13). Needless to say morale was very low. Hackworth finds the FB in a state of disarray (p. 8). Machine-gun ammo buried in mud, troops wandering around with rusty weapons, "hippie" beads worn along with their dog tags, graffiti covered helmets and a base that smelled or raw sewage greeted him (p. 8). The troops are unkempt, unshaven and out of uniform (p. 8, 9).
Hackworth immediately begins the process of shaping up the Battalion, brining in men of his choosing that were seasoned fighters and could help turn the Battalion around (p. 9).
*Pseudonym.
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Colonel Hackworth believed that the 4/39th could be the best if they were properly motivated, trained, cared for and led. He made a point of talking with all new replacements and getting to know the men who served under him. He would take routine walks around the FB to visit and asses the troops, feeling that it was important for the men to know that their leader did care about them and would be with them when the bullets started flying (p. 58). He would also go on routine patrols to asses the leaders. Hackworth felt that most of the leaders were well trained, but not trained to fight insurgents (p. 60). The book details his efforts to teach the men how to fight an unconventional war. He stresses taking care of their men, train them and let them know you care about them, and in return you will earn their trust and respect and they will fight with you (p. ) Hackworth made it clear that he cared about his men from the lowest of soldier up, (p. 42), and that his commanders and staff had "better well look after them (p. 42)". .
Hackworth believes that as a leader one needs to show not only tough discipline, but caring for all those under his command.
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Hackworth" uncompromising and tough methods were so successful that he was able to turn the Battalion around, all the while fighting right along side the men in battles. This won him the admiration of the men who, in the first few weeks of his command put a bounty on the Colonel, that when he let his command of the 4/39th then put a bounty out to bring him back.
