James B. Woulfe

A tightly written book which describes the final element of the Marine boot camp informally called the crucible. This book was published in 1998, pre-9/11. The narrative tracks the recruits and Drill Instructors of Recruit Deport, Camp Pendleton. The days events are described as the men undertake each course. Most of the courses are named after an Honor of Medal winner. A synopsis of each Medal winner Marine is given and the platoon is gauged on how well they complete the task within the time limit. The DIs are seen as mentors and evaluators of the platoon as integrated team members. Each recruit is given a chance to lead the platoon to display initative and communication command skill. None of the recruits are dropped although is one injured and would continue after limited duty recuperation.

The book is authoritative as it is written by a former director of Drill Instructor School and who had commanded a rifle company at Camp Pendleton, California.

In the historical summaries of Marine history the book highlights commanding officers and downplays the battlefield losses of the actual Marines in combat. That part of the book's orientation I did not care for.… (más)