Plan to Create a Healthier War Experience for these Soldiers
The new plan for these soldiers would be to make home bases near combat where they could sleep, eat, receive any treatment they may need to have, and do anything else they may need done. I think having a central base built for these soldiers would really help the US. With that, having strong bones and a clear head could really help us win different wars.
Another thing is having a place where soldiers can talk and be open with one another. In a letter written by Thomas Ridout to his brother, he says,”I am very anxious to know how things go on in your part of the world. … I will remember the many happy evenings I spent by your fireside, when we had nothing to think of but play cards, drink whiskey & watch the old horse by the window. … But these days are gone, perhaps never to return.” (Ontario 1813).1 This is super sad, because he is basically accepting his death and that makes you fight so differently.
Finally, Lieutenant James Scott, sent a letter to Admiral Sir James Cockburn saying,”You will readily imagine that these preparations were beheld, by a party of hungry soldiers, with no indifferent eye.” 2 The way I interpret this is simple, you have a party of hungry soldiers, becasue some have not eaten in multiple days, possibly. Then it says, " With no indifferent eye." I feel like this is saying, they are indifferent whether they die or stay alive.
Using what we now know about war, these changes will help us be able to relate to the soldiers at war. We have some of the best-trained professionals to help our active men and women that are serving our country. Todays war is so different then it was back in the 1812, and I believe we have done a good job of evolving our resources for the active duty, but we still have a long way to go to ensure the safest environment for them.
1. The War of 1812: Militia and Civilian Life, www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/1812/militia.aspx#top. Accessed 22 Sept. 2024.
2.The War of 1812 - Our White House: Looking in, Looking Out.” Our White House | Looking In, Looking Out, 2 June 2016, ourwhitehouse.org/primary-sources-the-war-of-1812/.