The New York Times Book Review, David Murray :
Ricks ... believes the harsh regimen is necessary, but he wisely raises the question of whether, along with estimable pride, there is not too much isolation from the national culture, too much political and social conservatism.

From Kirkus Reviews , 10/01/97:
Wall Street Journal Pentagon correspondent Ricks effectively combines a vivid account of the rigorous basic training received by US Marine recruits with commentary on what separates the demanding, disciplined culture of America's military elite from the more permissive culture of its civilian society. The author tracks the 60-odd volunteers who comprised Platoon 3086 at Parris Island i 1995 through the challenging 11-week course known as boot camp. Unlike their counterparts in other branches of the US military, aspiring marines do not train alongside women; nor do they have access to alcohol, automobiles, candy, cigarettes, drugs, or various other diversions dear to the hearts of young American males. Ricks offers anecdotal evidence on what USMC recruits must endure in the way of indoctrination from fearsome (but no longer gratuitously brutal) drill instructors in the deep piney woods where apprentice warriors get their first taste of what combat is like, and in other invariably sweaty venues. He goes on to review the washout rate of 14 percent or so (which thins 3086's ranks to 55 by graduation day), the ongoing debate on ever-tougher entrance requirements (which probably cost the corps some superior fighting men), and the army's purposefully ``user-friendly'' training regimen (which reportedly neither instills esprit nor prepares soldiers to do battle). Covered as well is the risk that alienation could induce cream-of-the-crop troops like marines to take a more forceful role in the governance of the nation they are pledged to protect, if not engage in an outright coup. The author argues that it behooves America's largely oblivious middle and upper classes to take a more direct interest in their military. A revelatory briefing on what sets the USMC apart and the consequences of its superiority during a postCold War era when, for all the talk of peace dividends, the wider world remains an armed and dangerous place. (16 pages photos, maps, not seen) (Radio satellite tour) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Synopsis:
In the tradition of A Long Gray Line and Friday Night Lights, this book chronicles the powerful forces that transform a group of raw recruits from wildly different backgrounds into a single unit of fiercely proud Marines. of photos.

Semper Fi. The few, the proud. From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. Once a Marine, always a Marine. The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is part of the fabric of American myth. No other group in America leaves so deep and permanent a mark on its members. Today, though, the Marine Corps feels increasingly besieged, at war with a new kind of enemy the vast social and political forces that it feels threaten to destroy its values. Making the Corps visits the front lines of that war: boot camp, Parris Island, South Carolina, "where the difference begins." Here, old values are stripped away and new, Marine Corps values, forged. Acclaimed military journalist Thomas E. Ricks follows sixty-three raw recruits, the men of recruit platoon 3086, from their hometowns to Parris Island, through boot camp, and into their first year as Marines. As three fierce drill instructors fight a battle for the hearts and minds of this unforgettable group of young men, a larger picture emerges, brilliantly painted, of the growing gulf that divides the military from the rest of America.

The author, Tom Ricks (at [email protected]) , 12/17/97:
Author of "Making the Corps" responds
I just want to thank everybody for their very nice comments about my book. Except that cranky guy in Vermont who posted a criticism after reading only an "excerpt.''

The publisher, [email protected] , 12/14/97:
audio
Will this book be in audio, if so when will it be released.

Customer Comments
SSgt Todd DeLaney([email protected]) from U.S. , 05/12/98, rating=10:
Outstanding piece of work
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!

J.H. from San Rafael California , 05/06/98, rating=10:
Excellent Book
Being a great fan of military books both fiction and non fiction I found this a great book. I have read numerous stories about Marine boot camp from many Marines, but I have found this to be the best. I loved th way it described the emotions and feelings of all the people. I enjoyed reading this book tremendously and was sorry when it was over. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in reading about Marine boot camp.

[email protected] from Washington State, US , 05/06/98, rating=10:
A very good preparation for a future USMC recruit.
From the moment I began this book, I couldn't put it down. Gave such an inspiration for this future recruit. A definate read for anyone thinking of joining the military.

