ith being capable to work with others. This book was written to enhance the reader’s mentality of how the Marines operate. It informs those who are looking into the service, and provides an in depth look into the trials and tribulations it has been through—as well as conquered. This book substantially explains the vigorous training platoon 3086 went through in order to earn the title of being a Marine. Not all made it; some moved into other platoons due to their lack of effort, while others were “washed out” because of improper conduct (some intentionally threw it upon themselves because the nature of Marine Basic Training was too unbearable). There were several key recruits who had stood out to their Drill Instructors, as well as to Thomas E. Ricks. Andrew Lee was promoted to Private First Class when he graduated, for his committed efforts and excellence towards all aspects and adversities boot camp had thrown in his face. Charles Lees III was an unprecedented Marine as well. His bulky Samoan body trimmed fit after boot camp was over. These two men had the intelligence, skill, and agility to conquer Basic Training that led them to be the head of platoon 3086. In this segment, 3086 had racial tension that carried through most of the eleven weeks. One man, because of his color, accused the Drill Instructors of being racist—that is, until another African-American gave him flak. He couldn’t realize his weaknesses were his attitude and immoral judgments on how he perceived Boot Camp. That’s what happened to 1/3 of the platoon. There were some changes to those men, like the skinhead who came into Parris Island with a Swastika tattoo. The DI’s felt it was necessary for him and an African-American to share a tent; yet, ironically, they became friends during the rest of the time. Thomas E. Ricks then covers the fundamentals of the eleven-week process, and revie...
