The 'Misfits' of Dog Company

I watched "A Company of Soldiers" through to the end last night, although it started when I usually head for bed. It was well worth it. We followed the 'Misfits' of Dog Company of the Army's 8th Cav as they patrolled the roads of south Baghdad last November. I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was no overt political agenda, and the result was fairly balanced. Not only that, but there was zero censoring of the language - no bleeps or blank spots - the language was real and uncut. We were treated to bull sessions among the 'Misfits', the tensions of patrolling the roads, the stress of a sniper attack - and the subsequent loss of one young gunner, Spc Travis Babbitt. We were able to sit with the team while Capt. Whitely spoke to them on the loss of their brother, and watched as the men comforted each other, then picked themselves up and prepared for the next job. The film was certainly real, but actually less graphic than I expected. The important thing is that the film speaks through the men of Dog Company, with little voice over or comment. By the way, PBS has posted interviews with some of the men, and they are worth reviewing if you missed watching. They tell their stories, and do their duty, and represent the best of America. They make me proud to be an American.