jjares reviewed on 9/1/2020 + 3294 more book reviews

There's a lot more to this book than the rehashing of drill sergeants' threats and 'wisdom.' Amongst the humorous quotes and jabs of drill sergeants were fascinating vignettes of humorous, insightful, and caring stories. It is amazing what drill sergeants do in just a few weeks. They receive dozens of new recruits in various stages of physical and mental preparedness* and are expected to turn these individuals into a unified fighting force, capable of defending America.

At the end of the book, the author talked about how his Facebook page emerged to become a community that raises funds for military causes and has helped veterans struggling with PTSD and suicide. This brings to mind how wonderful Americans are; they make lemonade where they find lemons.

* Several years ago, I went to a Marine Corps. graduation and the drill sergeant told us that their biggest problem was getting so many recruits who were obese, not just heavy. They also were very inactive, which posed a problem for the extreme activity in basic training. They talked about what a challenge it was to get the people ready in only 10 weeks. 4.5 stars

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