Customer Reviews

The Marine Officer's Guide

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I imagine this book to be an invaluable resource for serving USMC officers, whether fresh out of The Basic School or with many years of service. But it has another use too: as a guide to the Corps for future Marines, and for non-Marines like me.

At first blush, much of the information in this book may seem obscure or even irrelevant for people not making a career in the Marine Corps: information about personnel folders and fitness reports, how to apply for and receive transit insurance, or how to render salutes when small boats pass close aboard. But even in these details, a sense of what it means to be a Marine comes through loud and clear.

For a non-Marine, the real value of this volume lies in two areas: (1) its explanations of the history and traditions of the Corps (Marines are often said to be the most history-conscious of all the services), and (2) the explanation of the role the Corps plays in America's military machine, including how the Corps is structured, trained, stationed, and led.

Non-Marines can also find much merit in the sections on the attributes of a leader, dealing with subordinates, the useful, if somewhat brief, bibliography, and the glossary of common USMC terms and slang.

If you are, or plan to be, a Marine officer, absolutely read this book.

If you're not a Marine, but are interested in the Corps, its history or its present functions, I recommend this guide very highly.

At one point, the author quotes General John A. Lejeune: 'The future success of the Marine Corps depends on two factors: first, an efficient performance of all the duties to which its officers and men may be assigned; second, promptly bringing this efficiency to the attention of the proper officials of the Government, and the American people.' LtCol Estes admirably succeeds in 'bringing this efficiency to the proper attention' of any civilian interested enough in the Corps to pick up this most valuable book.

This book which is written by retired Lt. Col. Kenneth W. Estes(who also wrote the Handbook for Marine NCOs)is filled with things officers should know. I am sure some of the stuff is taught at OCS and TBS, but some probably isn't. Has chapters like History, Traditions, Bases and Stations, Pay, Sea Service, Marine Corps Reserve, Leadership, Arriving at Your First Assignment, Personal Administration and Affairs, Social Life, Military Justice, and others. Its hardcover, and just shy of 500 pages. I personally liked the section that describes your typical career pattern as an officer.

I accepted my commission this summer and found this book helpful because it addressed some of the customs and history of the United States Marine Corps all in one location. The book is well organized and each chapter can be read on its own. Good overview of the basics. The history portion is superficial. I'm wondering if a more recent edition should be available since this book is several years old.

I have been using the 3rd edition since 1972. The 6th edition by Lieutenant Colonel Estes is a tremendous improvement though Chapter 22 Marine Corps Social Life is still antiquated and reeks of the 19th Century. I did not observe the use of calling cards once in my thirty year career.

As an Officer Candidate yet to ship off to Quantico, I think that this manual is an invaluable recourse for those who are entering the officer corps. As a former enlisted Marine I found much of the information to be review, but several other sections are incredibly usefull. The sections on career progression, personal admin, and traditions unique to officers are parts I have read several times.

For a civilian that has little or no experience in The Corps, I think this manual is absolutely essential. If you are prior service and want to get a head start I say the same. Either way, get this book at some point in your career.

My only complaint is that this book was last updated in the late 90's and could really use a refreshing. Still, I give it a high recommendation.

Excellent book written as a "best practices" for all current and future Marine Officers. Based upon tradition, honor, character, and courage by a former Marine officer! A must read for anyone interested in the Marine Corp and leadership in general.

Dry, but informative. Do not pay more than the $50 or $60 that Amazon asks. It is certainly not worth the several hundred dollars that some are asking. Sorry the review isn't longer, but this pretty much some up my feelings. Meh...

First Off i am going to go to the Naval Academy, and i will stop at nothing to get accepted. I hope that by having read this book, i will be more prepared to go to annapolis and eventually become an officer in the marines. This book answers everything i could have asked and more. In summary, if you have big goals, this book will help you achieve them.