Why Sgt. Major Dickerson Should Not Have Dished an Honorable Discharge for Adrian Cronauer

In the 1987 film In Good Morning Vietnam, Adrian Cronauer defies the traditional military hierarchy, leading to a narrative that highlights the conflict between military bureaucracy and the genuine connection required with the troops. Many argue that Cronauer's insubordination should have warranted a dishonorable discharge. However, an in-depth analysis reveals that Sgt. Major Dickerson, Cronauer's superior, had neither the legal authority nor the grounds to arrange such a discharge.

Public Popularity: Cronauer’s Broadcasts and Morale Boost

Cronauer’s broadcasts resonate with the troops and significantly boost their morale. His ability to connect with soldiers and provide a crucial dose of humor and reality makes him invaluable, even if his methods are unconventional. Cronauer’s influence is such that the soldiers eagerly anticipate his show, and their spirits soar whenever he is on the air. His authenticity and relatability set him apart from the typical military fare, making him a beloved figure among the troops.

Military Politics: The Complexity of Hierarchical Interactions

The military hierarchy often balances discipline with the need for effective communication and troop morale. Cronauer's immense popularity among the soldiers might have made it politically unwise for Dickerson to pursue severe disciplinary action. In a highly charged environment, challenging Cronauer could have led to widespread dissatisfaction and potential unrest, which could have endangered the unit's cohesion and mission success. Therefore, it would have been a pragmatic decision to allow Cronauer to continue his broadcasts in the interest of maintaining troop morale and operational effectiveness.

Character Dynamics: Struggles Within the Military Structure

Detective Dickerson is portrayed as a strict by-the-book officer who struggles to adapt to the changing dynamics of the war and the needs of the soldiers. His singular focus on discipline sometimes clashes with Cronauer's more relaxed and humanistic approach. However, this conflict also allows for character development and a deeper exploration of the impact of war on individuals and their relationships within the military. Cronauer's insubordination serves to highlight the tension between traditional military values and the emotional and psychological needs of the soldiers.

Narrative Purpose: Conveying the Conflict Between Bureaucracy and Genuine Connection

Narratively, Cronauer's insubordination serves to highlight the conflict between military bureaucracy and the need for genuine connection with the troops. It drives much of the plot and allows for a fundamental discussion on the human element in war and how it affects individual soldiers. The insubordination is also instrumental in character development, as both Cronauer and Dickerson grow throughout the film. Cronauer learns to balance his authenticity with professionalism, while Dickerson realizes the importance of adapting to new circumstances and understanding the emotional complexities of the soldiers.

Ultimately, while Cronauer's insubordination could warrant disciplinary action, the combination of his popularity, military politics, and narrative needs allowed him to continue his broadcasting. The film draws a nuanced picture of the challenges faced by military figures in the chaotic and emotionally demanding environment of war.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Legal and practical considerations further underscore the impracticality of any attempt to dishonorably discharge Cronauer.

US Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas: A dishonorable discharge would require a much more extensive and formal process than simply back talking a sergeant major. It involves military courts and legal proceedings that are reserved for serious criminal offenses. In In Good Morning Vietnam, Cronauer never actually commits a felony, eliminating the need for such a severe penalty.

Commander Generalary Taylor: A Key Figure in Cronauer’s Protection: General Taylor, who oversees the unit, consistently defends Cronauer from minor charges, showcasing the commanders' trust in Cronauer's value. The film shows that Taylor’s protection for Cronauer is based on a recognition of Cronauer’s importance to troop morale and overall mission success.

Protective Hierarchies: Dickerson’s Downfall: Instead of pursuing disciplinary action for Cronauer, Dickerson himself faces repercussions. Taylor transfers Dickerson to a different command after Dickerson's vindictive and unprofessional behavior. This further emphasizes that the military hierarchy honors those who serve the greater good and those who do not align with such values will suffer consequences.

Thus, the decision to allow Cronauer to continue his broadcasting was a strategic move that maintained troop morale and addressed the unique challenges of the war environment. The film's narrative highlights the delicate balance between discipline and genuine connection, making it clear that Cronauer's insubordination was not a justification for his dismissal.