U.S. Marine Guidebook of Essential Subjects

Rating:
Summary: OOH-RAH!
Review: As a new recruit, I can't wait to be ahead of others with the "knowledge" that I gained from this book. My recruiters are even surprised by the amount of "knowledge" that I've gained in such a short time frame. I've passed every written test they've given me! If you are going or have gone, this is an essential must-have for every jarhead bookshelf! Semper Fi!

Rating:
Summary: It's O.K.
Review: As a new recruit, I can't wait to be ahead of others with the "knowledge" that I gained from this book. My recruiters are even surprised by the amount of "knowledge" that I've gained in such a short time frame. I've passed every written test they've given me! If you are going or have gone, this is an essential must-have for every jarhead bookshelf! Semper Fi!

Rating:
Summary: View from the past.
Review: I am a Marine Vet. I still have my original "knowledge" from boot from 15 years ago. For those not in the know this book is refered to by Drill Instructors as "The Knowledge". It is meant to be a guide book through boot. This version is not much different. My original has the breakdown of a .45 instead of a 9mm. Although when I was in the 9mm is what we used. For those in DEP do not bother. You recruiter will give you "free" material that you MUST memorize. Although you could just Google it. The instructions on how to setup fireing lines and fighting formations is ambiguous with out having a the terrain and personnel to see it. All amply provide for you in San Diego or Paris Island. I also DEP'd and the recruiter would run us through the basics. I am rambling now so here are my experienced suggestions:
1. This book is meant to be suplemental to being at boot camp. Boot camp is only intended to teach you the basics.
2. To learn about the Corps. it is OK. You can learn more on Google.
3. To learn about fighting tactics this book is not good. You only learn the basics at boot. The Corps. keeps the good stuff for those that move on to the Infantry. That is a whole new book. I was not Infantry so I have no suggestions.
4. For those that want to remember the past it is good.
5. For those like me that have a severly deteriorated "Knowledge" and you want one in good shape to show your decendants, it is great.

Rating:
Summary: It's O.K.
Review: I'm in DEP so I'm looking to soak up all the information I can before boot. This book does have a great deal of information in it but most of the essential stuff like General Orders and Ranks and the motto and birthday were already in a book the recruiter gave me after joining. This book does have dress codes and grooming and disassembly of the M16 which I found very interesting. Some of the pictures though are poor quality and it's hard to make out what they are. The book is very small and top to bottom instead of left to right.

Rating:
Summary: The Marine Bible
Review: This book is issued to recruits upon arrival at boot camp. If you are planning to become a Marine, get this book before you go!!
It covers every aspect of what it takes to be a Marine-from the history of the Corps to how to stand at attention to how to arrange your footlocker to saluting to General Orders and everything in between such as Land Navigation, Squad Leadership and tactics, physical fitness requirements, insignia, decorum, Rifle Drills, etc.
Carry it with you everywhere you go and read and re-read it.