From Library Journal
In the tradition of novelist Clancy's previous nonfiction works, such as Fighter Wing (Berkley, 1995), comes an in-depth look at the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Clancy presents an insider's look at the most hallowed branch of the U.S. armed forces and those who serve on the front lines. First he offers an interview with Gen. Charles "Chuck" Cruller, 31st commandant of the Marine Corps. Clancy's main focus, however, is the Marine Expeditionary Unit-Special Operations Capable, or MEU (SOC). Currently, the USMC maintains seven MEU (SOC)s: three on each coast and one in Okinawa. Two or three of these units are deployed aboard ship into forward areas at any one time. These rapid-response units patrol a dangerous world while waiting for the president of the United States to get a "911" call for armed intervention. Clancy also offers a fascinating look at Marine Corps recruitment and training. Highly recommended for all libraries.?Michael Coleman, Regional Lib. for Blind & Physically Handicapped, Montgomery
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Since Clancy's fictional hero Jack Ryan began his career as a marine officer, few fans will be surprised that his creator now turns his attention to the corps and treats an aspect of it as effectively as he did the subjects of his three previous nonfiction military studies: Submarine (1993), Armored Cav (1994), and Fighter Wing (1995). After summarizing the marines' history, unique ethos, and weaponry--both specialized and borrowed, including the formidable ships of the amphibious navy--Clancy focuses on "the most `Marine' unit left in the Corps today," a Marine Expeditionary Unit--Special Operations Capable. Such a unit is one of the corps' and the country's seaborne emergency response teams, each with infantry, armor, air, and logistical components adding up to about 2,000 men and each able to carry out an astonishing variety of war-fighting and peacekeeping activities. Clancy amasses the information, writes clearly, provides an invaluable bibliography, and generally takes the lay reader where it would be very difficult to go without Clancy's guidance. Highly recommended. Roland Green