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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. Major Spring Sessions tells the unit in Chapter 1 that their entire detachment is made up of about how many people?

2. Sergeant Harris is described in Chapter 2 as “a black soldier who had switched to Civil Affairs from” where?

3. What is the name of the colonel that enters with Major Sessions at the meeting in Chapter 6?

4. What phrase used in Chapter 6 refers to the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by participants in military operations?

5. Along what river do the narrator and his squad travel as they head northeast in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the main concern of Private Perry and the soldiers as they prepare to enter Iraq in Chapter 3?

2. Where is Perry’s Civil Affairs unit stationed in Chapter 6? Who appears at the meeting here?

3. What does Captain Coles have the soldiers state when he calls roll in Chapter 1?

4. What mission does Private Perry’s team receive in Chapter 5? What does Private Perry learn during this mission?

5. Who comprises the Second Squad in Chapter 2? Who is on the Third Squad?

6. For how long is the convoy held back due to the sandstorm in Chapter 4? Where do they go once the storm passes?

7. To whom does Private Perry write a letter at the end of Chapter 2? What is revealed in the letter?

8. Who brings a television to Private Perry’s tent in Chapter 7? What do the soldiers watch?

9. How does Private Perry describe the setting and mission they embark on in Chapter 6?

10. What does Private Perry receive at mail call in Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). When did this action take place? Where was the Gulf War fighting centralized? How did the first Gulf War relate to the Iraq War? What is said about this war in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the sense of danger, mistrust, and fear that can be seen in Private Perry and the other main characters in the novel. How does Perry say the “Rules of Engagement” apply differently to the opponent? Why is this frustrating for the American troops?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the character of Private Robin Perry as the narrator and protagonist of the novel. How would you describe Private Perry’s narrative and language style? Do you find this character to be likable upon your initial impressions? How do you relate to the character?

(see the answer keys)

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