[email protected] from East Brunswick, New Jersey , 05/06/98, rating=7:
Biased, Disorganized, But Readable
After several false starts, I finally got through Ricks' book. I can't help feeling that it would be a much better book with more to say about military and civilian life if the author or editor had deleted chapter five, the second half of chapter eight, and chapter nine. As an Army veteran, naturally I take exception to chapter five and the bashing of the Army. Ricks should cite Michael Herr's "Dispatches" for the line "I hate this movie!" on page 168. I went through BT in 1984 at Fort Leonard Wood, and it was nothing like what Ricks describes on page 173. Chapter nine has no place in a book about "Making The Corps." Let's hear more about how other Marines did in their duty stations, especially the "quiet middle" that the DIs always refer to. That's the real story that Ricks should follow; he breaks my heart writing about the guys who couldn't hack it and ended up back at the Pizza Hut or wherever. Ricks might also do well to look at the reports filed by P.J. O'Rourke from Somalia, etc. In the end, I still prefer Timberg's "The Nightingale's Song." Had Ricks applied the up-close-and-personal approach to enlisted men which Timberg uses for Annapolis grads, "Making The Corps" could truly be outstanding.

[email protected] from Illinois , 03/31/98, rating=9:
Good book about the toughest military training there is.
This is the best book I have read about the toughest military training this country, and most the world, has to offer. A great informational book about boot camp of the United States Marine Corps in Parris Island.

William L. Willard, Sr ([email protected]) from Clearwater, Florida , 03/27/98, rating=10:
Fine book about a fine organization
On 12 and 13 March 1998, my wife and I attended our son's graduation from Marine Recruit Training at Parris Island, SC (Plt 1018, 1st BN, C Co). We had all read Making the Corps before Bill left for PI in mid-December, and in our correspondence would refer back-and-forth to various incidents and lessons related by the author, Tom Ricks, in his nicely detailed account of the 13-week recruit training program. While differences were noted in emphasis and technique among the three male recruit training battalions (Bill's Plt 1018 was 1st BN; Ricks' Plt 3086, 3rd BN), the main difference in the actual and written experience was the post-publication addition of the Crucible, which Ricks refers to but does not describe. We carried the book with us on base, and drew some positive comments about it from people we met, including our son's DIs, all three of whom autographed our copy. One thing even as keen an observer as Ricks is couldn't fully capture--perhaps only a parent can feel it--is the pride of seeing the graduating platoons swing into view and march on to the Parade Deck just before the start of Recruit Liberty (on Thursday, the day before the graduation ceremony), and hear the Marine Hymn played just for them the next morning. At the same time, one also has to be there to appreciate fully the firm handshakes and hard-earned elan and confidence of the Marines, newly-minted or otherwise (the pain is temporary, they say, the pride lasts forever). What Ricks gets exactly right, however, is the integrity of this organization--one of the last innately honorable institutions in our country. To anyone who loses faith in America and Americans--and wants it back--go to one of these graduations at Parris Island. Or read Ricks.

A reader from Quantico, VA. , 03/24/98, rating=10:
An excellent documentary on basic Marine Corps training.
I found Mr. Ricks book to be enlightening and excellent. As a recently commissioned second lieutenant in the Corps, I empathized with the recruits from Platoon 3086. Although I went through Officer Candidates School instead of Parris Island, the regimen of training is essentially the same, with the noted difference being that OCS adds extensive leadership evaluation to the mix. I would also have to agree with Mr. Ricks evaluation of the beliefs held by many in the officer corps with regard to social and political issues. Maybe Mr. Ricks will next take on a platoon at Officer Candidates School.

[email protected] from Chicago, U.S. , 03/23/98, rating=10:
" Best book I've read in a long time."
I'm very interested in the joining the Corps when I'm old enough and this book has a new perspective about boot camp I haven't seen in any other book. Honestly I would read it again.

A reader from NAU in Flagstaff, AZ , 03/20/98, rating=10:
Best book ever on recruit training!
Far better than "Boot" by Daniel DaCruz. The negative comments by ex-Army soldiers seems to be an inferiority complex. Only criticism: the use of "sergeant" to refer to anyone E-5 and above. We address NCOs and Staff NCOs by their proper rank. Excellent work!

[email protected] from Miami, FL , 03/14/98, rating=9:
Very good book, but a tad biased
Very good book from Mr. Ricks, a definite page-turner, but it seems to imply that the only branch of military service that is well-trained is the USMC. I'd love to see him do a series about training in each service, also analyzing the rights and wrongs in each particular case. As a prospective U.S. Army member, I really don't appreciate the bashing he dishes out, and I would have rated the book a 10 if it weren't for that. However, I do recommend the book strongly.

