War

Platoon. One outcome from embedding journalists with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is that the stories published can provide those of us thousands of miles away with some insight into what the situation is like on the ground. Sebastian Junger was embedded for five months with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion in the Korengal valley, and the book he wrote from this experience is titled, War. Packed with vivid description of the setting, the people and the action, this book soars when Junger explores the many ways in which the members of a platoon subordinate their self interest for the good of the unit. From a society that rewards and encourages the pursuit of self-interest, these soldiers epitomize the greatness that comes from self sacrifice. I finished this book with a renewed appreciation for the actions of individuals engaged in the hell that is war.

Rating: Four-star (Highly Recommended)
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