“We had survived, but in war, a man does not have to be killed or wounded to become a casualty. His life, his sight, or limbs are not the only things he stands to lose.”
Lt. Caputo recognizes the cost of war on soldiers particularly the psychological trauma and the disillusionment from combat. The assertion ascertains that every soldier is a victim of war whether or not if they have sustained an injury or lost their life. The novel as a real-life account Caputo offers a personal perspective that resonates with the reader due to the accuracy. Thus, understanding how war haunts its participants during and even after the extreme violence has been experienced.
“And men who do not expect to receive mercy eventually lose their inclination to grant it.”
The statement alludes to how combat alters the nature of man as per the experiences they are going through. Referring to how the American soldiers became ruthless towards the Viet Cong due to the lack of humanity the Viet Cong also displayed in the war. The disposition of the soldiers to be lenient or humane was lost in the savagery of combat. As much as Caputo defends the Marine Corps he also recognizes the viciousness from both sides of the conflict.
“The essence of the Marine Corps experience, I decided, was pain.”
Introduced to the war as a young man, akin to his peers, Caputo harbored noble ideologies regarding war and handled the position of a Marine Corp with great honor. Whereas the experience as a soldier is one that should be met with devotion and sacrifice, the realities of war are far more vicious than can be anticipated. Moreover, the cryptic nature of their assignments beforehand never prepared them for the actuality of the missions. Thus, Caputo identifies how the incessant barbarity and trauma of the war becomes the new normal.
