Argumentation #3: A Courageous Soldier? More Like a Coward!

In discussing the essence of a soldier it has been said that courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior; that there is no room for cowardice on the battlefield. In opposition, it has also been said that a coward is a hero with a wife, kids, and a mortgage. Think about these opposing views of the characteristics of a soldier, then write a response in which you explain your position on the relationship between courage and cowardice. Use examples from your readings, experiences, or knowledge to support your argument.

   Soldiers carry our honor, they are brave and heroes of the nation. However, are all these claims toward soldiers reality? Everyone has an Achilles heel, therefore soldiers can't be portrayed as perfect warriors. Many soldiers are your run of the mill cowards. They're as scared to guns and death as many other people. Vigor was once a soldier for the United States of America and was only 18 when he entered the war and left for Afghanistan. He was a brave lion in signing up for the war, but then became a rabbit at the face of war, full of fear and terror. At any opportunity he saw in being able to go home, he took it because it was a step forward to going back home. His home was safe and war was dangerous. The nation makes him, as well as many others, seem like the king of the forest when in reality all he was, was the lion from The Wizard of Oz, a coward. Soldiers go to war, knowing that the nation's future is in their hands and that it is their responsibility to fight for the nation in order for the country to be prosperous. At the face of war and battle, soldiers lose their senses and no longer fight for their nation, but for themselves. It no longer is a war for their country, but a war to save oneself. Soldiers lose to their fears and become wimps. This is the reality of war. No one wants to be on the battlefield, instead the sound of going home always sounds better. At home, one is protected and war is always unreliable. Soldiers are cowards that can't keep their promises because they always want to go home and not stay to fight for their nation. Their heart is always elsewhere. Soldiers are cowards that should have never signed up to be in the Army because all they ever were abe to demonstrate was their cowardice.