1) P.2 But on the last day an astonishing number of English heavies opened up on us with high explosive, drumming ceaselessly on our position, so that we suffered severely and came back only eighty strong.
Reading Response: I wonder how aggressive a war could be. This tells me that a war can be ruthless, with each nation trying to destroy others. A war is only going to make things worse not better since there is always people dying everyday in war. This sentence really reflects the chaos and horror of war.
2) P.5 “Eighty men can’t have what is meant for a hundred and fifty”
Reading Response: This tells me that rations are very limited during a war. The cook is very strict and stubborn. The cook is trying to preserve food for the German armed forces, so that they can last as long as possible.
3) P.23 With a full pack and rifle I have to practice on a wet, soft, newly ploughed field the “Prepare to advance, advance!” and the “Lie down!” until I was one lump of mud and finally collapsed.
Reading Response: This tells me that the army training is a rigorous program of physical and mental training. The training is about the fundamentals of being a soldier, from combat techniques to the proper way to address a superior. The army training is designed to make each and individual solider a professional fighter.
4) P.32 He sniffs: “How should I know anything about it, I’ve amputated five legs to-day”; he shoves me away, says to the hospital-orderly “You see to it,” and hurries off to the operation room.
Reading Response: I wonder why a doctor would ignore him and go help others while his friend is dying. This tells me that there are too many wounded in the hospital. The army should improve the conditions in the ...
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... I also wonder how many people received the Iron cross.
19) P.213 More than once it has happened that some fellow has jumped joyfully into a trench, only then to discover that it was the wrong one.
Reading Response: I wonder how that could happen. I think that the enemy and the fellow that jumped in the wrong trench would be very surprised since they did not expect to be in the same trench. This also tells me that confusion can occur during a battle.
20) P. 219 I climb down, take out my handkerchief, spread it out, push it under and scoop up the yellow water that strains through into the hollow of my hand.
Reading Response: I wonder what the enemy solider would think about the author save him. The author has mercy since he is willing to do anything he can to help the wounded solider. I wonder how many people how the kindness to do that kind of thing.
My thoughts after reading this book are that war can really take a toll on someone and war can bring out the worst in everyone. Works Cited:.. Caputo, Philip. The. A Rumor of War.
"Feature Articles - Life in the Trenches." Firstworldwar.com. First World War, n.d. Web. 05 Apr.
The American Soldiers showing courage in the face of adversity during the raid has been evident throughout the research of this paper. From Cooks throwing boil pots of water, to Soldiers fighting with no shoes and half clothed. The adversary having planned and executed was not allowed to extract a devastating blow. This is a testament of the American Soldiers adaptability and courage.
The day to day life for the regular soldier was not glorious. Many times the regiments were low on supplies such as food and clothing. They lived in the elements. Medical conditions were grotesque because of the lack of advanced equipment and anesthesia. “Discipline was enforced with brutality” as if all the other conditions were not bad enough.
War is the bane of humanity’s existence, it is an indiscriminate killer, just as deadly as
The Small Will to Fight With Very Little Might The cold was the most overwhelming it had ever been, and the men inside were dying from dying from illnesses and starvation. All of the problems, it’s just… too much, it’s hard to handle. The American soldiers just arrived at Valley Forge at were attempting to set up. They had very minimal food and were living poorly, they were all cold, discouraged, and about half were sick. All of these men from the Continental Army were at Valley Forge, some on the verge of death.
“War is brutish, inglorious and a terrible waste” (Sledge 315). E.B Sledge says this when describing war after two grueling campaigns in the Pacific. However, there is irony. Earlier in the war, Sledge is hungry for war, for action, for involvement. War intrigues him, then like most, he feels the reality of it. This is one of the main focuses in With the Old Breed. Sledge’s view of war changes as he continues through the war and beyond, along with his understanding of conflict and the realization of war being the solution.
...al but couldn’t, when they twitched and made moaning sounds and covered their heads and said Dear Jesus and flopped around on the earth and fired their weapons blindly ”(104). Along with daily life, the soldiers carried their reputations and “the fear of blushing” (105). At any moment they could have abandoned the war and gone home to life, love, and a warm bed, but they never did. This was not out of courage, but rather the soldiers were just too afraid to be cowards.
Basic Training is tough, going through nine weeks of intense physical and mental conditioning. People discover confidence, self-assurance, and the potential for leadership. After graduating Basic Training, becoming a soldier is the revenue in the Army National Guard. The Army National Guard has a unique dual mission serving both country and community. For over 365 years, the citizen soldiers have come to the aid of their neighbors during times of need.
These hardships included: the harsh weather, watching friends die, killing mass amounts of the enemy, and many more things that can slowly break down even the toughest soldier from the inside out. For example, the author describes a vivid scene after a group of soldiers and refugees had been under attack on Christmas and were now looking for supplies. A man named the Baron Charles de Radzitsky d’Ostrowick had gone into a house in search of water. Toland describes what the Baron sees; “The Baron sickened as he stepped over the debris to the door. Here thirty bodies-American and German-were stacked as if for future reference. He picked his way through the human refuse to the courtyard. Outside, bodies were so thick he climbed onto a wall.” (275)
My sweat soaked shirt was clinging to my throbbing sunburn, and the salty droplets scalded my tender skin. “I need this water,” I reminded myself when my head started to fill with terrifying thoughts of me passing out on this ledge. I had never been so relieved to see this glistening, blissful water. As inviting as the water looked, the heat wasn't the only thing making my head spin anymore. Not only was the drop a horrifying thought, but I could see the rocks through the surface of the water and couldn't push aside the repeating notion of my body bouncing off them when I hit the bottom. I needed to make the decision to jump, and fast. Standing at the top of the cliff, it was as if I could reach out and poke the searing sun. Sweat dripped from my forehead, down my nose, and on its way to my dry, cracked lips which I licked to find a salty droplet. My shirt, soaked with perspiration, was now on the ground as I debated my
The war destroyed and put an end man's life. It destroyed people in physical and even the emotional. These soldiers with major injuries will hold them all back from what they love to do most and what they w...
The Army spends a great deal of time making followers into leaders and leaders into followers by utilizing several levels of training throughout their military career. This training allows a Soldier to perfect the knowledge and skills required to be an effective leader in every aspect of their job. ...
Physical training is a very essential part of the army culture. Physical fitness has a direct influence on their combat readiness which also ties into needing to be mentally and physically tough. Being physically fit allows you to be productive and also gives you the opportunity to enjoy even the little things in life. It also allows you to be able to adapt and survive through tough living conditions. Having the proper diet and exercise can improve a person’s quality of life. Maintaining a high level of fitness helps you perform at higher levels throughout your life. Healthy muscles are less susceptible to to injury, less likely to tear and give in to stress. Which is why it’s important to take care of your body. Soldiers who don’t meet military fitness standards risk being discharged or maybe disciplinary actions.
War has been around for centuries. From the time modern civilizations began, war has played an integral part in human history. It shaped the world into the modern world we live in. War has been said to be a great motivator, for example, the Great Wall of China was built to fend off the attackers from the north. However, the negative aspects of war far outweighs any positive effects it might have. The destruction of civilizations, cities and countries, mass killings of men, woman and children alike, the disastrous effect it has on economy and the after effects of war can last for centuries.