Rating: 
Summary: Solid insight into boot camp & military-societal discourse
Review: Well written and researched account of USMC boot camp. Great insight into DI personalities, and those of the recruits. That half of the book was a fun read. The real meat, however, is Ricks' discussion of the military's opinion of the society it serves. I'd like to see a similar book in about 5 years, after more "rightsizing" takes its toll, and the lack of a shooting war further widens the rift between the military and civilian populace. Ricks reports, but gives little of his own opinion. I'd have liked to see more opinion and analysis. All-in-all, though, a well-written and well-researched book. Worth reading for the professional officer (like me) and for the soon-to-be recruit.
Rating: 
Summary: Much more than expected
Review: This is actually two books in one. The first is the exceptionally engaging account of a group of Marine recruits as they make their way through Boot Camp. The author then follows some of them through their immediate experiences after leaving Parris Island and their subsequent careers. The suspense becomes not only who will make it and who will not, but also what psychological and emotional changes each will experiences. The second, interspersed through the account of the recruits, is a running dialog on the role of a professional military in a constitutional democracy. The author's discourse on the politicization of the military establishment, the isolation of the military from the rest of American society, and the separate roles and training programs of the individual branches of the Armed Forces is enlightening, thought-provoking and, at times, very troubling. These sections are very readable and will make you think.
The real surprises are how the Drill Instructors treat the recruits (much different from you might expect), how the Drill Instructors treat each other, and how the Marine Corps. treats the Drill Instructors. The latter, with regard to one particular Drill Instructor, is fascinating and exasperating at the same time.
This is a book with substance, one that you will recommend highly to your friends. For anyone in managerial position, it should be on their required reading list for the insights that it provides into personalities, group dynamics, and bureaucratic eccentricities.
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Summary: The finest book I've ever read. Finished it in one day.
Review: As a graduate of 3rd Battalion, RTR Parris Island (Plt. 3010 - 9/67) it evoked memories, laughs and tears. It hits hard and accurately at the core of society's major problems. The Marine Corps has flourished over the last 222 years because of it's commitment to core values. Todays society has allowed core values such as honor, teamwork and compassion to erode and be replaced by the "me" factor. The "Hard Hat" in my platoon used to say he could never go back to civilian life because there were "..nine million ---- people running around with no one in charge...". Every day I thank God for allowing me to earn and claim the title, United States Marine.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating perspective for non-military
Review: One of the few books that I've read cover to cover. As a civilian, I was fascinated by the inside peek into one of the most grueling rituals a young man can face.
The author Ricks obviously has a bias towards his subject, but he still presents a balanced perspective.
By using real names and by providing historical information, Ricks succeeds in combining the currency of newspaper journalism with the illuminating depth of cultural analysis.
Rating:
Summary: Values remain
Review: I don't remember enjoying similar situations at PI thirty some odd years ago as much as I enjoyed having them described in this book. The author illustrates that in this age of poitical correctness, there are certain values that the Marine Corps has rightly refused to compromise. Enough said!
Rating:
Summary: Superbly-written summary of who and what the USMC is.
Review: This book is quite simply the best book about the Marine Corps that I have ever read. It should be required reading in all of the Corps' formal schools and copies of it should be kept in all of the Corps' wardrooms, barracks and duty stations. Additionally, the issues that Ricks addresses, especially the growing rift between the civilian and military worlds and the politicisation of the Officer Corps, should be widely discussed by the public and the media. -John G. Hogan, former Major, USMCR
Rating:
Summary: Rings True
Review: If a book about the Marine Corps is to ring true for a Marine, of any status, it should invoke voices from the past. The memories of the past should come out strong if an author has not tried to gloss over anything. This book does a fine job of what it is like to become a Marine. Some may find the commentary on the relationship of the military and today's society a bit dry and overdone. The social commentary will please some, for others the descripton of training motivates the purchase. In either instance it is a well worth the reading and for any Marine even more so.
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Summary: Great
Review: Anyone who critizes this book should be ready to give his USMC serial number as evidence of his or her ability and experience. If I had my way, every college graduate would be required to serve as a Marine.
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Summary: Widening gap between Marine and society's values a concern.
Review: Thomas E. Rick's "Making the Corps" is a fascinating account of the foundation of an institution that finds itself without a mooring in the larger society of which it is not only a part, but is expected to help protect. It makes tangible the intangible by providing the answer to what makes a Marine a Marine and how and why he is made that way. But the broader question the book poses is not, and cannot be answered, and because it cannot, deserves the full attention of anyone who is in a position to influence the course of cultural evolution in modern American society. The book suggests an extremely disquieting dichotomy; if the Marine Corps continues to serve its country in the admirable manner it has for most of the more than 200 years of its existence, it runs the risk of committing the ultimate disservice that the military establishment of any democracy can render - the overt use of its military power to influence political action. Why? As Rick sets forth, because of the ever-widening gap between the core values which have and do make the Marine Corps arguably the finest military organization in the world, and those of the broader American society. In short, the concepts of truth, honor, sacrifice, valor, discipline, standards and achievement that are at the heart of the Marine Corps, would be lost on most American high school students today. Worse, they would, to a significant degree be scoffed at by those who are shaping the character of young America. What is to be done? Rick offers some answers, but they seem woefully inadequate. Surely there is more that can be done. You don't have to be a Marine to understand and appreciate this book. You particularly don't have to believe that the way the Marines do things is the right way. What you do have to do if you think of yourselve as an honest and responsible citizen, is read the book and accept the burden of the questions it poses.
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Summary: " Return to the Old Corps , for the sake of our Country!
Review: It's time to return to the Old Corps! The heart and soul of a Marine is his discipline, unquestionable following of orders and respect. In this book it's very apparent young men and women need the Old Corps Ways. Without the Marine Corps they will be the lost generation of loveless parents. No one gives a Damn , except the Marine Corps. Yes I was and am a Old Marine graduating in 1967 serving in Viet nam in 1968. Boot camp was very physcial and hard . I can't explain to Non Marines, but the Old Marines will smile and agree with me . It's time to bring the Old Corps Back.
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