Rating: 
Summary: Excellent!!
Review: This book is a must read for anyone that was in the military. I have a healthy apprecation for the military. I have been out of the military for 3 years now, and it has been 8 years since I was in boot camp. But, reading this book, made me remember all of the things I was taught in boot camp, honor, respect, integrety, and should be read by everyone, it gives a glimpse into what the young men and women have go endure, and what we are taught. although, towards the end, the author goes into a lot of political statements, it is well worth reading. The book made me very proud to have served, and proud to be an american.
Rating: 
Summary: A singular account of pre-Crucible boot camp.
Review: This book is truly an excellent read, as well as an outstanding narrative on the emotional and psychological stress Recruits endure to earn the title "Marine". Mr. Ricks skillfully draws the reader into the thoughts, emotions, and lives of Platoon 3086 and their Drill Instructors, punctuating learning in the present with hard won lessons of the past. In fascinating sidebars, the author compares and contrasts MCRD Parris Island's approach to basic training, albiet briefly, with the Army's BCT programs at Ft. Jackson (non-combat MOS) and Ft. Benning (Infantry and Airborne MOS) and notes the often striking contrast between the two, and delves into a revealing commentary on the state of American society from a Marine's point of view. The only reason this book was given 4-stars instead of 5 was because the Crucible event was being phased in just as this book was going to press. This fact is in no way a criticism, and it certainly doesn't detract from the quality of the book, but it would have been even better to experience the Crucible through the eyes of platoon 3086, whom we've grown to know so well. If you're thinking of enlisting in the Marine Corps, are an ex-Marine, or know someone in the Corps, I highly recommend this book and the book, "Into the Crucible" by Cpt. James Woulfe, which follows a different platoon through the Crucible event.
Rating:
Summary: A lesson for the U.S. Army and the liberal elites...
Review: Although it may be unlikely that liberal policy makers and citizens will find their way to Mr. Ricks' book, they certainly should. It provides great insight into an institution that works well but is most often misunderstood. However, the author's discussion of a possible coup does seem a bit of journalistic excess. I thought the great lesson though was for the U.S. Army. As someone who is an 8th generation Army vet, I certainly can appreciate the rigors of basic training having gone thru Ft. Benning's Infantry course in 1983. My experience with the Army (Active duty and Reserves) was that it has many of the trials of the Marine Corps but with less of the spirit. The Army with exception of the elite units (Airborne, Special Forces, & Rangers) often is too soft, casual and civilian like. Reluctantly, I must admit as Mr. Ricks points out, the Marines are generally better at making warriors and as importantly future disciplined citizens. The U.S. Army is capable of better. It seems to be a matter of changing expectations...
Rating:
Summary: outstanding book!must read for everyone
Review: The senior Drill Instructor was described to a tee. I did not see him in action at Paris Island but I work with him now and if a little bit of him rubs off on all the Marines he works with then the Corps will be better for it. The soon to be Gunnery Sergeant is no longer making Marines. He is now refining those skills they learned in recruit training and ensuring they uphold the Corps values. HONOR COURAGE COMMITMENT. It has been a great priviledge working with him and hope to serve with him again in the future. SEMPER FI
Rating:
Summary: A trip down memory lane!
Review: This is a book that will inject motivation in to you. It's a great read for former and present Marines alike.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding piece of work!
Review: This book does an outstanding job in describing what todays youth go through as the transformation occurs from undisciplined civilian, into a combat ready marine. Its information on the daily regimen of boot camp is so accurate it's almost scary. As a marine who's been through Parris Island and Officers Candidate School, I can attest to the realities and the everday hurry up and wait B.S. you experience as a recruit. But at the same time the entangible traits which are instilled in boot camp are far more valuable and worth the blood, sweat, and tears, which are greatly described in this book. Through every sentence I read, I was taken back to my days on the Island, on that grinder at zero dark thirty in the morning, marching to chow with my eyes half way shut, only to experience a full day of some type of insightful classes, then hours of marching and drill, and then chow. All this, only to wake up the next day to experience the same thing. But as you read along, this is all worth the cause for the recruits of 3rd battalion. To finally walk across that parade deck, strutting your stuff, and finally to be acknowledged as a Marine is such a gratifying feeling. Thomas Ricks brings the everyday reader as close as he can get to becoming a recruit. It's almost as if the drill instructor comes out of the book and pushes that smokey the bear cover right against the bridge of your nose and you can feel the heat of his breathe against your face. As readers will see, the everyday picture of the typical stupid grunt marine is changing. We are becoming a more educated and efficient Marine Corps. It's amazing to see what your everyday high school graduate is given charge of once he/she becomes a Marine. As General Krulak said, "We are in the business of making Marines, and winning battles." This book takes you to the point of the spear to experience the new Marine Corps. This is a must read for all!!! Semper Fi!
Rating:
Summary: A book all parents and educators should read !!
Review: I have not read a better commentary on the state of our nation than Making The Corps. When most institutions in this country are regarded with complete distrust it is refreshing to know that at least one great one remains, The United States Marine Corp. Thomas Ricks was very fair in his assesment of this fighting force and how it can take some of the garbage society is throwing us today and make honorable young men.
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Summary: The Impact of Ricks' Book
Review: I found this book to be very well written - down to the last detail! Through the words of this book, I knew what it took to be a Marine. Although, I could not help but feel compassion for those young men. It had to be one of the most difficult challenges that they had ever faced in their young lifes (if not the most difficult). My son is a Marine and I thought about how miserable he was in boot camp and then I knew from reading this book what he had really gone through. I had came upon an article written by Ricks in the Chicago Tribune about this platoon. I guess that it was a prelude to the book. I sent a copy of the article to my son, who was stationed at the time in Japan. The fact that my son is a Marine is what drew me to the article in the first place. The book gave me such insight as to what my son had gone through to become a Marine. Boot camp was hell! My son had a difficult time adjusting and I know that there were times when he thought that he could not do it! But you know the old saying, what doesn't kill us will make us stronger. When he came home from boot camp, he had grown so much as a person in such a short time. It help his self-esteem and it made him realize the strength that was in him. I had always told him, if you never challenge yourself, how will you ever know what you are capable of. The Marines challenged him to truly "be all that he could be." I could see the man that he was becoming. After reading the book, I had a new level of respect for him and the challenges that he surpassed to become a Devil Dog (ooorah!). It was a great book! Theresa Rayford-Collins Proud Mother of a United States Marine
Rating:
Summary: An "out-friggin-standing" portrayal of USMC training!
Review: A professional book reviewer wrote that Making the Corps is a piece of literature that every American citizen should own. Having been through six weeks of Marine Officer Candidates School, I found it particularly intriguing because it is so incredibly accurate, not to mention articulate. I read this book both before and after my training - first for insight, then to spark old memories of my own. This book is a must-have!!!
Rating:
Summary: A must for anyone taking on a leadership role in Society
Review: As a Marine Corps. Junior ROTC cadet, this book was invaluable to me on a level not only as a cadet but as a human being. It helped me perform my duties as a leader beyond my average capabilities.
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