[email protected] from W. Lafayette, IN , 03/07/98, rating=10:
Made me want to join the Marines
As a college student in a world were the job market is never constant I had been wieghing what I wanted to due after graduation. I saw this book and at the time was thinking about jioning the military so I read the book. After finishing the book. I went down to my officer selection station at my college and am now waiting for my commition into the United States Marine Corp. I saw a chnge in the recruits that went through basic on Parris Island and I can't wait to work with such great men!

[email protected] from New Jersey , 02/22/98, rating=10:
Excellent account of Marine Basic Training.
Excellent! As a graduate history student, I found this book an informative account of one platoon's basic training on Paris Island. I felt as if I was there. Ricks is the "Stephen Ambrose" of military journalists.

[email protected] from Washington , 02/18/98, rating=10:
The Truth
Seven years removed from boot camp I was able to read this book and think YES. I was able to relate to this book because it brings in facts along with a unique perspective of reporting, outside literature, and the following of a platoon through boot camp into an awsome book. I loaned my copy to my mom and told her this is what I experienced. I also loaned this book to my many Marine friends. I've also bought half of all the books he cited in the book. Well thought out and detailed book!! A must read for all who even attempt to understand the psyche of a Marine.

[email protected] from St. Louis, MO , 02/16/98, rating=9:
Generation X Goes to Marine Basic

Here is a useful counter-argument to the notion that today's young Americans are a hopeless, helpless, spoiled bunch of slackers. They CAN be reformed, albeit with a certain kind of motivation, probably involving a lot of marching and frequent pushups in the sandpits of Parris Island. It's good to see some evidence that core values can still be transmitted to a young generation, in spite of nay-sayers who have given up on the kids. See Peter Sack's complaining book "Generation X Goes to College," and marvel that the USMC can make warriors and even gentlemen out of 85% of their incoming recruits, many of whom have flunked out of community colleges or have failed in other aspects of civilian life. Perhaps Ricks has been taken in by the Marine Corps publicity juggernaut, as many journalists before him have been; but the success rate the Marines have in transforming irresponsible kids into responsible fighters and citizens is impressive.

Ricks has not exhausted his topic; his book doesn't go into enough detail to show how the Corps does its transformational work, and his disparaging comments on Army training suggest insufficient personal research, (or too heavy a reliance on Marine Corps views of other services.) But this book is not meant to be an academic study in military leadership or educational practice; it's just good journalism, and Ricks is pretty close to the mark when he suggests that in today's society, the military, and the Marines in particular, are our counter-culture.

[email protected] from San Francisco, CA , 02/16/98, rating=8:
Good book but blinded by bias.
Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I wished the author didn't spend so much time bashing the Army. As a former (and still at heart) Infantryman, I resent the broad brush painting of Army basic training. In the end, EVERY member of the armed forces does their job to put troops (be it Army infantry/armor or Marine infantry/armor) on the objective to take and hold ground. US Army Infantry OSUT -- One Station Unit Training -- at the Benning School for Boys (Ft. Benning) is nearly identical to US Marine training (save for the Marines calling the ground the "deck") and builds the same Esprit de Corps. Otherwise, good book.

A reader from Keene, NH , 02/14/98, rating=10:
Breathtaking
From the moment this book entered in my hands, it was just like being on the island again. Many nights were spent sleepless, remembering all the moments spent over there. It was surely powerful, painful, and it was enjoyable, but at least it was. Even nowadays, some of those pains only cry inside. Thanks to the Marines Corps, I became a Man of Honor. Thanks to this book, now I know why.

[email protected] from North Carolina , 02/03/98, rating=8:
Discipline, committment and How the Marines do it.
A report about the transformation of low ambition, disjointed and displaced youth who enlisted in the Marine Corps to become members of Marine recruit Platoon 3086. Ricks chronicles their 11 weeks of boot camp training at Parris Island, South Carolina, and their ability to rejoin society afterward. Sprinkled throughout is pertinent background information about the recruits, their instructors and military leaders of our time. The author cited various opinions about the deteriorating quality of U.S. social structure, and its relation to military and political strategies. His opinion, that U.S. social structure has deteriorated and could take a lesson from the Marines, is quite valid and well worth discussion.

