The eyes of a soldier have a different caste than others. They penetrate where others can’t see. They hold images we all wish were not there. The eyes of a soldier communicate much to the viewer. They are attuned to a primordial focus and see with great clarity what others cannot perceive. Windows to the soul, they can be wretched, determined, hoping, wishing, fierce, soft or totally blank. They are the ignition mechanism for the body and its continuous operation. This is the face of the experience of war. Once acquired, it never goes away. It may soften, but it doesn’t disappear. It will be recast at a passing sound, sight, or reflection. The images of moments past well-up from deep within and cast a clear countenance. It’s a look that only some can reflect–those that have been there and done that.
This is part of our Nightingale Series. Col. (Ret.) Keith Nightingale’s experience, insight, and dedication to developing tactical units for the rigors of war are aligned with the purpose of The Company Leader. We are excited to share his thoughts with you.
Combat writ large carries a variety of effects on the human. The outside observer may receive a hint from a moment’s conversation, but verification quickly comes when the observed eyes suddenly gain a flint-like fix and widen to what might be viewed as almost anatomically impossible. Just as quickly, if in a peaceful environment, they recede into normalcy as a lion might after sating its appetite. Caesar’s Legions had this look as have all combatants who would suppress scenes they saw and cannot forget. Above all, the eyes show commitment.
Fighting as an event means very little. It’s the commitment the eyes reflect that provides the true import and meaning. It’s a fidelity to a cause, to another, to a mission. For those that carry the eyes, it is the fellow combatant’s mutual commitment to each other that makes the interpretation of victory or failure. These eyes do not easily surrender because of the mutual commitment shared and strengthened by all. One can kill the vessel but that only further steels the resolve of the others. The eyes require the enemy to surrender, flee, or die. Complicated scenarios can’t hide it–the eyes tell it all.
The look, once acquired, is the hidden gift of service that makes all previous actions worthwhile and of value. They hold the images of life on the leading edge and open the door to the deeply recessed vault of events, friendships and moments of peril mutually shared and acquired. People who possess this look have a far different definition of difficult than those that do not. It is the look of a grunt and it remains embedded to death.
Examine the eyes of the grunt with the M60 or modern-day M240. The eyes reflect a dozen on-going simultaneous events. He is curious–what is happening over there? What will they have me do? What is our immediate future? He looks somewhat casual but an examination will show he clearly is not. He has a loose belt already in his gun–he is close to having to use it and wonders in what direction. The olive drab towel under it indicates its favored position but also the sensitivity of choice its owner displays-the towel prevents rust from sweat on the piece-it is a small and obscure point but very telling as to the quality of the bearer. He has the apparent insouciant look of the bored, impatient and irritated soldier.
Picture by Robin Trimarch, Ledger-Enquirer/AP; Retrieved from Newsweek.
Her gun is immaculate for the location and day’s events. Her eyes aided in ensuring it was as clean as is humanly possible. It’s hers and her companion’s life and the single most important thing she has ever owned or will. It is their Excalibur—they draw it when needed. The external aspects of the gun speak volumes as to its resolve and dedication. You can see it in her eyes, she has seen a great deal as her helmet cover reveals and understands her role. Her casual demeanor belies the intimate and arcane knowledge she possesses to operate the weapon. Selected ahead of others, she owns the rifle because she understands its value far exceeds its cost.
In some quick moments, his eyes will instantly change from wide-view to sharply focused through the small, rear aperture. The slightly open, brushy area to his front will gain all his attention as he methodically works the gun carefully noting the tracer course. His eyes will ensure the course is no more than six inches off the ground and in a wide fan. Now his ears, in combination with his eyes, will coordinate the brain and its commands. The deeper throated enemy weapons are instantly and now instinctually aligned with the gun barrel over the cacophony of the immediate engagement. Within moments, when silence prevails, he will clear his weapon, reattach a belt of ammunition, wipe the exposed parts with an oily-towel, light a cigarette, and await the next orders. This is a grunt and his body at work.
There is no color or ethnicity-it is grunt neutral. She is anything but neutral. She has become a finely honed machine and always will be. Peace will suppress the grit and senses, but they will always be present—it’s Nature’s way of filling the tank for potential future events.
Extended combat wears and transforms the body to the other images. Only time, peace, and mental/emotional recovery can return the body and its mind to what we consider normalcy. But within, the residue of the eye’s reflection remains to be extracted at odd moments. For some, the stare never leaves and they are labeled by it. But they are just reflecting what they saw when they were considered preternaturally in-tune. They were key cogs with their companions and their mutual commitment. The eyes always have it.
Check out the rest of Keith’s posts HERE and be sure to pre-order your copy of his latest book, Just Another Day in Vietnam.
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