The Complex Relationship: Soldiers and War in 'Apocalypse Now' and 'Bravo Two Zero'

When Colonel Bill Kilgore states, ldquo;this never happens in a lifetime, ever,rdquo; in Apocalypse Now, his words resonate deeply with the complex emotions and existential uncertainties that accompany a soldierrsquo;s relationship with war. This article explores this relationship through the lens of two significant works of literature: Apocalypse Now and Andy McNabbrsquo;s Bravo Two Zero.

The Emotional Toll of War: Bill Kilgore in 'Apocalypse Now'

Colonel Bill Kilgorersquo;s statement, ldquo;this never happens in a lifetime, ever,rdquo; reflects the profound emotional and psychological impact that war has on soldiers. This line from Apocalypse Now can be interpreted in several ways:

Attachment to War

Kilgore embodies a certain romanticism and thrill associated with combat. His character revels in the chaos and adrenaline of war, leading to a sense of loss or emptiness when the war ends. For Kilgore, war is more than a job or a duty; it is his identity, purpose, and source of excitement. The thought of war ending brings a feeling of existential uncertainty, as he is not sure what he will do without it.

Cynicism and Disillusionment

Kilgorersquo;s demeanor also reflects a deeper cynicism about the nature of war. His statement can be seen as a recognition of the futility and endlessness of conflict. War seems inescapable, and the end of one war does not necessarily bring about peace or resolution. This cynicism suggests that Kilgore recognizes the inherent nihilism of war and the bleak future that lies ahead.

Lack of Conviction

There is also the possibility that Kilgore is not fully convinced that the war will ever truly end. His experiences in multiple wars have led him to doubt the idea of peace, reflecting a more nihilistic view of the world. The uncertainty of the warrsquo;s end and his own future add to the emotional burden he carries.

Overall, Kilgorersquo;s line and the emotions surrounding it highlight the complex relationship soldiers have with war. This complexity is a central theme in Apocalypse Now. The psychological toll of the Vietnam War on those involved is deeply explored, showcasing the unspoken and overwhelming emotions that soldiers carry.

Andy McNabbrsquo;s Perspective in 'Bravo Two Zero'

Andy McNabb, in his book Bravo Two Zero, captures the perspective of a soldier who hopes for, and may even thrive in, the cycle of conflict. McNabb writes, ldquo;to some extent every soldier hopes for a major war in his lifetime this one was mine.rdquo; This quote is a direct reflection of Bill Kilgorersquo;s sentiment, amplifying the idea that war is not just a means to an end but a way of life for certain soldiers.

Bill Kilgore as a ldquo;War Junkierdquo;

Bill Kilgore is a specific embodiment of a soldier who is not just a participant but a passionate advocate for war. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Cav, Kilgore has seen multiple wars and tours, cementing his status as an expert in combat. For Kilgore, war is not a job; it is a way of life, and he thrives in it. His military career has been shaped by war, and he is well aware that another war would mean either continued leadership in the field or a shift to a middle management role as a civilian.

Uncertainty and the Role of War

What complicates Kilgorersquo;s perspective is the uncertainty of the war. The thought of a future without war brings with it a sense of loss and existential angst. The phrase ldquo;he will be up or he will be outrdquo; suggests that Kilgore cannot imagine a life outside of war. He will either continue to lead battles and be at the forefront of conflict, or he will be removed from that life altogether.

The choice, therefore, leaves him with a profound sense of uncertainty. The idea of being in a middle management job or managing rather than leading is foreign to Kilgore. This uncertainty and the fear of losing the identity that war has provided him highlight the complex relationship soldiers have with conflict.

Concluding Reflections

The relationship between soldiers and war is one of deep complexity, encompassing emotions from excitement to despair and existential uncertainty. The experiences of Colonel Bill Kilgore in Apocalypse Now and the candid reflections in Bravo Two Zero provide a nuanced understanding of this relationship. For many soldiers, war is more than a series of battles; it is a way of life, a source of identity, and an integral part of their existence.

This exploration underscores the psychological toll that war takes on its participants. It reveals the unspoken truths about the human condition, the unfulfilled desires, and the deep-seated convictions that link soldiers to their experiences on the battlefield.