View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many men will be put into a platoon during the fighting formation?

2. What is referred to using the acronym OCS?

3. What type of vehicle is blown up?

4. The platoons will be stationed approximately how many kilometers apart?

5. The officer is assigned to which division?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the issue with convoys traveling by the established road? What were the orders issued to the men?

2. Where does Downs and his platoon spend the first two months in Vietnam?

3. What is the basic plan for battle for the First Platoon? Would the platoon have any back up?

4. What is the issue with convoys traveling by the established road? What were the orders issued to the men?

5. What is the biggest problem with this plan?

6. What is Downs' rank? Where does Downs go on his first assignment?

7. Who gives Downs details about his destination? What does the man say?

8. Describe the area around the base camp and how it is different than Downs expected.

9. When is the platoon moved from the area? Where are they taken to set up a new base camp?

10. Discuss the transport of the battalion to the new base camp.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you think about Downs' opinion on why he might have been injured? Do you think the injuries had anything to do with the stealing of the Buddha statues? Explain. Do you believe that there is punishment for acts of violence? If so, how would the punishment be decided and meted out? Explain. If given the opportunity to live it over again, do you think Downs would have made the same choices? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the relationship between Mann and Downs. Did the men know each other prior to Vietnam? If so, how? When did the men meet? What was the first impression garnered by each? Were the first impressions correct? What was the first mission the men worked together? What did it entail? What was the outcome? As time went on did the personal and professional relationship improve or disintegrate? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Downs is disgusted by the behavior of the ARVN soldiers. Explain why Downs was so angry. Was that kind of behavior common for a trained and experienced soldier? Explain. Do you think Downs was truly concerned about the ARVN hurting his platoon? What might have happened if a soldier had been hit by the shots fired over the heads of the platoon members on patrol? Do you think the shooting would have been covered up or would the ARVN soldier be exposed? What might happen to the soldier if caught?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 825 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample