Making the Corps As a Wall Street Journal Pentagon correspondent, Thomas E. Ricks is one of America’s elite military journalists. He has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and awarded a Society of Professional Journalists Award for his writings based on the Marines. Thomas E. Ricks lectures to military officers and was a member of Harvard University’s Senior Advisory Council on the project on U.S. Civil-Military Relations. As a Pentagon correspondent, he can access information where no other civilian can step foot—traveling with soldiers abroad, his eyes tell the tale of the life of a Marine. On December of 1992, U.S. troops landed in Somalia. It was Thomas E. Ricks’ first deployment as a Pentagon Reporter. Opening the beginning chapter, he speaks of his first-hand experience he encountered while traveling with a squad from Alpha Company of the 1st battalion of the 7th Marines. Exceptionally qualified, his work on Making The Corps was cited by Thomas E. Ricks himself. Few events were videotaped, and some related by several participants and observers. Thoughts of Platoon 3086 and military documentations, such as “Recruit Incident Reports” and “Recruit Evaluation Cards”, were used as well to get an inside feel of the way recruits and Drill Instructors see Boot Camp. Why did he pick the Marines as his topic? Attracted to the Corps perception and morale, Thomas E. Ricks expresses the Marines as the only service still upholding its honor and tradition. Due to society changing into a commercial society with a “me” attitude, civilians focus on how they can splendor themselves with material items—never looking big picture at all that we can accomplish as a team if we give our heart and soul in life. Team meaning everyone on earth, for we are the people that provide for one another with peace and prosperity. As a Marine, it is imperative to have leadership skills along with 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.
Put into another form, “[The Marines] pour forth with the poignant power of superb human beings doing what they believe is truly righteous. There is grace and magnetism in the way these clean-cut kids hurl themselves out of planes, surge through forbidding terrain and leap with awesome fortitude over one barricade after another. The ads use sophisticated psychology to lure today 's peace-loving young adults into our "humanitarian" military.” (Kronstadt, 2014). It’s through these images and power attached to words and amazing propaganda that gets youth to dive into the world of war with the Marines. The ad under analysis, tells the recruit they will get to “walk with honor”, “command with resolve” and “take your place among the most elite warriors on earth”. They get to ‘take their place’, saying it as though they already have their place, as if the place is waiting for them. The ad also highlights the that the Marines are the more elite warriors on earth, the word warrior itself is captivating. Warriors are seen as the best of the best when it comes to fighting, adding on to the that the elite warriors, projects a view of the ultimate, best fighters there could ever be – and for a lot of people, that is beyond exciting. The ad is also illuminating the fact that they will ‘command with resolve’, meaning they will become firm and determined as a leader. The Marines will give them the skillset and knowledge to be able to command and hold people’s lives in their hands by training and lead them into battles – even though that word is not touched upon in any advertisement. The “walk with honour” has already been highlighted in this essay, but it is important to note that honour, patriotism, freedom and democracy are all tied together in...
“Wounded Platoon” is a documentary that delves into the severe effects of tours and post-traumatic stress on young individuals in the U.S. Army. This documentary mainly focuses on the psychological aspect of PTSD and the effects of war on the soldiers. However, looking at it from a sociological approach, it’s clear to see the role of group dynamics, teams and leadership in the behaviors of soldiers prior to their discharge from the war front.
Reflections as a Combatant Commander in a Turbulent World. Performed by General (Retired) James Mattis. 2013.
"Discipline, heart, Attention to detail and pride"are all qualities that Timothy feelsare nessacary to being a Marine.The Marines are the toughest branch of the military. They break you down and build you back up. It requires strength, endurance, and determination. Everyone is not tmade for the Marines because it is both a physical and mental challenge. You have to be able to take instruction and follow them apprioatley. You have to me Marine quality."
