Mike's Change

At the beginning of the book Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden, one of the main characters,  Mike Durrant, undergoes a huge development from beginning and end of the book. At the beginning of the book, Mike is just like all of the other new recruits, believing all Somalis are like the US’s terrorist enemies, even the civilians. But Mike Durrant is about to go through a mission that will change  him, his way of life, and his look towards the Somali citizens.


On a mission on October 3 1993, Mike is piloting his MH-60L Gunship helicopter, providing air support for troops on the ground. “Just a routine mission,” Mike said as he left the air base. But would turn out to be anything but “a routine mission.” During the battle, a Somali, fired an RPG (Rocket Propelled Grenade) at his chopper. The projectile hit his tail, blowing it off, sending him and his crew down.  


On the initial crash, Mike’s helicopter falls on its right side, and slides about 10 feet before fully stopping. Both Mike and his Co-Pilot are knocked-out on impact; unfortunately, both his rear gunners die, one fell out when the helicopter was shot, and the other was crushed in the crash landing. When Mike and his Co-Pilot regain consciousness, they are captured by Somalis. Mike is taken by a resistance leader, fighting against the same enemies the Americans are fighting against, but Mike is unaware of this. His Co-pilot, Bill Cleveland, is taken by the enemies, and is killed.


When Mike finds out who has taken him, he is both relieved and grateful. His captor tells him that technically he is a part of the terrorist group. Mike does not know how to respond to this, but he is informed that he will be returned to the military. Mike is kept in captivity until Army rescue parties arrive at the house, and are able to take him back to the base. While resting in the hospital on account of his broken leg and multiple broken ribs, Mike, has a change of heart, towards the Somali citizens. He realises that not all Somalis are enemies like the terrorists. Some are just trying to live through this war going on around them.