Now that I have listened to the song more I knowbelieve this song is more about the soldiers than the war. I'm not taking back what I said before but idk it just seems more likely because the soldiers are being worked to death, they have to be in a great amount of pain both mental and physical, so their bodies would be burning, they feel desolate b/c they are lonely or from other factors, yearning to return home or just to see their buddies return to base alive. Dying of anticipation b/cany step they take could be their last orjust eager to foght or get home, and choking from intoxication is kinda obvious. I highly doubt the burning rubble cannot be good for you, maybe even the B. O. , rubble, smell of vomit or other things could have them gasping for fresh air.
This is just a kinda theory so don't yell and say I konw nothing ok please.