platoon leader sparknotes

Setting his goals straight, McDonough looked forward to gain the loyalty of his platoon, as well as, completing the mission with minimal or no casualties on their part. Gathered, logged and monitored all shipping data. But as a leader, we are very often on our own. Selected to serve as Platoon Leader for a one week field exercise to mentor and coach new recruits in basic combat training, teaching them tactical skills and field craft. In a military context, Platoon Leader: A Memoir of Command in Combat provides an in-depth, detailed look at one young officer's rise through the ranks, learning the basic tools of leadership along the way. With these things in mind, I feel as though learning the military leadership experience has helped me enhance my own principles as a leader. McDonough's 'Platoon Leader': A great memoir by a Vietnam War lieutenant I first read James McDonough's Platoon Leader about 17 years ago, as I was watching then-Col. McDonough train up his. Let's get started. Jr. Platoon Leader Resume Objective : Highly rated and dependable professional with over 10 years of military experience in high profile administration, leadership, and operations positions. performs and supervises maintenance on heavy fighting equipment. Cross carried the grief of Lavender 's death so his troops wouldn 't have had to. As was said before, since the beginning, the troops in the 918th were able to do A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.' "Using a lean style and a sense of pacing drawn from the tautest of novels, McDonough has produced a gripping account of his first command, a U.S. platoon taking part in the 'strategic hamlet' program. All the other soldiers in the platoon possessed their own unique personality, but embodied some combination of the traits exhibited by these three soldiers. Without personal experience of combat to judge against, I found this to be an authentic description of life in combat. Seriously sacrificing your own sis like that. As an instructor for the Swiss Armed Forces in the 21st century, I was initially quite critical when this book was recommended to me as particularly suitable reading for my officer cadets. Back on patrol, the platoon is attacked by heavy Vietcong (VC) forces and Parker is hit by mortar fire. If Poem Summary and Analysis 2022-10-28 . It is an eye-opening description of the reality of combat and its devastating impact on the participants. This video is age-restricted and only available on YouTube. A lot of sad stories about killing and dying in ambushes and battles but the one story that stuck out the most, the one that still haunts me, is when Lt. McDonough sees that there's a beach nearby one of their positions so he decides to send a small squad of six men to go check out the beach, so that they could get some light R&R and swim and enjoy the sun. Platoon Leader is a 1988 war film set in the Vietnam War and directed by Aaron Norris; it stars Michael Dudikoff and Michael DeLorenzo and was filmed in South Africa. The shamefulness of his words hit me like a club. The lieutenant he was replacing had spent his whole time in the field trying to (successfully) keep out of harms way; the day the author arrived he found his counterpart literally lying flat on the ground, and there he stayed until the helicopter came to take him back to Saigon and home. Welcome back. . Roach brings a baby from one of the destroyed huts and explains the VC were after the villagers not the soldiers. Expect bullets to hit three enemies at once, and single grenades to explode multiple times and in different locations." The novel provided a realistic point of view to both sides of the war good and bad, the thoughts that prevail to each character in the story and the choices each one of them has to make in the line of duty (Hopkins). Platoon Leader is a 1988 war film set in the Vietnam War and directed by Aaron Norris; it stars Michael Dudikoff and Michael DeLorenzo and was filmed in South Africa. Rating: R Genre: War. Col. James McDonough, USA (Ret. Even though I never served in the military, this book helped me have a much better understanding of the brutality of war and and the courage and bravery of our fighting men and women. Forrest seems to operate by his own code of conduct centered on honesty loyalty and generosity that transcends the chaos and changing values of the decades that pass by. Overall, he led his platoon very well and successfully. McDonough doesn't shy away from criticizing himself and others, so his retelling of events shows the good as well as the questio. He finds he has to prove himself and earn the trust of the enlisted men if he is to lead them. In this situation, McDonough simply recognized he would have to learn as he went, while his men were none the wiser. Platoon Leader 2016 - Present. I enjoyed the fact that it wasn't some random