War

Sebastian Junger has written multiple books and directed several documentary films, including the New York Times best-selling book The Perfect Storm. His film Restrepo, a companion to the book War, won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. Junger writes for Vanity Fair and has won multiple awards, including the National Magazine Award and the SAIS Novartis journalism prize.

In 2014, Junger produced a second War-related documentary, Korengal, which follows up on Battle Company soldiers, especially after they leave Korengal Valley.

Sergeant Brendan O’Byrne is one of the best interviews in Second Platoon. He lived a hard life as a kid, then straightened up and signed up. He patrols the Korengal with Battle Company’s Second Platoon. Despite the dangers, O’Byrne loves the work, misses it when his tour ends, and struggles for a while back in the US before quitting alcohol, getting married, and settling into civilian life.

O’Byrne’s views are pretty similar to those of his platoon mates; his fears, intense loyalty, and struggles at home also typify those of the other men. The author quotes O’Byrne more than any other soldier, and he follows up on O’Byrne, meeting with him multiple times after the young sergeant retires from the service.