Honor, Courage, Commitment: Navy Boot Camp (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Through words and pictures, J. F. Leahy chronicles the transition of eighty-one men and women from civilians to sailors at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Revealing a side of today's youth that many will find surprising, his examination of the unique American institution--popularly known as boot camp--offers a look into the hearts and minds of a group of young people who are a cross section of the nation. The work sheds light on the controversy over gender integration and helps bridge the gap between the military services and the society they serve.

During the fall of 2000, the author was granted unlimited and unprecedented access to the recruits from the time they arrived at Chicago's airport until their graduation. Observing their training evolutions first hand, he interviewed them at every opportunity and surveyed them through a series of his own specially designed reaction papers. He watched them as they struggled through obstacle courses and learned how to fight shipboard fires. He listened as they shared their feelings, and he cheered them on as they faced the challenges of "Battle Stations" and tested their physical, mental, and moral preparations before entering the fleet. Leahy also shared their pride at the final parade and graduation ceremonies. Both eye-opening and inspiring, his guide will be valuable to future recruits and those who influence them, as well as those who have been there and want a reminder of that special time in their lives.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press; illustrated edition edition (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557505365
• ISBN-13: 978-1557505361
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,022 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Telling it the way it is!, September 26, 2002

By	keith memori (Norfolk Va) - See all my reviews

I just finished "Honor, Courage, Commitment -- Navy Boot Camp". I went through the Great Lakes Training Center myself in 1988, and served as a Recruit Division Commander during the time the author was there researching the book. He hit it right on the head! He has an amazing eye for detail, and a light and entertaining way of telling the story of Navy Boot Camp. I recommend this book to anyone who is even thinking about joining the Navy, and who wants to know what to expect when they get off the bus at "1405". And, if you are an old sailor -- from Great Lakes, Orlando or San Diego -- read this book and see how things are done today. You'll be like me -- it is so life like and realistic that I was half looking around behind me to see if my old company commander was sneaking up on me.

This book is a winner

Keith Memori

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From a Navy Mom, April 30, 2003

By	Brenda Binkley "Brenda Binkley" (Galion, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

My son went to bootcamp last October and it was a very difficult time for me, especially not knowing what was happening to him. Fortunately, I found this wonderful book which I read 3 times while he was there. It was almost like being there. It gave me an understanding and appreciation for what he was going through. I recommend this book to anyone planing to join or who has a loved one joining the Navy.
Thank-You Mr.Leahy!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going to the Navy? This is the Book for you!, April 23, 2006

By	J. Rivera "Prince JR" (Coamo, PR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book because, like most of the reviewers, I'll be joining the Navy on May. It's very clever to learn as much as you can about Boot Camp BEFORE you get there. This book covers the trials and tribulations of Division 005 as they march through Boot Camp. From the first day they step on Great Lakes until the day they leave. THIS BOOK IS GREAT. The author covers everything that you will experience in Boot Camp with graphic detail, and then he interviews both Recruits and RDCs so you can get both perspectives. As one reviewer said, not too many pictures, but the info within is really precious. If you want to see pictures, just go the the Great Lakes web site and you'll see many there. I recommend this book!