person trying to make war seem glorious. When his men slaughtered villagers, he managed to quietly accept the fact that it occurred; however, it would not remove his own complicity and responsibility for those deaths. A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.' "Using a lean style and a sense of pacing drawn from the tautest of novels, McDonough has produced a gripping account of his first command, a U.S. platoon taking part in the 'strategic hamlet' program. "Prepare a Platoon SOP" You are a squad leader in 3rd Platoon. I can't imagine the unbelievable psychological pain that American Veterans went through. We do need to expand our scope and coverage to pursue new areas of risk and new sources where we might find problems. I am thinking about giving this 1985 book, This book is both a historical insight into the Vietnam War from the perspective of the American infantry and a veritable lesson on leadership. The smallest unit is called a fire team and consists of 4 soldiers. Knight's platoon arrives at the village and kill off the VC company. Both were great reads. US Army - City, STATE. 2003.25 May 2007 . you to an academic expert within 3 minutes. Sergeant Hayes uses his claymores and Knight calls for an airstrike to repel the enemy, but the platoon suffers heavy casualties in fending off the attack. Literature, Community, Leadership, Books, Learning, Allegiance, Military, Principles. Often we learn how 'not' to lead by seeing other leaders in. Type of paper: They moved faster than before. But he was never a peer, he was always apart from them, despite developing a bond with them. You become part of a tribe and you share the same blood - you give it together, you take it together." (2) The platoon leader assigns sectors of fire for each squad using his laser pointer. Recommend this book for non-combatant baby boomers who want to have some understanding of what we were spared. ISBN: 1728732247 ISBN13: 9781728732244 The Devil to Pay (Shayne Davies) (Book #1 in the Shayne Davies Series) by James R. McDonough See Customer Reviews Select Format Hardcover $11.39 - $11.99 Paperback $7.29 Mass Market Paperback $4.39 - $4.59 Select Condition Like New Unavailable Very Good Unavailable Good $4.59 Acceptable $4.39 New Unavailable Knight is then met by Captain Killinski, Lt. Riley and another Lt. Captain Killinsky explains the rest of the VC battalion they fought off during the night is nearby, and outlines a plan to attack the enemy. A week later, Major Flynn gives Knight 3 new replacements including a rebellious Private named Don Pike. This work feels more genuine and relatable than many other better-known classics in the genre. had the pride and confidence to do their jobs (Trollip 9-16). [3], Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Kino Releases A "Fans Only" Michael Dudikoff Blu-ray 2 Pack", "Michael Dudikoff Double Feature: Platoon Leader / Soldier Boyz", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Platoon_Leader_(film)&oldid=1104824579, Willie Olmstead as Medic (as Bill Olmstead), This page was last edited on 17 August 2022, at 02:54. Another reason I would rate it as such and recommend it to other people is because it is written almost like a novel and the characters are so real because they were real people. Highly recommend for people in leadership positions, whether it be in their families, companies, or sports teams. It's all very pre-determined and becomes a fairly dry watch with little to cause one to invest in the drama, while also eschewing lots of the Cannon Films trademark excess," and ended his review stating "At worst, it's boring. Knight realizes that he must take a different approach to have his men's respect. Combat leadership at the tactical level, such as in LHY, is a distinctly important and honorable responsibility. database? Summaries A young officer, just out of West Point is sent to Vietnam, where the men don't respect him until he gets wounded and returns to be a wiser soldier and a better commander West Point graduate lieutenant Jeff Knight meets cynicism when taking command of sergeant Michael McNamara's tour veterans platoon in a Vietnamese trench camp. The book takes place in and around a fort near a Vietnamese village in Binh Dinh province. WowEssays. However, his wishes change when he is met with Barnes and sees what he does. 2nd Lieutenant McDonough found himself commanding a platoon led by a non-commissioned officer. This is cruelly evident in his final goodbyes to them; they all express genuine, heartfelt gratitude at the time they served with him, and he finds that he will miss them all. It then. That is not really a critique of the book, actually the shitty ending was a fitting end to the mess that the Vietnam War became. In summary, while the actual fighting is done by the line infantry . An air of loneliness have also been created throughout the