- The men guarding the American prisoners in Dresden are all kids and old guys sworn into the army the day before the Americans arrive.
- They are a little nervous to be meeting American troops straight from the front.
- When they arrive at the train station to see Billy Pilgrim (in his blue toga and silver boots), Paul Lazzaro (who is clearly nuts), and Edgar Derby (filled with puffed up notions of patriotism and wisdom), they immediately relax.
- These Americans are ridiculous, nothing to be afraid of.