This book, Ricks' first, actually contains enough diversity of subject to have been two books, one detailing the rigors of boot camp training and its effect on today's youth, the other about the military's role in society. He appears to have researched extensively and spent much time writing this somewhat disorganized book.

Even though he wrote in a disjointed newspaper headline style, using present tense verbs almost exclusively (making reading laborious), his conclusions are well presented and worth pondering.

[email protected] from Germany , 02/01/98, rating=9:
A must read for every Branch of the Military
The role of the US military in the coming years is being examined by three of the services. For the USMC their role will continue to be historc. As an enlisted soldier in the US Army, this book was fascinating in explaining the 11 weeks every recruit has to experince to be a soldier. The experiences most of us faced in Fort Lost in the Woods in a multi-gender training enviroment contrasts sharply with that of the USMC. Mr Ricks looks down upon Army training, having never been to Camp Snoopy, his portrayal of Basic is not accurate. Not as difficult as USMC, it is not a camp out either. Gender Intergration was both the bane and the blessing of Basic. The most vivid experience occured the week we had a female platoon leader which all the males in the platoon made bad comments including threats to give her a blanket party. Our DI put an end to it by calling all males in full winter PTS, Kevlar and field jacket. Proceeding to explain the current US Army policy on Equal Opptunity he then herded us in a latrine for cleanup. The showers were going full blast and the temperature was easily 120 degrees and rising. For the next 30 minutes we cleaned that latrine with a 1" square sponges. That is how our platoon learned Equal Opptunity. This book provides the experience of bootcamp without the sweat, but also provides the values of the Marines at a time when the Army is in search of its 21st century mission

[email protected] from USA , 01/23/98, rating=9:
Great Reading (even for a civilian)
I read this book because my fiance is a Marine. I always wanted to know about what he went through in Boot Camp and I just never knew how to pose the questions or exactly what I wanted to know. This book will answer your questions. It was very informative and interesting. I had a very hard time putting it down. I learned exactly what he went through in Parris Island and realized exactly what it means to be in the USMC. I think that every person who is interested in enlisting in the Marine Corps should read this book as a requirement. It would shake them into the reality that is the Corps.

drsult@aolcom from VaBch, Va , 01/22/98, rating=10:
Outstanding
Makes me think that every high school should require students to read this fine book. It brings to light the problems of today's society and how simple it would be to solve them if we saw each other for who we are and not the color of our skin or where we have been or done. Excellent reading for military and civilians.

[email protected] from West Lafayette, Indiana , 01/20/98, rating=9:
Interesting but debatable views
To this former Marine (1975-79), Ricks' book is quite interesting but, judging from his comments in an interview he gave for our local public radio station, he still doesn't understand that the chickens hatched in the 1960s are finally coming home to roost. Ricks sounded like a "diversity consultant" when he asserted that the Corps didn't understand that "diversity has always been [America's] strength." He's dead wrong: UNITY has always been our greatest strength. Ricks also bemoaned the fact that there were "only about 1,000" black officers in the Corps. Why should he be so surprised? The fact is our armed forces are having a difficult time attracting ANYONE willing to consider military service as a career. Hiring competition for qualified minority college graduates is unbelievably fierce: why go into military service and work long hours for relatively low pay when you could do much better on the outside? As far as politicization, no surprises there. When you have two political parties and one of them contains elements overtly hostile to your philosophy, to whom would you gravitate? I think many in today's Corps believe that THEY never left America--America, to a great extent, left THEM.

[email protected] from San Diego, CA , 01/17/98, rating=8:
Solid insight into boot camp & military-societal discourse
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.

James Lynch ([email protected]) from Edwardsville, Illinois , 01/15/98, rating=10:
Much more than expected
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.

[email protected] from USA , 01/12/98, rating=5:

As a WW ll ARMY vet, I was not impressed with the USMC's basic training. If it is true that ALL marines take this training prior to advent onto the CORPS, then with all that training look at the tremendous losses experienced @ Iwo Jima. There is no doubt in my mind that the marines that fought & died for that island had the same zest in fighting as any army or navy or AIR CORPS fighting man. I believe any man from this country acn fight as well as anyone from any serice. If the Marines declined using fighter support during the conflict in the SWPA, then they have only their officer's choice to blame. We fought first with little or no naval or air support and had less casualties than most marine island attacks. When we got out of service we had little trouble adjusting to public life again. So why all the pain. I am sure that most servicemen stand up with pride when the music associated with their service. Sorry that Ricks is so biased. I applaud all who served and those who paid the ultmate price.

