Name:______American Sniper: Excerpt Reading Guide

Name:______American Sniper: Excerpt--Reading Guide

Use the reading guide to help you more clearly understand American Sniper. The excerpts I’ve included from this autobiography are designed to give us additional insights into the war experience. Sadly, at this time last year when I first taught this class, Chris Kyle was still alive and was a prominent media figure who spoke on behalf of veterans. This past spring, Kyle was killed, tragically, while trying to help a fellow veteran cope with PTSD.

As we dig more deeply into the genre of war, consider your own belief system…your own moral and ethical decision making process. Walk, for a bit, in the “shoes” of a Navy Seal.

1) What is the significance of the Author’s Note? Why would Chris Kyle feel compelled to write this?

2) Consider the significance of the Prologue entitled Evil in the Crosshairs. Similar to the previous point, why would Chris Kyle feel the need to begin his book with THIS story? Why does he mention that this was the only female combatant he killed (it gives us insight into him and how he things)? Is Kyle’s tone harsh as he evaluates this shot, or simply honest?

3) Is Chris Kyle correct when he basically states that he is in a fight against evil (the remainder of the Prologue)? Does he call the enemy “savages” in an effort to dehumanize them so he can do his job –OR- are these enemies truly savage?

4) Evaluate Kyle’s response to the often asked question “How many people have you killed? Does it work for you? Is war as “black and white”/”good vs. evil” as Kyle makes it sound? Does the general public look at war differently than soldiers on the ground?

5) In Chapter 2 (22) entitled Jackhammered, how does Kyle’s description of BUD/S training, and his thinking back to the Naval basic training the proceeded it, give us insight into him as a person? How accurate do you find his comparison of basic training in the Navy vs. the Marines?

6) As a tax-paying American citizen (or, future tax-payer), carefully consider the immense amount of time and dollars invested in potential Navy SEAL candidates—the success rate of actually becoming a SEAL is about 10%. Are the training of Navy SEALs worth the investment by the American public? (Note – Chris Kyle calls us out a little bit p.34 when he states “I will say one thing: going through it is far worse than reading about it.) 7) What is different about Chris Kyle that he becomes a member of the narrow minority who actually make it through Navy SEAL training? What are some of the specific characteristics that are necessary to become a SEAL? (Could you make it through?)

8) Why are SEAL teams are arranged in teams? Why does Kyle state “it was only when we joined a Team” that they got their Tridents and were considered real SEALS (39)?

9) How does Kyle’s tone subtly change after he meets Taya, who will eventually become his wife (40)? I wonder about his comment “I sensed right away she was someone who could keep up with me.” Is this arrogant or honest? Taya contributes her version of events to the story (and her feelings about SEALS are not so positive)…what value does this two-person perspective add? (I think about Kyle stating that he jumped on the bed when Taya finally called him…I wonder if it’s a personality trait of SEALs to be that intense in all aspects of their lives?

10) REALITY CHECK: Ok, people…given the fact that I’ve read everything Chris Kyle has ever written, I get chills when I read p. 43. Chris tries to convince Taya that he’s not conceited: “I would lay down my life for my country…How is that self-centered? That’s the opposite.” And Taya recalls, “He was so idealistic and romantic about things like patriotism and serving the country that I couldn’t help but believe him.” I can’t help but think about the ironic circumstances of his death. Did he die for his country?

11) “My war was finally here” (74). Kyle finally sees real action…what his reaction to his first taste of war? Does it make sense to you?

12) Kyle talks about their ROEs (Rules of Engagement). “Our ROEs were pretty simple: If you see anyone from about sixteen to sixty-five and they’re male, shoot ‘em. Kill every male you see.” Thoughts? Why does this ROE not apply to Iran?

13) Kyle again compares performance of Army and Marine Corps units (82)…fair?

14) Kyle attempts to explain what “patriotism” means to a SEAL…before exploring his definition of patriotism, what is your definition of patriotism? Then consider Kyle story (84-85); “I’ve lived the literal meaning of the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Compare/contrast: how does your definition compare to Kyle’s? 15) Examine Kyle’s definition of “evil”…how does he characterize “the enemy” (86 and on)?

16) It’s a brief reference, but Chris Kyle has a different perspective on the “weapons of mass destruction” issue (88).

17) Consider the “veteran” perspective that both Taya and Chris offer (Chap 5 – Sniper); why is Chris so upset with America. Is this a typical veteran reaction? WHY does it happen? Why is he even considering quitting the SEALs? How does he balance SEAL life with home life?

18) Describe the process in becoming a SEAL sniper (96).

19) Why does Taya (156) make a point of sharing Chris’ stories with us? What does it give us? Why share the Calling Home story (188)? Most importantly, why does Chris have a “fatalistic” attitude about death (196)? In terms of what he’ll need to do as a soldier, is that attitude a positive or a negative?

20) Family conflicts…big time (213). What is your view…”God, family, and country” (Taya) or “God, country, and family” (Chris)?

21) Beginning on p.274, Kyle shares a series of stories (with commentary from Taya) that paints the realities of war AND the realities of life on the home front. Kyle states “Every op could mix life and death in surreal ways…The battlefield is a bizarre place…It was always a delicate balance, life and death, comedy and tragedy.” As you read, react to these realities…can you ever truly prepare for the realities described? (I wonder if Chris ever shared with his wife that he had been labeled the “Devil of Ramadi” and there was a price on his head?)

22) As Chris shares the story of Ryan, he is “wishing that it had been me, not him, who was hit “ and that “nothing I’d experienced in Iraq ever affected me like this”(282). In reaction, he wants revenge—“I just wanted blood for my guy” (283). Is the desire for revenge responsible for Marc Lee’s death? We know that death is an inevitable part of war; how do SEALs (and their wives…Taya) handle the death of fellow SEALs (and I can’t help but think again about the irony of Taya’s situation).

23) Embedding media within actively fighting forces was a brand new system introduced during the Gulf War; the intent was to provide the American public with a first-hand account of the realities of war thereby winning public support. Kyle (299) has strong opinions about this. Who’s right…media or Kyle? Why? (cite evidence from the reading on this one, please)

24) Kyle is honest is stating that the “conflict—family and country, family and brothers in arms” he struggled to resolve (302). Is this a problem or just reality? If his daughter is seriously ill, does his daughter automatically become his first and primary focus? Is Taya right to be so angry with her husband; “when he had to choose he didn’t choose us” (305)?

25) Kyle makes a final point: he explains how the battle in Ramadi was won and he states “That is how the world works” (319). Is he right? Is this, indeed, how the world works? Does the American public agree with him?