The brave and wonderful Sergeant
The two main characters in the novel end up under the command of Sergeant Sterling, a man known from his brave attitude and his willingness to do everything needed to protect his men. The Sergeant is seen as the perfect military man, someone who would do anything to win the war and someone who could never be affected by the war. Because of this, it is ironic to see how, at the end of the novel, Sergeant Sterling is among the first ones to kill himself.
Band of Brothers
Before going to war, Murph and Bartle thought they would find themselves entering a comradeship which will last a lifetime together with the rest of the soldiers. The two men hoped the relationship they will develop with the other soldiers would mean they will be willing to die for one another at a blink of an eye. Ironically, the two soon discovered this was not true and how the reality was actually the complete opposite. The soldiers were so desperate to stay alive, they became willing to sacrifice everything and everyone to ensure they stayed that way.
Violence without remorse
When the two new soldiers reach the battlefield, they are appealed and terrified by the violence and the gruesome way in which almost everyone dies. After a while spent on the battlefield, the two try to come up with a way to cope with what they are experiencing on an everyday basis. Ironically, the way through which the two find a way to cope with the new reality is by becoming just as cruel as the rest, something which they vowed to never do.
Not so sad
After a fighting for a while in Iraq, Murph receives a letter from back home through which his girlfriend is telling him they are breaking up. Those close to Murph expected him to act rash, the be affected by this to the extent where he will no longer be able to keep himself safe. Because of this, it is ironic to see that not only was Murph not affected by the news of being dumped by his girlfriend, he even appeared to be revealed.
Taking part in a very important mission
Towards the middle of the novel, the soldiers are visited by a news reporting team. The colonel tries to impress the reporters by staging what is described by him as being an extremely important mission. In order to be presented in a positive light, the colonel rushes the mission, even though he is told the soldiers are not ready. The mission goes badly and one soldier is killed as a result. Ironically, after the mission ends, the soldiers are told the strip of land they were told to gain control over had no importance for their position and as such they put their life in danger.
