I believe that LT. McDonough’s frustration with his fellow Platoon Leaders is warranted and is justifiable. When LT. McDonough conducted the night link up and had no choice but to come up on the platoon without giving notice we can validate his feelings. LT. Smalley fell asleep, and so did his RTO when they were expecting LT. McDonough and his…[Read more]

I think LT. McDonough’s had good intentions when he planned to send some of the men from his platoon to the beach. Lt. McDonough realized that some of the men were starting to develop sores on their feet and bodies from scratching bug bites. The wet climate wasn’t helping the men with these sores because it wasn’t allowing the skin to heal. Anyone…[Read more]

In chapter sixteen, LT. McDonough’s statements regarding war and his tactics are typical. Although I have never been in combat, I believe that in any war there are issues that arise where leadership has to go against their morals and beliefs to make the most practical decisions to keep people alive. When LT. McDonough threatened to kill the…[Read more]

At the beginning of the twelveth chapter LT McDonough states, “Military leaders must weigh the effects of their decisions carefully because usually there is no turning back.” I would have to agree with him in saying this, especially in combat. As leaders, we are forced to make decisions as carefully as possible. However, we have to make them…[Read more]

I feel that LT. McDonough began his leadership process as routinely as possible considering how things were at LZ North English. The Lieutenant wasn’t in Garrison, and because he is first meeting this platoon in combat, he has to assess the situation and get right to business quickly.  I feel like LT McDonough’s decision not to speak to his…[Read more]

Through Lt. McDonough’s experiences and observations of the other soldiers he has come across within the first few days being with his new unit can be informative. I believe as future Lieutenants of the Army, we can learn from what we observe from the other soldiers around us. In the story, Lt. McDonough wants to be able to prove himself by…[Read more]

Professional reading is crucial to our professional development within the military and in all careers. Professional reading helps individuals gain and expand their knowledge and education of topics. Professional reading also allows people to have a better understanding of theories and practice used within the text they’re reading about. Also,…[Read more]