Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

Tommy Franks becomes an active member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity at the University of Texas where he enjoys a rich social life. Frank spends too much time partying and drinking, and because of this, his grades suffer. Franks goes on 'so pro' or 'social probation' at the end of his freshman year. Meanwhile, his parents financially struggle to keep him in college. They move to Austin, with the idea Tommy could move in with them and thus save money on university housing. Living at home does not improve Tommy's grades. Tommy flunks out of college in May 1965. A few months later, he joins the Army. The idea of wearing a uniform and fighting in a war in Vietnam seems 'studly' to the former frat guy.

Franks' romantic image of Army life changes when he meets Staff Sergeant Kittle and takes...