How is Cpl. Bertrand's Squad described in the novel, Under Fire?

Cpl. Bertrand's Squad, belonging to the 6th Battalion, 18th Company, is depicted as "worn-out and trench-foul," sinister troglodytes (cavemen). They are typical, good, simple men torn from the joys of life, ignorant, narrow-minded, common-sensical, long-suffering, instinctive, hoping to survive and again enjoy life.