whole story as platoon men shared their piece of sufferings, fears and yearnings both in their military and personal lives. The platoon leader and the platoon sergeant, along with the radiotelephone operator, make up the headquarters section of the platoon. MacGregor also rebuilt the moral by putting himself into their work and daily life., On the other hand, his men needed to be guided emotionally at first, Department Of Justice - Maintenance Platoon Leader Glendale, CA 02/2012 - 07/2012 Determined the most cost-effective procedures and routes for shipments. Though the failure in communication was not with Mcdonough, he still had to go on knowing that he had ordered his men to fire on. cite it. He did what his platoon did. One of the better books of this Vietnam Infantry genre. There is a given responsibility each soldier has to his fellow comrades it is to protect them at all costs; and How can one cope with being thrown into the middle of chaos from a structured society? Sometimes it is hard to do all the work on your own. Ranked in top 10% of class in Mechanized Leader's Course at Fort Benning, GA. This book helped me have a much better understanding of our soldiers and a greater appreciation of their sacrifices. Be the first to contribute. According to McDonough, "he was the platoon, epitomizing its resilience, its dedication, its complete commitment" (p. 242). A Treasury of Royal Scandals is a national bestseller book written by Michael Farquhar that describes The Shocking True Stories of Historys Wickedest, Weirdest, Most Wanton Kings, Queens, Tsars, Popes,. I was none of these - or so I maintain. Those who are not destined for armed combat usually will not be drafted for armed combat. Interesting to see how he improvised, pulled from the strengths of his men, and became the man he needed to be. The Platoon Leader also indicated the ethics and morals of the war, the dehumanizing possibility a soldier might come across in the cruelty of the war. The third and final large lesson I picked up from Platoon Leader was the notion of loyalty and camaraderie with those who follow me. 25 May 2007. My Knight calls up his Medic to save Parker, but Parker's wounds are mortal and he dies in Knight's arms. The film received mixed reviews, including criticism for being an imitation of Oliver Stone's 1986 war drama Platoon. Book Review On Platoon Leader And Leadership Lessons. Col. McDonough gives a first hand account of his personal experience being a platoon commander in the Vietnam War. He does not hold back from sharing his mistakes, and tells stories of real experiences in a compelling way. Published Dec 03, 2019. It is the only movie directed by Aaron Norris not to star his brother Chuck Norris. The men were expendable; he was not. It closely resembled Fields of Fire by James Webb. But he was only a combat platoon leader for 11 months or 3% of his life. Indeed, in both wartime and peacetime, an army commander watches over the lives of those under his charge, hence it is our immense but honourable responsibility to be competent and caring for our men. Like the squad leader, the platoon leader exercises mission command primarily through his subordinates and moves in the formation where he can best achieve this. Captain Killinski tells Knight that a company of VC slipped through and are attacking the village. He used his superior intellect to get what he, I learned how to be a leader, the ability to have incredible attention to detail, and perseverance in the face of hardships. It is also a significant commentary on the conduct of the war in Vietnam at all levels and war in general. 2-84. In his mind, the other members of the platoon existed for only one reason: to protect him, to keep him alive. This book presents some of his experiences as he grows as a leader. SFC Colvin was the extreme opposite with his attitude, demeanor, and he required military courtesies be observed immediately upon his transfer into the unit. McDonough's story is as good as any; though late in the war, he was assigned in an active [read: dangerous] sector and he took his mission t. Perhaps one of the least original books every written; even the Goodreads catalog includes at least a dozen platoon leader memoirs from Vietnam. Publisher's Summary. One of the things that has always intrigued me about Vietnam War stories is the attempts to make sense of the pure senselessness. Women fighting in combat is a topic that has stirred a lot of controversy in the last few months. essay, Bilingual Education and the Use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in the Essay Aria Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood by Richard Rodriguez, Transformational leader vs. transactional leader, Book Review: Treasury of Royal Scandals is a national bestseller book written by Michael Farquhar, Write (3) The platoon leader positions key weapons