Leatherneck - Darrell Ahrens J.

The U.S. Marine Corps is very proud of its history, tradition, and heritage. Every Marine is taught to be proud from the beginning of boot camp and this pride continues until they reach the gates of heaven. In Marine Corps recruit training, recruits are transformed into the world's most elite fighting force through 13 weeks of rigorous training. Recruits will acquire the knowledge, discipline, teamwork, and fitness level required of a Marine through physical training, classroom instruction, and combat skills.

The author recounts how, in the 1950s, judges would give gang members a choice: join the Marines or go to jail. The impact of boot camp on the few gang members in our platoon demonstrated that those judges understood the transformative power of military discipline. In fact, the Marine Drill Instructors likely did more to turn gang members into productive citizens than a roomful of social workers ever could.

Of all the military services, Marines hold a special place in the public conscience. This is reflected in the fact that when our nation is faced with a challenge or threat, the public response usually is "Send in the Marines," or when they are sent in, the usual response is, "The Marines have landed, and the situation is well in hand."  In commenting on the Marines, President Reagan said, "Some people wonder all their lives if they have made a difference in the world. Marines don't have that problem."  May it always remain so.

In the addendum of this book, the author presents an extensive analysis of the all-volunteer Military Force, its beginning, its performance, its major problems, and its overall serious negative effects on the nation's society, culture, core values, and its questionable capability to deter and/or destroy our potential enemies today.  

Semper Fi.