From the perspective of a soldier in a war zone, the poem is written in the first-person. This viewpoint gives readers an immediacy to the speaker's experience, allowing them to feel the weight of the body armor and the anxiety and paranoia of being in a hostile environment. The reader is brought directly into the action and the soldier's emotional state.
In the poem, Turner also employs a third-person narrative voice to provide a broader view of the situation. The use of the third person is effective in providing historical background and describing the larger context in which the soldier's experiences take place. This perspective reveals both the physical and psychological toll that war takes on soldiers and their families.
Turner's use of multiple viewpoints allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of war's complexities and the struggles of those involved. The combination of the soldier's personal experiences and the more distant observer's perspective provides a more well-rounded portrayal of the effects of war, ultimately making the message more impactful and unforgettable.