The Making Of A Marine

This GI Joe/Josette stuff turns me off, but anyone contemplating service as a Marine can get the lowdown here about what it takes. After a thumbnail sketch of the Corps' 200-year history and some background information on Parris Island, we go there to sweat along with recruits undergoing 11 weeks of training to become one of "the few, the proud." First, basic orientation (drill movements, rules and regulations, academic instruction and weapons training). Then there is BWT--Basic Warrior Training--two weeks devoted to acquiring the field skills necessary for battle survival (such as probing for mines, helicopter assault drills, gas attack survival). The survivors then launch into the Final Phase: physical fitness tests, drill competition, final inspection and GRADUATION. The Making of a Marine contains no special insights, just straightforward information for the militarily inclined. The rest of us can rent a video of Private Benjamin. Collections that feature career information may wish to consider. (J. Reed)