What are the circumstances of the book—which war are the main characters a part of, what is the time period, and what is a MASH?

Who are the three main characters of the book? How do they meet?

Why the three main characters called the Swampmen?

What explains the episodic structure of the book? Why does the author not tell a single story, with an overarching plot?

Are the Swampmen's antics simply a reflection of their personalities or something deeper? If it is something deeper, what is the deeper issue involved?

How do the three main characters deal with the horrors of war?

Why does the Swampman personality-type disappear at the end of the book?