Journal # 14

If I was a soldier in Lieutenant Jimmy Cross's unit I would carry many things with me.  In his story, "The Things We Carry," O'Brien says men carried many objects that "varied by mission" as well as rank, superstition, and necessity.  I find it practical that everyone would carry items that fall into all these categories.  I would first want to make sure that I had the proper uniform on to protect me and camouflage to blend in. Weapons for my protection would probably be my top priority so I would have a way to defend myself. I would make sure I always have a canteen on me for water, a compass if I ever got lost, and tools such as a pocket knife or mosquito netting. These objects would fall into my necessities. I would also carry with me some sort of lucky charm, just as Lieutenant Cross carried his pebble from Martha. I think having something like that gives people hope in a certain way and so having a good luck charm would help bring a positive outlook. I would also carry sentimental things, as did Cross when he carried Martha's letters and pictures. I would have a picture of my family and significant other. I believe these sort of objects would remind me how important they are to me and give me  motivation to continue on through the rough times of war. Although I would try and not focus all of my attention on them unlike Cross did because I wouldn't want it to distract me from my job, being a soldier.  I would bring a Bible with me to also help inspire me if things got hard. Lastly, I would carry with me a positive attitude. Although it is intangible, I think it is probably the most important aspect that I could carry. Having a positive attitude can make all the difference because I believe that happiness is a choice.