Lt. Cross functions as a metaphor for the war, specifically its lack of meaningful structure. Like the war, Lt. Cross is characterized by a lack of definite purpose. Lt. Cross's role as leader of Alpha Company should be that of a strong leader who gives his troops clear instructions for gaining measurable advantage over the enemy. The nature of the Vietnam War, however, makes this kind of leadership impossible because the steps to achieve the objective of the war are undefined and obfuscated. Similar to battles and operations that constituted the war, Cross fails to demonstrate the clear ability to fulfill his role.
Lt. Cross is a weak leader because the traditional training he received is at stark odds with what he encounters in-country. His training forced him to be concerned more with marching in line, following preset maps, and keeping guns clean — following pre-decided standard operating procedures — rather than adapting to his environment and the attitude of his men. He was the leader of Alpha Company but never a true member of it, separating himself from his men in order to maintain a position of authority that he could never maintain if not for his superior rank. He never demonstrates leadership, but instead is granted it by decree. He lives for the knowledge that he is a leader, but is constantly afraid of that role. For example, Lt. Cross attempts to persuade himself of his own competence by relying on standard operating procedure after Lavender is killed as a means to exonerate himself from feelings of personal culpability in Lavender's death as well as his pathetic neediness for Martha's love.