They would then go to bed at nine, and it all would repeat the next day. Caputo sheds light into this by recalling “We were shouted at, kicked, humiliated and harassed constantly,” (8). As awful as it may seem, that is what life in the military is like. You are property of your superiors, until you surpass your superiors… if you ever do. The marches they were taught were eerie, yet they were installed in the minds of these young men. The purpose of this was to teach them discipline and teamwork, which are two of the Corps’ “cardinal” values. The abuse was to eliminate the weak, and make the strong even stronger. The ones who were unfit, in the end, left. Most were sent home because of their inability to be a Marine, others were mentally unfit. Around seventy percent of the original class passed. Two years later, an advanced course was held for those who passed. Around seven hundred and fifty men began the advanced course. Only five hundred finished. In August of 1963, the men, aged from 21-22, graduated in a spectacular ceremony. None of the men knew that some of them would not live much longer. On February 2, 1964, Philip Caputo was commissioned as a second lieutenant. He went back to Quantico to begin a six-month apprenticeship
What does it mean to be a marine? Kevin feels that discipline; Positive attitude, motivation, dedication, and pride are all qualities needed in order to make it in the military. He said that the Marines are the toughest branches of the military and they will break you down into pieces and build you back up. Kevin told me that the marines require strength, endurance, and determination and that everyone is not tamed for the Marines because of the physical and the mental challenges. You have to be able to take instruction and follow them appropriately. Kevin was required to get up for marines day, which started at 4:30 am. His physical training begins at 5:00 am and last for only an hour. Training will either be on the field or in the classroom, military training begins at 7:00 am. The basic instruction for the class lasted 5hrs and teaches them skills for combat. Their lunch was only about 40 mins. Then they had to do field training, which was a basic overview of what skills they learned in the classroom. Next, is weapon cleaning Company formation begins at 4:00 pm? It was a marching drill exercise that teaches them how to gain marching
Exemplary performance has always attracted accolades and numerous prices; this gives morale and vigor for everyone to achieve their best. In the disciplined forces, particularly the marine, the service members always receive a major reward that elevates them in rank; this is the medal. This rewards them for their bravery and contribution in the missions they are involved in. Indeed, they contribute a lot to the peace and security of the world at large and they truly deserve these medals for recognition (Tucker, 2011). This has been a practice for the U.S. Marine to issue Corps medals since the Civil War to present day. Among the Corps Medal categories include American Defense Medal-WWII, Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal among others. Since the Civil War there have been over 120 U.S. Marine Corps Medals. This paper identifies Lieutenant General Lewis Burwell “Chesty” Puller and describes why he has been one of the most decorated marines in the history of the U.S.
military members who share harsh, traumatic, or even funny events obviously become closer through the bond of a mutual experience. This is particularly true for Marine infantry; many Marine are brought up in different areas of the US, with different values, ages, religious and political beliefs. However different we all might look on the outside, the fact that we’ve all been through good times and bad with each other makes us closer than any civilian could understand. After being a Marine, I find that I’m close to, and always will be, than my civilian friends who I’ve known for years. Along with this, Pressfield talks about how, under all the glory and allure of fighting for one’s country exists the real reason that warriors fight; for our brothers in arms. Political beliefs, government stances, and flags go out the window, only to be replaced by concern for the safety and well-being of the men to our left and right. All of these things are reasons why it is difficult for civilians to understand what it’s like to be a warrior. This is perhaps embodied best in our motto, Semper Fidelis; Always Faithful, to our brothers and those who depend on
In every war, most reporting is done far from the scene of battle, mostly in newsrooms and news bureaus shielded from the brutality of the war field. More recently however, there has been an increasing shift in how wars are covered by the media. As the world news cycle gets faster, co so does the insatiable hunger of the public for instantaneous access to news and current affairs. As a consequence newsrooms across the world have had to look for new ways to cover events and gain information. Journalists reporting the war in Iraq were given unprecedented access to the warzone. During the Iraq War, media outlets had the option of "embedding" their journalists with the U.S. military. This enabled a j...
As a student at the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy you will be challenged continuously. The experiences and knowledge that is gained through the periods of instruction will greatly assist you in your future assignments. The knowledge gained from block C100 are important to a future Operations Sergeants Major because the duties of an Operations Sergeants Major greatly affect a large amount of soldiers, without this knowledge soldiers will suffer unnecessarily.
The case study provides good examples of a commander working to develop his leaders. LTC Fullerton first scheduled interviews with his primary staff and senior NCOs to identify their skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Fullerton noted during the interview with MSG Regan that he had gaps in technical expertise regarding the battalion’s mission and made a note to address it in his personal leader development program. This is one example of how a commander ...
The day was over and I lay in my rack wide-awake wishing I were in my own bed at home. As I recalled the events of the day, I began to fully comprehend the magnitude of my decision to join the Navy. I was about to spend my first night in the Navy’s boot camp.
Philips, Matthew. "A Reader's Best Friend." Newsweek 148.24 (2006): 14. Military & Government Collection. Web. 11 Apr. 2014.
Like many service members, my story begins with my family. Born and raised in Rochester, New York, I had little to do with the military as a child. Though my parents’ families shared a rich tradition of military service to include my father’s eight years of service to the United States Marine Corps before I was born; I had absolutely no exposure besides these links. In fact, even now, only scarcely could I relate to anyone much of their military careers beyond service branch, job, and the major conflicts they served through. However, the spirit of their service permeated into every aspect of my life growing up. My father’s time I the Marine’s was well spent as he raised us with a fierce devotion to discipline, standards and respect. He instilled in us a sense of duty with an inherent expectation to help out around the house, maintain good grades, stay physically fit, and participate in extracurricular activities. He chose to stay involved in our activities either through coaching, Cub & Boy Scout leading or just participating. My mother, an accomplished teacher, was the primary home maker and just as supportive. My parents’ sense of service affected me greatly and led me to get involved in coaching, youth mentoring programs and school service organizations. The more involved...
Letting slowly off of the throttle, the Coast Guard coxswain deliberately beached his boat onto a desolate shore on U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Marines aboard leap to their feet dawning M240Bs and rucks filled to the brim with three days’ worth of essential field gear, and file toward the bow of the boat jumping onto the beach. Their amphibious landing of a tactical insertion is successfully accomplished.