Author: General C.C. Krulak
1. This book is about:
This book puts emphasis on the transformation of an American citizen into a marine and the importance of sustaining the change. It is imperative because our war fighting ability depends on a lasting transformation not only during the time of the individual’s Marine Corps career but also when he or she returns to their civilian communities.
2. General plot/story line: The Marine Corps does two things: make marines and win our nation’s battles. Winning battles depend on how well we make marines. Those who have earned the title have been polished and honed by attentive mentoring. We have to remember that to sustain the transformation because it ensures that the flame of enthusiasm does not wane. The reason for such a juristic transformation from a normal citizen to a marine was because we saw a change in the operating environment where our marines would be deployed to and to prepare them for future battles. The way of fighting has truly changed in the 21st century, because now we fight in decentralized operations, we use advanced technology, increasing weapons lethality, mixing of combatants and non-combatants along with urban combat. To succeed in ever changing operating environments, marines need to be good decision makers, trained to the highest standards and self-confident. In order for NCOs, staff NCOs and officers to help implement ways to sustain the transformation, they need to first understand the different phases of transformation:
Phase 1: Recruitment. Recruiters screen young people with solid character, good moral standards and personal values.
Phase 2: Recruit Training. The Drill Instructor becomes the next person to transform the individual’s life. They become their role models. The recruits will learned that they can exceed their own personal limitations through teamwork, perseverance, and courage.
Phase 3: Cohesion. Once in the fleet,