A Rumor of War

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Recommended: The effects of the Vietnam war on soldiers

In A Rumor of War, Philip Caputo informs the struggles he experienced in Vietnam. During his involvement in the war, Caputo is conflicted with his personal identity and finding the meaning of war. With his desire to prove himself a man and the influence of Kennedy’s challenge to “ask what you can do for your country,” he enlisted in the military (p.xiv). Although Caputo describes his excitement for standing up for his country, he warns the reader to not be fooled by the romance of war. War is death, and it is nothing like he envisioned.
Caputo’s first experience of the world outside of school had been war. He learned and practiced the murderous trade and then taught it to others at camp Geiger, a training base in North Carolina. The rigorous training by drill instructors was to be their ordeal of initiation, physically and mentally. From four in the morning until nine that night they marched and drilled, went through obstacle courses, and went on hikes in ninety-degree heat. They were shouted at, kicked, humiliated, and harassed. Instead of being called their given names, they were called “scumbag,” “numbnuts,” and anything similar by the DIs.
Eager for danger and adventure, him and many others were excited to be sent to Vietnam. It was only until his first night there when he first displayed nervousness of being hit by enemy fire. Although still excited for adventure, it did not come as quickly as he had wished. Caputo and the other men continued to wait for some action to occur. Finally on April 22, they got what they wanted when a company is attacked by a band of VC.
While “rules of engagement” gradually became looser, Caputo’s frustration increased. At first commanding officers restricted return fire until ordered to, bu...

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...ups the military is making with war. Shortly after trial, Caputo received honorable discharge and flies back home to America.
Rumor of War is a book I would definitely recommend because it was an incredibly interesting view point. Instead of only stating facts about the Vietnam War, Caputo describes his personal experience in Vietnam. The reader is able to visualize his struggles, along with the other marines’ struggles. Not only does Rumor of War help the reader understand the hardships of the Vietnam War, it can allow the reader to expect the same troubles others have experienced fighting for our country. Caputo also puts it into perspective that we are just like the other fighting side. Each side is risking their lives fighting for their country and everyone has families back home. It shows that was is all about waiting, frustration, fear, anger, and sadness.

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