I Volunteered for This

Brief Summary

by Theresa Benner McCullough is a gripping personal narrative that recounts her experiences in the U.S. Army after college, focusing on her deployment to Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division. The memoir offers a vivid account of life at a remote base, Sarkari Karez, where she was one of the few female soldiers. The story takes a harrowing turn as McCullough describes a night when she was sexually assaulted by a male soldier. The narrative offers a window into her challenging journey through the criminal investigation and the difficulties she faced within a male-dominated command structure while seeking justice. The book is presented in a journal-style format, providing raw and personal insights into her daily life in a combat zone and offering hope and encouragement to women dealing with sexual trauma and PTSD.

Main Themes and Topics

The central themes of revolve around resilience, justice, and personal empowerment. Theresa Benner McCullough sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the military, particularly focusing on the themes of sexual assault and the subsequent trauma and PTSD that follows. The book not only highlights the systemic issues within military structures that often impede justice but also underscores the courage required to confront these challenges. McCullough’s narrative serves as a beacon of hope and bravery for those who have faced similar traumas, advocating for awareness and change within the armed forces.

Writing Style and Tone

Theresa Benner McCullough employs a personal journal-like style that infuses the narrative with authenticity and intimacy. Each entry is crafted with raw honesty, allowing readers to glean a profound understanding of her experiences and emotions. The tone of the book is candid and reflective, drawing readers into the day-to-day reality of life in a combat zone. McCullough strikes a balance between conveying the severity of her experiences and offering moments of hope and encouragement, creating a narrative that is both impactful and inspiring.

Criticism

While is praised for its candid account and insight into the life of a female soldier in Afghanistan, some readers may feel that the intensely personal format might occasionally lean too heavily on raw emotional expression. For some, the journal-style entries may lack the narrative progression and depth found in more traditionally structured memoirs. However, this stylistic choice also contributes to the authenticity of McCullough’s story, offering an unfiltered view of her experiences.