Discussion Questions
February 29, 2000
Note: The material this week is to some degree a
continuation of the themes and concepts that we began last week with the
soldiers' experiences. What we are adding this week is the component of
the noncombatant in American society. In answering this week's
questions, do so in the context of last week's material and what was discussed
last week (that is, for those of you who managed to find the time to stay for
the discussions).
- Can generalizations be made about the motivation of
individuals to participate in the war, whether as combatants in the war zone
or in other capacities?
- How do the experiences of the noncombatants in the war zone
compare to those actually in combat? Are the noncombatants 'veterans',
or are there degrees of veterans?
- What is "the front"? Is there a difference
between wars?
- To what extent do the womens' experiences in war differ
from those of the men? Is the nature of the female
experience in war in any way surprising? As veterans, have women had
to work harder to gain recognition for their contributions? If so, why
do you think that is so? Does that tell us anything about American
society generally?
- Why does Heinl argue (1971) that the armed forces are
on the edge of collapse? What is the relationship of that supposed
collapse to the wider American society?