Making The Corps (Anniversary) by Thomas E Ricks

Semper Fi. The proud, the few. From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli. Once a Marine, always a Marine. The United States Marine Corps, with its fiercely proud tradition of excellence in combat, its hallowed rituals, and its unbending code of honor, is deeply woven into the fabric of American myth. Few other institutions in America leave such a lasting impact on its members.

However, in current times, the Marine Corps feels under siege, engaged in a battle against a new and unfamiliar enemy – the vast social and political forces it perceives as a threat to its cherished values. This is the backdrop against which “Making the Corps” takes us, transporting us to the front lines of this war: Parris Island, South Carolina, where the journey begins.

At Parris Island, the crucible of Marine Corps training, the old values are forcibly stripped away, making room for the forging of new Marine Corps values. Thomas E. Ricks, an acclaimed military journalist, meticulously chronicles the journey of sixty-three raw recruits – the young men of recruit platoon 3086 – from their hometowns to Parris Island, through the grueling boot camp, and into their first year as Marines.

As we follow these recruits, we witness a battle fought by three relentless drill instructors – a battle for the minds and hearts of these unforgettable young men. Embedded within this narrative is a deeper analysis, brilliantly painted, of the growing divide between the military and the rest of America.

“Making the Corps” offers a riveting exploration of the Marine Corps’ struggle to uphold its values in the face of perceived societal pressures. Through the eyes and experiences of these recruits, Ricks offers readers a captivating glimpse into the Marine Corps’ fight to maintain its distinct identity and honor in an ever-changing world.

The Generals: Leadership and Accountability in the US Military

Good evening everyone! My name is Richard Fontaine and I am the president of the Center for a New American Security. Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate the publication of Tom Ricks’ new book, The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today. We are also grateful to CNAS for hosting this event. After the event, Tom’s book will be available for purchase in the ballroom lobby.

Tom Ricks is a senior fellow at CNAS and a widely respected author and journalist. His previous works, including Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq and The Gamble: General Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, have earned him numerous awards. With his disruptive thinking and fresh perspective, Tom has challenged us at CNAS to think differently and more critically about military leadership.

In The Generals, Tom explores the history of generalship in the American military, spanning from World War II to the present day. He argues that the military has become more lenient with regard to holding generals accountable for their successes and failures, resulting in a decrease in overall performance and accountability. This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between leadership, generalship, and accountability.

Talking Leadership and Generalship

Tonight, Tom will be joined in conversation by Susan Glasser, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine. Susan is an esteemed national security journalist who brings great expertise and experience to this discussion. Together, Tom and Susan will engage in an intriguing conversation on the topics of leadership, generalship, and the relationship between the military and civilian leadership. They will delve into the themes and arguments presented in The Generals and shed light on the current state of military leadership.

Tom’s book offers valuable insights and raises significant questions about the state of generalship in the American military. It challenges us to think critically about the ways in which leadership and accountability affect the performance and success of the military. By exploring the history of generals from World War II to today, Tom provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the American military.

We hope this conversation with Tom and Susan will encourage further exploration and discussion on the topics of leadership, generalship, and accountability in the military. Let’s dive into the conversation and examine the lessons we can learn from history to improve military leadership today.