Sgt. Elias represents compassion and goodness, which puts him in direct conflict with Sgt. Barnes. Elias believes in winning hearts and minds and believes a military victory in Vietnam is not possible. Taylor will come to see Elias as his savior.Sgt Elias was half Indian from Olkahoma.He didn't have to join the army because he had a good paying job in the oil fields,but when his live in girlfriend/wife got busted for drugs Elias took the blame and was given the offer of The Army or jail.