A must read for anyone who fails to understand why someone would want to be a soldier. This book powerfully depicts what it is to be a marine. Thomas Ricks follows Platoon 3086 through Paris Island training, where cooperation and self discipline are the two main attributes impressed upon new recruits.
I found this a fascinating read because it begins to describe the very real divide between a Marine and the rest of society. I've always been interested in this particular branch of the military that seems to have a certain inherit camaraderie about it. Making of the Corps explains the idea behind pushing command down. Making it so that each small group of marines can function as a unit when isolated from command. At the same time that the Corps drives the chain of command into your head, they also teach a soldier enough self reliance to function on their own.
I also was very impressed about the way the book did not seek to put the Marine Corps on a pedestal. It goes deeply into the dark history of the Marines. Including the Ribbon Creek Incident in which 6 recruits drowned during a forced night march with a drunken drill instructor.
I all I would say this is a well rounded piece of journalism for anyone wanting to understand the Marine culture better.
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