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Summary: Brings back the great memories
Review: I had the priveledge of reading this book during a 14 week stay in MRP (Medical Rehabilitation Platoon) on Parris Island. I unfortunately was unable to complete boot camp because of injury, but this book reminds me of the sights, smell, and experiences of the Island. This book gets better each time I read it. God willing, I'll be going back real soon. I was born on Parris Island and this book helps keeps my heart and soul there forever. Ooh-Rah
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Summary: Vivid picture of challenges of triumphs of becoming a Marine
Review: Very enlightening, extensive portrayal of the mental and physical challenges awaiting those who have chosen to become One of the Few. My son enlisted and left for boot camp a few days before I picked up this book. Must admit, I had doubts as to whether this was the best choice for him. This book has done an excellent job of providing a clear understanding of what he is going through and facing in the near future. I am PROUD he has chosen to be a Marine, and now better understand why he has chosen this path. Excellent read, Ricks is a master at telling personal stories of actual recruits and the officers around them. Found his perspectives created great food for thought. Would recommend to all, those with and without a loved one who are thinking of joining, or have joined USMC. An absolute MUST for any parent with a son who may decide to join!
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Summary: Deeply insightful review of Marine Corps boot camp.
Review: I myself completed Marine corps boot camp approximately two years before this book was written, and it was definately a flashback. I had thought that I remembered all of the trials and tribulations that were required of me in order to claim the title of US Marine, but this book made me realize that I only remembered the "fun" things, and did an excellent job in "reminding" me about the rest. Mr Ricks does an excellent job of shedding light on many typical situations, from both the recruits as well as the Drill Instructor's point of view. The only thing that I disliked about this book is the way Mr Ricks often claims to be stating the beliefs and feelings of the Marines in my Corps as a whole, when I often felt that they were his own.
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Summary: An awsome insight of Marine boot camp.
Review: I thouhgt this book was nothing but great reading! Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down! It gave me motivation about joining the Corps. and wanting to become a United States Marine. As I leave for boot camp in September, I will strive to become a Marine knowing those who were befor me and those of platoon 3086 of Paris Island. I think Thomas E. Ricks is a wonderful writer!
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Summary: This is a well-rounded book.
Review: Making the Corps is an excellent read. It is a well-rounded book which sheds light into what life is like before, during and after the Corps's boot camp. This book presents the raw, in-your-face facts about the Marine Corps. Nothing's sugar-coated. For a civilian who's reading Making the Corps, it brings to life the essence of what being a Marine is truly all about. This book touches upon the high and low points, and the breadth and depth of this service branch. Between the covers of this book, one will read about and encounter tragedy, betrayal, heroism, camaraderie, loyalty, sacrifice, and the commitment to uphold a unique set of virtues that only a faithful few are able to bear.
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Summary: Describes the experience from the wrong point of view.
Review: I found Mr. Ricks book to be very good from the point of describing the rigors of boot camp. However, he is a writer for the Wall Street Journal - puhleease! I found a liberal viewpoint and a complete misunderstanding of the so-called "alienation" from mainstream America. I found his ideas about a possible "coup" to be way off the mark. I feel that a better book by one WHO HAS BEEN THERE, is "BOOT," by Daniel Da Cruz. I think he descibes the problems of the modern Marine much more accurately than does Mr. Ricks. I believe that Mr. Ricks does a very good job of describing what he sees, but I feel that he cannot penetrate the surface to see the true meaning of what is going on. It is my opinion that Mr. Ricks ought to stick to writing about corporate namby-pambies, which is what the Wall Street Journal is all about. Read "Making the Corps" for a good description, but read "Boot" for a true understanding. There is a big difference between describe and understand.
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Summary: good book
Review: Chapter nine appears as if it were written about the military in 1972, as it was exactly the same except perhaps we actually hated civilians, not merely despised them back then. Sadly when I think of Marines, I always think of an episode in 1969 when I watched 12 marines die by enemy machine gun fire because marines don't use artillery or gunships on "only one bunker". We silenced the bunker with the rockets from our gunship but we were not allowed to do it until 12 boys died crossing an open rice paddy trying to take it like real marines.
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Summary: This is one of the best military books I have read.
Review: Let me start off by saying, "this was a great book!" I feel this way not only because it explains each of the recruits and their training in depth, but because it interviews a lot of "meaningful" people (generals, marine officers, and just people that have something to do with the military in general). As a result, you get the opinions of the people, which helps you to understand what is going on in the military and their role in America, and it helps you to make decisions about what you think. Personally, I loved reading it.
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Summary: Backround for a Civilian
Review: Having worked w. ex-Marines I read this book for some backround. As a civilian with minimal exposure to military life I have no way of knowing if this is an accurate description of boot camp or not; the narrative reads pretty convicing, though. Boot camp sound like a very grueling ordeal, and necessary when one considers the types of missions the Marines are sent on. I appreciated the no-nonsense approach and comittment shown by the DIs and the recruits. My only gripe is the political commentary that runs through Ricks' book; If I recall the biographical information correctly Ricks' writes for the Wall Street Journal and was affiliated with Harvard, so he may think, given his personal and proffesional environment, the Corps' values (and possibly the other services) are more remote from mainstream America than they really are.
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Summary: Today's USMC bootcamp & civil-military relationships.
Review: If you want a great read about today's USMC recruit training at Parris Island, SC, and a great insight into the USMC vs. American society 'culture war,' then don't miss this OUTSTANDING book! Ricks does a superb job of capturing the challenges and triumphs of a real platoon undergoing bootcamp at the Corps' legendary Parris Island Recruit Depot. He explores the recruits' backgrounds and responses to the transforming bootcamp experience. Unlike some other works which seem to exaggerate certain perspectives, this book is an honest, realistic and well-written collection of astute, in-depth observations. You will understand how the Corps continues to thrive while keeping their numbers small, standards high, and traditions strong. This book also analyzes the growing cultural gap between the USMC and the very society from which it comes. Ricks did extensive research into this gap and carefully weaves it in all throughout the book. He accurately describes the USMC cultural experience and compares it to what you see and don't see in today's society. If you have never given this gap much thought, you will find yourself wondering why you never noticed it before. Being a Marine, I loved this book. Being a part of American society, I was intrigued and entertained by this book. I recommend this book to any Marine and all citizens who ever considered becoming a Marine, running for public office, or know others who have done either one. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
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