Customer Reviews

One of Us: Officers of Marines--Their Training, Traditions, and Values

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There have been a number of books recently about the training of enlisted Marines ("Making the Corps," "Into the Crucible," etc.), but the special technique the Corps uses to produce its officers is much less well-explored, at least for the general reader. Far from just a modification -- or still less, a simplification -- of enlisted recruit training, OCS and TBS, the two main parts of USMC officer training, are a world unto themselves and worthy of the attention Jack Ruppert has given them. This is a book that should be read, not only (as other reviewers have noted) by officer candidates or hope-to-be Marines, but by any reader interested in what makes the Corps America's most distinctive armed service.

Ruppert's approach is to compare-and-contrast his own experience at The Basic School in 1956 with those of a class in 2000. He combines stories from his classmates with his own observations, studies with statistics, in-their-own-words reminiscences with as-it-happens reports from officer candidates ... in short, Ruppert gives us a pretty well-rounded look at what Marine officer training is all about. He doesn't employ the common technique of following specific individuals through training from start to finish, and consequently this book comes across as somewhat less personal -- in the sense of containing portraits of distinct individuals. However, he makes up for that not only with a wide breadth of coverage, but also a very personal stroll down his own memory lane.

One of the impressions that comes across most strongly in this book is that Marine Corps officer training is not only physical -- though it is incredibly, intensely, physical -- but also ethical, moral, and perhaps surprisingly to some, intellectual. Far from the stereotype some may have of the Marine as a redneck automaton killing machine (thank you, "A Few Good Men"), Ruppert shows how the Corps in fact emphasizes personal initiative, innovation, even, dare we say, intellectualism.

Ruppert's subtitle makes an important point, one he develops further in his text. OCS and TBS are concerned not just with creating "Marine officers," but more importantly, "officers of Marines": men and women worthy of the Marines whom they will be leading. How this exacting training is carried out, and how and why it has changed over the years, is the focus of this most interesting title. I recommend it to any reader with an interest in the Corps.

This book is a must read for the serious Marine Officer Candidate. If you are headed that direction and keep asking yourself "what can I expect at OCS?" This is the book will answer many of those questions. I agree that this book is not for everyone with a $50 price tag, but it's purpose isn't to suit the mainstream reader. If your goal is to become an Officer of Marines and you want to know what you'll have to endure to get there, then this book is a great tool to help get you mentally prepared. It opens your eyes to the stressful and chaotic environment you will encounter. I think $50 is a small price to pay for being that much more prepared than the person next to you.

For someone that has been through the OCS experience there is not much to be offered in reading this book. However, for those that are looking in to becoming an Officer of Marines this book offers great insight to what OCS, TBS, and being an officer is all about. I found some of the comparisons interesting, and reading about other PLC candidates experiences interesting and often found myself reflecting on my own experiences. Unless you are seriously considering a life as an Officer of Marines I would say you might want to save the $49.95 on this one.

As an individual interested in USMC OCS and earning the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, I found this to be a motivating and exciting read. There are no false promises or shading of truth, the author describes challenges that are instore in a way that presents them as real, and real hard. The reader can feel energy and identify with those attempting the very difficult. The most interesting section of this book was the comparison of candidates from two different generations and the surprising similarities that appeared. It is not a cheap book, but if you are interested in becoming an Officer of Marines it is a required text to consume before making that decision.

Jack Ruppert, in his book ONE OF US, has proved himself to be an Author and a Writer. The Author created a fascinating premise: to compare Marine officers and their training and moral code across the generational chasm between the 1950s and 2000. He surveyed the subjects, tabulated the results of his study and reported the data to his readers in a clear, interesting and informative manner. The Writer in Mr. Ruppert set the scene, told the story, illuminated the characters and made the readers understand and care about them.

He was equally adept at reporting the data or ruminating over its meaning. He allowed the "old-timers" and the current officer candidates room to speak for themselves. He revealed a limited personal history which gave the necessary credentials for authorship and authenticity, establishing that this book could only have been written by a Marine Officer. But he exercised restraint against the possible temptation to craft an autobiography, thereby providing material depth and breadth.

From the initial premise to his conclusions, Mr. Ruppert holds the reader's attention, never going overboard with assumptions that can't be supported. Most fundamentally he tells a good story. He describes the surroundings, past and present, provides humorous and touching vingnettes and establishes historical background on both generations to guarantee the reader's understanding of the importance of his title.

In a moving final gesture in the last pages, Mr. Ruppert demonstrates the continuing respect, spirit and camaraderie that continue once a person has become ONE OF US.

To start, this rating is actually two grades averaged: purely as a book, One Of Us gets three stars. The writing is directed at facts, not style, and it's recounting a process rather than a story, since the author. There are certainly great moments, especially where Ruppert interviews his old OCS classmates. But there are also horrifically boring moments, like the chapter analyzing demographic and survey data on OCS classes, and most of the writing is simply average both in style and in ability to hold interest.

As an information resource, however, this book is second to none and gets five solid stars. It is first and foremost a thorough examination of what today's OCS is like, the process and stress candidates must undergo, and excellent preparation for anyone planning to attend. The information Ruppert gives on TBS is also useful, though less specific. Anyone reading this will instantly have great insight into how Marine officers are trained and what those trainees should expect, if not a kind of cheat sheet on how to act and hopefully succeed. In a way, Ruppert is actually probably doing OCS a service in its mission of selection: anyone thinking of going to OCS will get such a solid picture of the experience that it'll probably either scare them far away or motivate them for the challenge.

The bottom line is that this book should be required for anyone interested in becoming a Marine officer, but others should save the time and money. For those looking for a great narrative of Marine training, read Thomas Ricks' outstanding book Making The Corps, a book Ruppert actually mentions several times.

I was curious about OCS and TBS and bought this book to get some info. The book is well written. It compares OCS now to OCS back in the 50s. The information in the book is valuable. I have learned so much from reading this book about being a Marine Corp. Officer. I highly recommend this book to those who are thinking of joining up or have family or friends who have. It is important to learn what these men and women go through for almost a year in training to be who they are.

This is a great book for anyone thinking of becoming an officer of Marines. Jack Ruppert goes into detail about what it takes to complete OCS and TBS, and it seems pretty tough. The parts about Marine Corps traditions and values pretty much convinced me to put aside my career for a few years and be apart of something bigger than myself.

The author paints a vivid description of the differences in the OCS/TBS training between his era and the current one. It was excellent in the historical persepective. However, I was a bit disappointed at the lack of specificity in the current standards and practices. I had hoped to gain moe insight in the how the officers leading today's Marines are selected and trained.

However, for those interested in the rich culture and history of the US Marine Corps - you won't be disappointed in this book.

This book was exceptional and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This was a walk down memory lane with the author and his classmates from his officer training class in the Marine Corp. He compared, and on occasion, contrasted the classes from years ago to today. This comparison and contrast were made with objectivity and after research into current trends. A must-read for military enthusiasts and those who love military leadership and development. I will recommend it to those interested in leadership.