[email protected] from VERNON, N.J. USA , 01/09/98, rating=10:
The finest book I've ever read. Finished it in one day.
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.

[email protected] from New Haven, CT , 01/08/98, rating=10:
Fascinating perspective for non-military
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.

[email protected] from Medford,MA , 01/08/98, rating=10:
Values remain
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!

[email protected] from Seattle, WA , 01/02/98, rating=10:
Superbly-written summary of who and what the USMC is.
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

[email protected] from US New York , 12/31/97, rating=9:
Rings True
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.

[email protected] from Seattle WA , 12/31/97, rating=10:
Great
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.

[email protected] from Jim Fries ([email protected]), Kansas City, Missouri , 12/29/97, rating=9:
Widening gap between Marine and society's values a concern.
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.

[email protected] from LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY , 12/27/97, rating=10:
" Return to the Old Corps , for the sake of our Country!
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.

A reader from ST LOUIS, MO USA , 12/27/97, rating=10:
TRUE PICTURE OF MARINE CORPS CULTURE
Great picture of the Corps. In 1965 this is the culture i wanted to join. In 1998 I regret i cannot do it all over. Ricks does an excellent job showing the power, the good the bad and the danger of a military thatis becoming more and more seperated from the democracy it serves.....If we could just get the society to shape up!

[email protected] from Ma.USA , 12/16/97, rating=7:
good
It was written well. Brought back a lot of memories of boot camp. But this took place 90's style. I went through boot camp 1962. But boot camp is boot camp at Parris Island. I think they have it much easier today. Ricks got the message across. But salts will understand it better...

[email protected] from Randolph, Vermont , 12/14/97, rating=1:
T.E.Ricks used bar stool research for "Making the Corps"
Just from excerpts, I know Ricks poorly
researched his material. Quoting him, he
refers to Marine recruits "mopping floors".

Marines do not "mop floors"; they "swab
decks".

I think Ricks spent most of his time at the
bar in the Bachelor Officers' Quarters with
an occasional VIP tour of the enlisted men's
barracks.

The above is just one example of his
second-hand research but suffices to convince
me the author is a poor observer of the real
glory behind the making of a U.S. Marine.

[email protected] from Utah , 12/14/97, rating=10:
Great story about trainng Marine recruits as well as society
Thomas E. Ricks’s excellent book, "Making the Corps", narrates in solid journalistic prose the transformation of Paris Island recruit platoon 3086 from shiftless and undisciplined American youths into, at least among the survivors, fully indoctrinated, if not yet full trained, Marines. The book follows closely a dozen or so recruits over eleven weeks as their three drill instructors "teach them" the Marine cultural imperatives of honor, obedience, and individual sacrifice for the good of the group. In addition, Ricks uses the story of platoon 3086’s recruit training as a framework to discuss the role of the military in post cold war America and the world. Ricks shows a great deal of respect and affection (which I share) for the Marines, having been with them as a journalist in Somalia and Haiti. By staying true to their focused, expeditionary role and having not compromised their culture, they have recently prospered, avoided public scandal, and have become the force of choice for small wars - at a time when the other services face a crisis of role and purpose. This overall organizational success, in turn, has lent strength to the Marines’s core cultural values, values that are seen by the Corps as essential, but that they too rarely find in contemporary American society. ------- The process of recruit transformation has been told many times before, but in "Making the Corps", Ricks has written a compelling story by paying close attention to people with interesting stories. It is somewhat ironic that by treating the recruits and their drill instructors as individuals - in sharp contrast to the Marine Corps’s professed goal of eliminating the individual "I" in favor of the group "we" - Ricks provides the reader both high journalistic drama as well as insights into what is, for too many Americans, a closed military culture. In this way, "Making the Corps" is as much about Marine recruit training as "Moby Dick" is about whaling. I think that Ricks uses the recruit platoon’s training as a device to discuss what he really wanted to talk about - the growing division between American society and the military that may have to defend it. Marine boot camp is consciously designed to insure that successful recruits have accepted and internalized those moral values that the Corps sees as missing from contemporary American Society, as to well as train riflemen. At the end of their training, most recruits no longer really fit into American society and are in fact disgusted by it, just as some ultimately find that the reality of day-to-day Marine duty does not always meet their high initial expectations. It is unfortunate that this tension between initial high ideals and a sometimes shoddy reality is not pursued in any depth by "Making the Corps". Only a selected summary is provided of the platoon members’s subsequent careers as Marines. Instead, the latter part of Ricks’s book focuses on the increasing division between an open, democratic society and a military drawn from a limited class of society and inculcated with very distinct values. Some of the resulting military attitudes and values are disturbing to anyone with a traditional view of constitutional process or civilian control of the military, as when Ricks describes members of the Corps increasingly engaged openly in partisan politics or publicly hinting that our society might need a "Chilean" solution to its perceived moral and cultural rot. ------ In telling its tale, Ricks’s book raises important issues that need serious discussion. Is it important that our military reflect all classes in American society? If so, do we need to bring back a universal draft? Why do so many of America’s young lack any moral compass? What is the role and scope of the military when no direct threat is obvious? "Making the Corps" does a service by combining a great story while raising profound issues for our country. It deserves to be read and considered carefully. I recommend it highly.

