An in-depth look at the United States Marine Corps-in the New York Times bestselling tradition of Submarine , Armored Cav , and Fighter Wing Only the best of the best can be Marines. And only Tom Clancy can tell their story--the fascinating real-life facts more compelling than any fiction. Clancy presents a unique insider's look at the most hallowed branch of the Armed Forces, and the men and women who serve on America's front lines. Marine includes: An interview with the Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles "Chuck" Krulak - The tools and technology of the Marine Expeditionary Unit - The role of the Marines in the present and future world - An in-depth look at recruitment and training - Exclusive photographs, illustrations, and diagrams 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. 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 A little more than thirty years ago Tom Clancy was a Maryland insurance broker with a passion for naval history. Years before, he had been an English major at Baltimore’s Loyola College and had always dreamed of writing a novel. His first effort, The Hunt for Red October , sold briskly as a result of rave reviews, then catapulted onto the New York Times bestseller list after President Reagan pronounced it “the perfect yarn.” From that day forward, Clancy established himself as an undisputed master at blending exceptional realism and authenticity, intricate plotting, and razor-sharp suspense. He passed away in October 2013.