The Imagery of combat Veteranitis
Caputo elucidates, “ I had all the symptoms of combat veteranitis: an inability to concentrate, a childlike fear of darkness, a tendency to tire easily, chronic nightmares, an intolerance of loud noises-especially doors slamming and cars backfiring- and alternating mood of depression and rage that came over me for no apparent reason. Recovery has been less than total.” Manifestly, Caputo does not exclusively recuperate from the trauma which he withstood during the war. The indications defined above portray an ex-soldier who is terrified of encountering circumstances comparable to those he faced in war.
The Imagery of Caputo’s Adolescence
Caputo recalls, “At the age of nineteen I found myself again living with my parents. It was a depressing situation. In my adolescent mind, I felt that my parents regarded me as an irresponsible boy who still needed their guidance. I wanted to prove them wrong. I had to get away.” Caputo’s financial dependency depresses him; it is an inducement for him to enlist to verify that he is responsible. He hunkers for autonomy which would endow him to circumvent his parents’ control and providence.
The Imagery of “Reconnaissance Mission”
Caputo explains, “I have kept a photograph taken of another lieutenant and me just before we set out on a ‘reconnaissance mission.” It shows us wearing what we conceived of as authentic jungle-fighter uniforms: camouflage shirts, camouflage berets fashioned from helmet covers, camouflage paint smeared on our faces.” The mission simulates real-life war settings to prepare the corps for war. Through the rehearsals, the Corps accumulate apposite practice by performing maneuvers that could be indispensable to them once they are in the actual battlefront.
