In the first chapter of this book, there are certainly elements of leadership that can be seen through the unnamed platoon leader that is telling the story. What stuck out to me was his treatment of Phil Nail, the former rifleman that the platoon leader had transferred to his platoon. The PL knew that Nail had been wounded 3 times and in an act of selfless service and empathy, the PL placed him in a different position that would hopefully save Nail’s life. The PL is also shown to be very loyal both to his missions and to his soldiers that had lost their lives in those missions, it really seemed to have a profound effect on him when they died. Later when the PL is speaking with the Major, it is evident that he has Military Bearing and has earned the respect of the Major before they ever speak. Even though he has many opinions on the Major, the PL holds them back and treats the officer with respect, echoing the presence of the engrained Army Values.
This first chapter, though short, conveyed very strongly a message that I believe to be very dear to the heart of the author and to almost all platoon leaders: a loyalty to their men. Even from the first page, when he talks about Phil Nail, the former rifleman and current driver, it is obvious the connection he has for his men. He has empathy. He is watching out for his men, and for that reason he switched Nail from rifleman. Also, he hates leaving his men behind. Though he is in a position to return home, he wants to be with the few of his men left standing. He wants to protect them and help them see their whole rotation through. Finally, the last section with the dream shows not only that he cares for his men, but how troubled he is by their loss. He is obviously a very empathetic leader, a very good trait to have, and that is why he is feeling this way.
From what I know just after this first reading, McDonough is a good leader. He is so closely bound to his men that leaving them, dead and living, is like severing a limb. One might expect that he would be elated to finally leave Vietnam (like the psychiatrist), but the thought of leaving only makes him ask if he could've done more. He is primarily concerned about his soldiers, not himself. In a way, it reminds me of Lieutenant Dan - "I was supposed to die with my men!" This certainly isn't an exact parallel, but the image came to me as I read.
In this first chapter we are introduced to the PL and see his fierce loyalty to those he has commanded. We see how even to the very end he is attempting to help his men and keep them alive. (Phil Nail as a driver to keep him off the front) We also see him wonder about why he is leaving over any one of his men. I feel like this is going to be a great example of how if the PL takes care of his men then his men are going to take care of him. We can tell from the PL's personality that he did everything he could to keep his men alive and it is only reasonable to think his men would have reciprocated.
In the first chapter of this book, there are certainly elements of leadership that can be seen through the unnamed platoon leader that is telling the story. What stuck out to me was his treatment of Phil Nail, the former rifleman that the platoon leader had transferred to his platoon. The PL knew that Nail had been wounded 3 times and in an act of selfless service and empathy, the PL placed him in a different position that would hopefully save Nail’s life. The PL is also shown to be very loyal both to his missions and to his soldiers that had lost their lives in those missions, it really seemed to have a profound effect on him when they died. Later when the PL is speaking with the Major, it is evident that he has Military Bearing and has earned the respect of the Major before they ever speak. Even though he has many opinions on the Major, the PL holds them back and treats the officer with respect, echoing the presence of the engrained Army Values.
ReplyDeleteThis first chapter, though short, conveyed very strongly a message that I believe to be very dear to the heart of the author and to almost all platoon leaders: a loyalty to their men. Even from the first page, when he talks about Phil Nail, the former rifleman and current driver, it is obvious the connection he has for his men. He has empathy. He is watching out for his men, and for that reason he switched Nail from rifleman. Also, he hates leaving his men behind. Though he is in a position to return home, he wants to be with the few of his men left standing. He wants to protect them and help them see their whole rotation through. Finally, the last section with the dream shows not only that he cares for his men, but how troubled he is by their loss. He is obviously a very empathetic leader, a very good trait to have, and that is why he is feeling this way.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know just after this first reading, McDonough is a good leader. He is so closely bound to his men that leaving them, dead and living, is like severing a limb. One might expect that he would be elated to finally leave Vietnam (like the psychiatrist), but the thought of leaving only makes him ask if he could've done more. He is primarily concerned about his soldiers, not himself. In a way, it reminds me of Lieutenant Dan - "I was supposed to die with my men!" This certainly isn't an exact parallel, but the image came to me as I read.
ReplyDeleteIn this first chapter we are introduced to the PL and see his fierce loyalty to those he has commanded. We see how even to the very end he is attempting to help his men and keep them alive. (Phil Nail as a driver to keep him off the front) We also see him wonder about why he is leaving over any one of his men. I feel like this is going to be a great example of how if the PL takes care of his men then his men are going to take care of him. We can tell from the PL's personality that he did everything he could to keep his men alive and it is only reasonable to think his men would have reciprocated.
ReplyDelete