[email protected] from Los Angeles , 12/13/97, rating=10:
How do they take a typical kid and make a Marine?
This is an engrossing peek into a modern miracle. If your son or daughter is in boot camp like my son is, this book will help you to understand what your child is going through. If not, it will cause you to reflect on your childs sense of societal duty. Besides it is one heck of a good read.

LARRY ([email protected]} from New York USA , 12/13/97, rating=10:
Proud to be a marine
Making the Corps is true to the core.A detailed account of the day by day metamorphasis of young,undiciplined youths transforming into United States Marines.Brilliant story lines following the effects and toles it has each individual recruit as they try to gain the title Marine.Great insight into today's younger generation and the struggle thes the Drill Instructors have to strip them of their individualism and form them into basic Marines.I personally served four years in a recon unit with SSGT.Carey the "Hard Hat" in the platoon and can personally vouch I have never met a finer Marine.Semper Fi

[email protected] from Albany, New York , 11/26/97, rating=9:
Ricks captures the essence of the Marine Corps
This book explains how an elite institution can mantain its standards and values in the face of a rapidly changing society. The lessons extend beyond the armed services: successful businesses need to instill a set of values and a sense of team work as the Marine Corps has -- for more than 200 years. But the book should give pause to military "reformers" and those who want to impose modern "values" on the armed forces. Instead, perhaps civilian institutions could learn a thing or two from the Marine Corps' remarkable success.

[email protected] from Alameda, Califronia , 11/13/97, rating=10:
A book that every former Marine can appreciated.
As a former Marine (1950-54)I didn't think it possible to capture the essence of the making of a Marine. Coupled with Zell Miller's book, "Corps Values," the author has given answers to questions that have occasionally bubbled to the minds surface but have escaped answers. The questions of how the Corps transforms young men and women to meet the challenges of the Corps but equally important the values that are carried over to civilian life. This book is a must read for all former Marines and the civilian types who will appreciate the creation of the young men and women who carry the title of United Sates Marine.

[email protected] from Washington, D.C. , 11/09/97, rating=10:
A Superb Telling of Marine Boot Camp
"Making the Corps" is the best book I have ever read. I became very intrigued in the ways of becoming a true-blue American Marine. Although I am not in any armed force, at 45 I feel invigorated enough to be. I want to do exactly what the Marines in this book do -- I want to crawl in the mud, and stand with honor at graduation. Not only is does this book provide an well researched and documented insight into the life of a few dozen young men destined to become real Marines, but Ricks' writing style is superb. It is hard to believe that this is his first title when one's eyes grace the pages. But it is not flowery writing -- it is obviously real. I give this book a 100 out of 10. Ricks went beyond the call of duty to write what could very well prove to be the best book of the decade. Not only is does this book provide an well researched and documented insight into the life of a few dozen young men destined to become real Marines, but Ricks' writing style is superb. It is hard to believe that this is his first title when one's eyes grace the pages. But it is not flowery writing -- it is obviously real. I give this book a 100 out of 10. Ricks went beyond the call of duty to write what could very well prove to be the best book of the century.