I’m glad the current ROE didn’t keep you from taking them out. I guess an updated line from FMJ would be appropriate “Any person that runs is a enemy combatant anyone that stands still is a well disciplined enemy combatant.” I’m reminded of the french term c’est la guerre!

Seriously, this story was well done,and the last sentence gives a subtle emotional twist.

Rushing a checkpoint is a perfectly acceptable way to end up dead under the Rules of Engagement. Unfortunately, you rarely have a chanced to see what was in there until afterward.

Yech, the monotony and horror of war all rolled into one. Expertly done, leaving us will nothing but uncertainty and questions, just like the real thing.

I agree with the other two commenters. Boredom, fear, excitement, and horror all rolled into one. What really struck me, personally, was the unanswered question: who were the family, and why were they rushing the checkpoint? Without knowing more about the setting, it’s impossible to tell, and I think that actually works for the story. The narrator probably doesn’t know, and won’t find out, so he’s in the same boat as the reader.

Well done.

ouch is all i can say.