Guidebook for Marines

I picked this book up second-hand and have found it to be an extremely facinating and informative read. I'm a military brat and naturally find this kind of thing interesting, but I honestly think this book has something to offer for non-military types.History buffs will like the history of the Marine Corps that is detailed in it. Outdoorsman/Boy Scouts/etc will find educational material within: instructions on field first aid, orienteering, and field sanitation, among other things. Military or weapons buffs will find complete descriptions and instructions for using and caring for the M-16A2, M-60, M249, and more. Hand to hand combat, anti-armor weapons, mines, explosives, chemical warfare, etc., are also discussed. The purely curious should find the whole book a great read. If you're thinking of joining the Marine Corps, or can use, or are interested in this kind of information, this book is worth the money.

This book will give you a great heads up if you are in DEP, or plan on enlisting. It will be issued to you in boot camp, but if you can get a copy beforehand, do so by all means. Useful info on basics such as rank structure, general orders, and history, all things you will need to know in boot camp. Learn some of it now, so you can focus on other things when you get there.

This book is so good because it is what is issued to recruits to learn from. The 419 page book has 33 chapters dealing with history, code of conduct, drill, first aid, uniforms, courtesy, general administration, physical fitness, equipment, VERY detalied weapons information, tactics, navigation, military terms, bayonet and rifle fighting, just everything a basic Marine would need to know. Get it if you want to be a Marine, but then again, it is issued in boot camp.

I first read this book in 1981 when I joined the corps. I have been out for 13 years and am reinlisting in the Marine Corps Reserves. I purschased this book from the MCA as a refresher since my original copy was lost in a fire. The information is as outstanding as I remember. Not only a book of information, but a sacred text. Semper Fi

The "guidebook" as we marines call it is generally part of the basic issue in recruit training... it details what should be known and learned throughout the training process (may also be used as a refresher). Unfortunately I've only seen one copy of the Marine Corps Reserve version during my entire career, which for some of us is a better book.