The Marine Officer's Guide (Hardcover)

by Kenneth W. Estes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Compact and logically organized, this manual has earned a reputation as the indispensible guide for generations of officers seeking up-to-date information and sound advice on the Marine Corps. Many a well-worn copy can be found on the bookshelves of officers of all grades. This new seventh edition includes all recent changes in the Corps' organization and reflects the Gulf conflicts and the passing of the era of superpower rivalry and the century of world wars. Full descriptions of current customs and usages are included, and practices no longer used have been deleted. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author
Lt. Col. Kenneth W. Estes, USMC (Ret.), a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, served in a variety of USMC command and staff assignments until his retirement in 1993. The author of several books, including the prior edition of this guide, he holds a PhD in history and has taught at Duke University, the Naval Academy, and other institutions. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 497 pages
• Publisher: US Naval Institute Press; 6 Sub edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557505675
• ISBN-13: 978-1557505675
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #219,185 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

88 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great tool for non-Marines, too., November 13, 2000

By	Andrew S. Rogers (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you are or are going to become a Marine Officer, get this, January 31, 2000

By	Brian A. Cahill, Jr. (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

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.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Marine Officer's Guide, September 21, 2005

By	Lisa S. Woo - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.