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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Caputo go after being shown his sleeping quarters?

2. What irony does Caputo see in the guerrilla warfare manual he had studied in the States?

3. Where is Caputo's first command?

4. Why are the Medivac helicopters unable to land to pick up casualties?

5. How does Caputo describe his feeling after learning about the death and casualties?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the new warfare of the New Frontier?

2. How does Caputo describe himself as he watches the action of the offensive from the hill?

3. What does Caputo recall when the helicopter he is in draws ground fire?

4. What is Caputo's troublesome encounter with Sergeant Fred Wagoner?

5. Explain what Caputo says is the worst thing about hiking in the jungle.

6. What do they find when they rush a base camp near the LZ?

7. What mistake happens when they fire a three-point-five at the sniper who got Sullivan?

8. What always comes to Caputo's mind when he thinks of basic training?

9. What is the first month like after the battalion reaches Vietnam?

10. How do Caputo and his 40-odd men get transported to the war zone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about understanding different cultures. Use examples from the book to show that people of different cultures often do not understand each other. A good example is the old Vietnamese man trying to sell pornographic pictures to Caputo and his men. He, like so many Asians, had the idea that all Americans are addicted to sexual laxity and vulgarity. On the other hand, the Americans often could not understand the stoic nature of the Vietnamese who show little emotion regardless of circumstances.

Essay Topic 2

Now that you have read about the experiences of the Marines in Vietnam, write a paper about how difficult it probably was for most of them to step back into civil society at home. Perhaps you have known of someone coming back from a war who had a problem readjusting. Give your opinion about the responsibility of the people who send young men to war in helping to rehabilitate them after they return.

Essay Topic 3

Imagine you were there in Caputo's platoon. Write a paper expressing your opinion of 2nd Lieutenant Caputo as he takes command of your platoon. Describe his personality and character as you see him from the point of view of an enlisted man or woman.

(see the answer keys)

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