Essay Questions

What is the symbolism in the officer with a metal hand speaking to Rico?

When Rico is giving his assignment to to a soldier at the Federation desk he tells Johnny that the military made him the man he is today. Unfortunately, the man does not have any legs along with his hand being gone. It is gut wrenching for Johnny to see and begins to open his eyes to the reality of war.

Why does Johnny enlist in the Federation Army?

Johnny becomes a commander of a ground force after multiple battles, but the initial reason he joined the Army was to follow Carmen. He was a young man in love and he wanted to make sure he stayed as close to her as possible. Though she ends up breaking up with him, he gets set on a course to make good on being an amazing leader and soldier.

What is the meaning underneath Rico's decision to have one of his soldiers remove their helmet during an exercise?

Rico is a high school football star and used to winning on and off the field. When he gets to boot camp he is made the leader of his squadron and they are set for a live-fire exercise in which he is out to beat the high score of 280. Because of his desire to win he orders one of his men to take off his helmet and when he does the soldier is shot in the head and killed. Rico hasn't learned the value of a life as all he sees is his need to be the best to win, and doesn't know that winning in certain circumstances can get people killed. This is the turning point for his perspective changing, this combined with his parents death changes him into the beginnings of a soldier.