A Rumor of War | Short Question Answer Key

Short Answer Key

Chapter 1

1. At what age does Philip Caputo enlist in the Marine Corps?

20

2. What does he imagine being in the military will be like?

He enters the war with romantic notions of being a hero.

3. What reality soon sets in for Caputo?

Battles are fought in the jungle with Viet Cong who refuse to play by the rules learned in military training.

4. What is the stated interest of the U. S. government for war in Vietnam?

To abolish Communism in the world

5. What famous speech inspires Caputo to join the military?

Kennedy's inaugral "Ask what you can do for your country" speech.

6. How does Caputo see future life in the military?

As an occasion for excitement and danger

7. Why does Caputo choose to enlist with the Marines?

It promises to fulfill all his expectations more than any other branch...
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