To avoid feeling afraid, Private 1st Class Paul Berlin tries to avoid thinking by

counting his steps and singing songs in his head

Explanation:

In the story story, Paul Berlin, fights his fear of being in war. After seeing Billy die, Paul becomes more afraid of dying and the war. Also, he is fighting against his mild insanity. He laughs at Billy dying of a heart attack. The tricks that he used to keep from thinking were counting his steps and singing songs in his head. What had Paul been taught about walking in formation in the jungle? Paul had been taught to stay off the center of the path and stay alert.

always metal! releases anger and stress! bands i suggest are trivium, lamb of god, slayer, and amon amarth

he is a good writer and his works should not be questioned