Summary: Army Revamps Training

Words: 976
Pages: 4

During the era of the Cold War, the brutal fight between communist and anti-communist forces broke out, now known today as the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the longest war throughout all of American history. It is still questioned whether or not it was necessary because of the many casualties and failed efforts the war had brought. In admiring Vietnam veterans, is it important to recall the training that soldiers went through, the kindful acts they did for others, and the lack of sleep they experienced throughout the war.

Soldiers that fought in the Vietnam War went through lengthy and dangerous measures during their training in boot camps. The article “Army Revamps Training” explains how “recruits were taught how to avoid booby
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As a 27 year old policeman that had fought in the war, “He dreamed he was in an intense firefight during which two close comrades were killed. He awakened sweaty, disoriented, and unable to return to sleep. His daytime fatigue, irritability, and anger were impairing job performance.” (Calohan). This quote shows how soldiers had the ability to go to sleep under some extent. The policeman, however, struggled to accomplish his daily needs and tasks during the day because of the mental challenges his dreams brought upon him. Larry explained, “I hadn’t slept for the first three days that we were there, and I was getting tired, so one afternoon, I just went across the street. There was a movie theatre there, with some comfortable seats, so I fell asleep, and all of a sudden all hell broke loose, you know.” (Phillips). This quote shows the extreme efforts Phillips made to find a place to sleep and the great amount of sleep he lacked. Even when he found the rest he needed, he awoke to what he considered hell. The intense conditions the soldiers faced are expressed throughout this quote and truly make one look up to the veterans for their brave and courageous