Breaking Ranks

Main Themes and Topics

Breaking Ranks by Matthew C. Gutmann delves into the deeply emotional and transformative journeys of six veterans who served in the Iraq war and subsequently turned against it. The book explores themes of disillusionment, moral awakening, and personal transformation. The narratives provide a humanizing perspective on war, presenting the soldiers’ initial idealism and the harsh realities they encountered during and after their service. It highlights the complex motives behind enlisting, the profound impact of combat experiences, and the difficult process of reconciling personal beliefs with the actions they were required to carry out. By focusing on these personal stories, Gutmann examines broader political and ethical questions about warfare and military service.

Writing Style and Tone

Gutmann's writing approach in Breaking Ranks is both investigative and empathetic. He adopts a narrative style that is richly detailed and deeply immersive, skillfully weaving direct interview excerpts to provide authenticity and raw poignancy to the veterans’ stories. The tone is reflective and probing, encouraging readers to engage with the complex emotions and moral dilemmas faced by the subjects. Gutmann balances factual reporting with personal stories, ensuring that the weight of each veteran’s journey is both enlightening and accessible, avoiding sensationalism and instead opting for a grounded and respectful portrayal.

Brief Summary

In Breaking Ranks, Matthew C. Gutmann, through a series of in-depth interviews, presents the compelling stories of six Iraq war veterans who all made the difficult decision to oppose the war they once actively participated in. The book follows their initial motivations for joining the military, the life-changing experiences they faced during their tours, and their journeys after returning home, grappling with new moral and political views. Each narrative provides a unique perspective on the heavy burdens of war and the profound internal conflicts that arise when personal convictions collide with military duties.