Review for Making the Corps (by Thomas E. Ricks)
by Aaron Askew
The cover description:
"Sixty-three men came to Parris Island to become Marines. Not all of them made it. This is the story of boot camp Platoon 3086, the Marine Corps, and America."
The back description (without the praise quotes and awards he won for the book):
"Making the Corps visits the front lines of boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina. Here, old values are stripped away and new Marine Corps values are forged. Acclaimed military journalist Thomas E. Ricks follows these men from their hometowns, through boot camp, and into their first year as Marines. As three fierce drill instructors fight a battle for the hearts and minds of this unforgettable group of young men, a larger picture emerges, brilliantly painted, of the growing gulf that divides the military from the rest of America."
This was a compelling book that told so much about nearly every aspect of the Marines. It combined descriptive It gives insight into everything from the lives of recruits, to Drill Instructors, to history, to the relationship between the Marines and society, to Parris Island Boot camp life, this book covers it all. Pentagon Journalist Thomas E. Ricks interviews the recruits and DIs quite regularly, gives frequent quotes, and even writes about the intent behind everything the Instructors do. This knowing not only what happens, but why it happens can give a prospective recruit the confidence boost and edge he needs over everyone else in order to succeed. Knowledge is power.
This gave me a great idea of how Marine boot camp is scheduled and run, and why it is run that way (which I was very curious about). All through his narrative Ricks discusses the Marines' relationship with society, some of their history, and even compares them with the other branches (especially the Army). Which was another reason I bought this book.
Though the copyright is 1998, not much has changed (besides the Crucible, which he also briefly discusses why they're putting it in) and this book is very extensive. Extensive, but not boring. Every bit is interesting and compelling, and there was never a time where I felt that the author was just rambling. The only thing lacking from this book, is an update on the implementation of the "Crucible," and the fact that he doesn't always cover what happens during exercises extensively. He gives the reader glimpses of what it's like with bits of information, but not much more. Other than that, this book is exactly what I expected and more from the reviews. Couldn't put it down. This book is essential reading for anyone who plans on entering Marine boot camp, want to learn about the Marines and/or boot camp, or who cares about the role of the military in America. And I encourage you to read the reviews on amazon.com for further information. The link is in the middle of the review.
Rated by Aaron Askew: 9.5 out of ten
GO HERE for Marine Corps Quotes and Sayings
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