Rating: 
Summary: Great depiction of the Marine Corps
Review: I thought that Ricks' depiction of Boot Camp/Training and the Marine Corps was great but I found that Ricks would sometimes veer away from what he was talking about and go into something completely different. While reading the book, I sometimes would forget what he was talking about in the first place. It seemed like he was only trying to fill pages with some of the way-off centered ideas he would go into. I did still enjoy reading about Boot Camp and the Marine Corps and that is why I gave it 4 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: well goddam
Review: if there is a better book than this, may i be sent to hell for an eternity of damnation. there is, was, and will be no better book. karl in nevada
Rating:
Summary: The Way It Was
Review: When I went through boot camp, in 1963, there were still members of the "Old Corps" (World War II and Korea) around. These men were tough in a way that Sylvester Stallone (He spent the Vietnam years as a physical education instructor in a private girls' school in Switzerlan) will never understand.God bless the Marine Corps for remaining The Best, and Gob bless Thomas Ricks for explaining what it is to the rest of America.
Rating: 
Summary: Two subjects in one book.
Review: This is pretty good observation of Marine Corps boot training by an outsider. It also includes a fair to poor attempt at commentary on the military/societal relationship. I found his description of the experiences of Platoon 3086 to be very interesting and an enjoyable read. There were relatively minor discrepancies and errors which I attribute to his assumed lack of personal experience with the military other than by observation. His commentary on the military/societal relationship, particularly in chapter 9, just doesn't fit the rest of the book and turned my attitude completely around. He touches on some of the issues that we should be considering, but goes grossly overboard. The military today isn't what it used to be, and I share concern over it's plight. I hardly fear a military coup, however! As much as our military has changed (and in many ways not for the better), there still is an overriding dedication to the defense of our Constitution, not to political par! ties or personalities. For the reader with no personal military experience his words could be frightening. Ricks' commentary seems almost an apology for writing an otherwise unbiased account of the Corps' dedication to values while society sinks in a mire of relativism. I'd give chapter 9 two stars, and the rest four stars.
Rating:
Summary: Very good & a must reader for everyone!
Review: This book is a very good account of what my marine friends told me what they went through. I could not put this book down for one second. The was only one thing I did not agree with. Being an Army soldier, I only wish Mr. Ricks knew what it is like going through Army basic training at Fort Knox, KY. I was in Alpha Company 1/46 from October '96 to December '96 and we had an all male boot camp with every drill sergeant in the company being male. We did not have it easy like those in Fort Jackson or Fort Leanordwood, the way Mr. Ricks describes. The 3 drill sergeants I had reminded me so much of the 3 in this book. In many ways this book reminded me of my own 8 week experience of basic training. I greatly respect those 3 drill sergeants who trained me to be a soldier. This book is a must read for every person who ever was in, is in, or who plans to join any branch of the military.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely well-written and captivating.
Review: Thomas E. Ricks has created a masterpiece in his depiction of the Marines as a brotherhood, as well as their opposition in, of and to America's society. His account of platoon 3086's experiences through boot camp are sufficiently graphic and descriptive to absolutely captivate the reader.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most helpful preparatory books I've read.
Review: As a junior (11th grade-2nd classmen) at a military academy, the armed forces-specifically the Marines-have been the direction that I've been trying to steer my life towards. I'm not going to say that I've read every book around. Most deal with life as already-indoctrinated Marines anyway. I have, however, versed myself well. Of the books describing recruit training that I've read, this book was the one that allayed all of my questions and put to rest any doubts I had about the superior training rendered on Parris Island (along with Quantico). Once again, a great book and Semper Fi!
Rating:
Summary: Great picture of present day marine corps.,
Review: The book gave me assurance that the Marine Corps is what it is supposed to be. Showing young men how to be come leaders in good times and bad. Maintaining the importance of physical and mental fitness.
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Summary: After reading MAKING THE CORPS i would like to applaud Ricks
Review: As a middle schooler I have wanted to join the marine corps for about two years now. I read just about every marine corps book I can get my hands on. As I read MAKING THE CORPS my eyes where opened up more and more to the positives and negatives of the finest fighting unit our country has to offer. But still in the end I remain knowing that the Corps is all that i want to be in and serve in. Thomas A. Ricks has done a fantastic job in describing all the trials the marines have gone through, wether in boot camp or in politics. I would seriously like to recommend this book to any one considering entering the corps as a NCO or a commisioned officer. SEMPER FI!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding piece of work
Review: This is the best and most believable book about Marine Corps boot camp to date. Mr. Ricks is both honest and fair. As a Marine I was proud to read this book. Mr. Ricks, you sir are to be commended. Thank you and Semper Fi!
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