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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. Soldiers fight constantly to gain control of which of the following?

2. What is the rank of the officer Downs refers to as being "nasty?"

3. Up to this point Downs and his men had spent how many months at the first camp?

4. Men must do extra work to create which of the following:

5. The soldiers are often greeted by which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens shortly after the mine-sweeping crew is on the job?

2. How does Downs deal with one of the soldiers that has proven to be lazy?

3. Describe the scene when Lt. Frederick Downs arrives at the airfield for the first time.

4. What is the plan for the base camp once the soldiers arrive on site?

5. Discuss Downs' first mission and the sights he witnesses.

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

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

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

9. Describe the scene that takes place on the bridge. Who is involved?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the statistics mentioned in the book. Explore the accuracy of the details. What other details should have been included? Which details may have been more pertinent? What else should have been said about the end of the war? How did the end of the war affect the hundreds of thousands of military personnel and their families? Were there any other wars in recent history that equaled the one in Vietnam?

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

Interview someone who served in Vietnam and write a 1000 word essay on the experience and how it affected the soldier's life. Be sure to include any traumatic events, real or imagined as well as post traumatic stress, involvement with the VA, and life before and after the war.

(see the answer keys)

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