Pages 52-91

Moore's decision to be one of the first boots on the ground is a double-edged blade. The decision struck me as the epitome of leading from the front.

The Lieutenant's violence of action was impressive and praiseworthy, but his decision to advance beyond his range was not. This shows how important it is to keep yourself in check when the tide seems to be in your favor. Rushing forward can not only lead to consquences for yourself and your platoon, but can affect many others whose duty it is to protect you. Not only was the lieutenant KIA, but men from his platoon died as well, as did others trying to extricate the stranded men from their situation.



This drove home the point that you cannot afford to throw caution aside by thinking that its only your life that you're risking. When you put your life at risk, you automatically endanger those whose duty it is to get you out of there. This situation reminded me of Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia of '93 (Black Hawk Down). The downing of the choppers did not just kill or endanger the pilots, but an entire battalion of men who hen had to go in there and get them out, dead or alive. Being careless with your life is not an option, since there are others who have to deal with the consequences even after you died.

That being said, I was impressed with the soldiers' understanding of the COC. As soon as Herrick was KIA, the chain of command was followed twice more in rapid succession.