To Be a U.S. Marine

S.F. Tomajczyk’s To Be a U.S. Marine reveals the training methods used in forging one of the nation’s most efficient military armed forces.Comprised of smart, highly adaptable men and women, the Marine Corps serves as the aggressive tip of the US military spear. Theirs is a smaller, more dynamic force than any other in the American arsenal, and the only forward-deployed force designed for expeditionary operations by air, land, or sea. It is their size and expertise that allow them to move faster. Working to overcome disadvantage and turn conflict into victory, they accomplish great things, and they do so together. In the Marine Corps, there is a motto that describes their commitment to each other, their organization, and their country. It is Semper Fidelis or “Semper Fi.” Translated from Latin, it means “Always Faithful.”With unprecedented access to the men in training around the country, including California, North Carolina, Virginia, and Okinawa, S. F. Tomajczyk provides a behind the scenes look at Marine recruit training—“Boot Camp”—the 13-week process that transforms a young person with the courage to succeed into a mature, highly disciplined, and fully capable Marine. During this time drill instructors teach individuals how to care for themselves and others, function as a member of a team and to achieve success together. Their training includes first aid, water survival skills, marksmanship, tactics, while also focusing on customs, traditions and history that have made the Marine Corps respected around the world.Includes Color Photographs