This is the place of O'Brien's birth, where he grows up and goes to college. It is in Minnesota that O'Brien develops his intellectual and political views. O'Brien spends the last of his carefree days in Minnesota before he leaves for basic training. It is his need for the love and respect of the people in his home town in Minnesota that prevents him from deserting.
Ft. Lewis is the location of basic training and Advanced Infantry Training. Ft. Lewis is in Washington State, a cold wet backdrop for O'Brien's induction to military service. This is where he makes his plans to desert to Norway via Canada, and attempts to implement his plan. O'Brien gives up and returns to his barracks at Ft. Lewis.
Vietnam is the.....
