Generation Kill

by Evan Wright

In Colbert’s vehicle, the Mark-19 jammed again—as it has in two previous engagements. Hasser, who’s manning the weapon, screams, “Shit! Shit! Shit!” and pounds the roof of the Humvee, trying to unjam it. He lets out a half-crazed scream. “Raaah!” Colbert shouts up to him, “Walt! You’re losing control of yourself. Shut the fuck up and take a deep breath.” “This goddamn gun!” Hasser shouts. His voice cracks. “It’s a piece of shit!” “Walt, you know I like you a lot,” Colbert says, trying to calm him. “But it’s not going to help if you lose control of your emotions. We just don’t have enough LSA to keep it lubed properly. There’s nothing we can do about it.” He adds, “I’m sorry I had to yell at you.”

Colbert and Hasser. Dad and kid.