left out, which are interesting to pick up on. I’m still working my way through them, but I’ve really enjoyed them so far.

CDT Francemone, I completely agree with your opening statement that “reading is a trait that will never patricianly lose relevance.” Indeed, from an early age we are stressed the importance of reading carefully, analyzing a text, evaluate different schools of thought and theories, and enriching our vocabularies. What we have read in the past can…[Read more]