to cover the most dangerous avenues of approach. And 'out of love for her brother' promises to give her body to antagonist to 'save the brother'." Bunny ( Kevin Dillon ), the scared kid, who has become dangerous because that seems like a way to protect himself. Constant debriefs with yourself and retrospection. Good platoon leaders must enforce Army standards for readiness and cleanliness consistently and equitably to maintain discipline and respect and hold troops accountable. Knight counters with an idea he believes work better, and after consulting with the other two Lieutenants, Killinsky agrees to the new plan, trusting in Knight's experience. The three things this memoir might embed in the readers mind might include: Doing the right thing in the right time and with the right reasons; Notably, they derived this information his inspirational tactics. Platoon Leader May 2015Present US Army Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA - Led an artillery platoon consisting of 35 soldiers - Ensured compliance with annual and quarterly maintenance schedule Fire Direction Officer Apr 2014May 2015 US Army Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA - Led a Fire Direction Center consisting of 10 soldiers 3. listened to their leaders more often and better than before., Maximus also has wisdom beyond his years. By joining, you've committed to A remarkable memoir of small-unit leadership and the coming of age of a young soldier in combat in Vietnam.'. 2-85. 2019. Very insightful. The base is hit hard. Get it right, and your platoon will function at its bestsmoothly, efficiently, and professionally. {var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; !function(d,s,id) James starts the book as a fresh-faced leader fresh out of West Point who chose to serve in the Vietnam war. Then I started to read it and eventually I couldn't put it down! The Islamic State, the Syrian government and Russia blamed the United States, but the dam was on the U.S. military's "no-strike list" of protected civilian sites and the commander of the U.S . It was very entertaining. 2004. The novel is a profound documentation on wartime virtues making it a very important piece in American literature (Mazza). It wasn't what I was looking for. To see what your friends thought of this book. These relationships were part of the humanizing aspects of the story, including issues that involve latrines. He also enumerated different strategies and tactics that had been formulated during the war. More than any other book I've read about the Vietnam War, I really gained a sense of what life on the ground would be like as well as an understanding of what the job of an infantry officer entails in terms of tactical and operational decision making. "The bond that men form with each other in the heat of battle is incomprehensible to those who have not experienced warfare for themselvesYou make close friends. McDonough made a comparison between good and bad leadership through the two lieutenants the non-commissioned officer who refuses to fight, and he who wishes to be a real leader. Monitored the workshop work flow for 60 employees. Idk about the book but the Manhwa isnt like that. New small unit leaders will find it extraordinarily compelling and relevant. It is a book that will open both your eyes and your heart to what those who choose the infantry face in that war. "Using a lean style and a sense of pacing drawn from the tautest of novels, McDonough has produced a gripping account of his first command, a U.S. platoon taking part in the 'strategic hamlet' program.. It is also a significant commentary on the conduct of the war in Vietnam at all levels and war in general. Platoon Leader (First Lieutenant), 01/2011 - 02/2012. Transportation officers are experts in the systems, vehicles and . As mentioned above, this essay basically would present a. Platoon Leader, Team Lead Professional Summary: Responsible, hardworking, and team oriented. I will revisit the book again later. Just about every Platoon Sergeant I've ever known always had one of those worn out, leather, jam-packed books filled with their platoon's information. His interpersonal tact left much to be desired and even his resilience was nearly broken down. I received the book from my commander as I was transferring to a new unit to start as a platoon leader. Or you can rent or purchase the film right now on Amazon Prime. This is evidence of his ability to bring them all together as an ensemble, a team, as opposed to a strict hierarchy. harmony in order to life, Book Review on Platoon Leader: A Memoir of Command in Combat. This is a brutally honest self assessment of one infantry officers performance as a platoon leader in Vietnam. Having noted his aspirations for the team, Coach Ks players worked hard and followed his commands.
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