Marine Boot Camp has been described in many books and movies over the years and in many cases not favorably. The author is especially qualified to write about this subject because he went through a Boot Camp at Parris Island in 1953 and returned as the commanding officer of the Recruit Training Regiment in 1982 after spending a significant amount of time leading Marines as an officer and noncommissioned officer. The author goes into great detail explaining his theory about why abuse occurs. He also describes the quality of the drill instructors and their background. The author places the reader in the environment by telling stories about what is actually happening throughout the training cycle. He explains why more supervision or regulations will not eliminate abuse, but only by changing attitudes will that happen. His style of working with the drill instructors and junior officers takes the reader through the events. A totally new approach of stress management was implemented with superb results. Experts in conditioning and psychology were used in an effort to improve the production of basic Marines and reports from the operating forces supported the end results. The author spent most of his time out of the office observing training and speaking with recruits and drill instructors. Many of the changes that occurred were suggested by the drill instructors during these informal talks. Some of the changes that did occur are listed near the end of the book. Many of them remain in effect today while others have been overcome by time. Pride and Discipline By Donald J. Myers Trafford Publishing Copyright © 2014 Colonel Donald J. Myers, USMC (Ret) All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4907-3636-5 Contents Pre-Introduction, ix, Foreword, xi, Introduction, xv, Chapter 1 The Beginning, 1, Chapter 2 Why Abuse, 20, Chapter 3 The Drill Instructor, 30, Chapter 4 Initial Changes, 36, Chapter 5 The Studies, 44, Chapter 6 The Schedule, 47, Chapter 7 The Regiment, 52, Chapter 8 Individual Combat Training and Rifle Range, 56, Chapter 9 Stress Management, 60, Chapter 10 Stories, 64, Chapter 11 Goals, 83, Chapter 12 Why We Are Different, 91, Chapter 13 Changes and Results, 94, Epilogue, 103, CHAPTER 1 The Beginning The National Ensign fluttered softly in the breeze, and next to it fluttered the Battle Color of the First Battalion, Second Marines. The men of the battalion stood at ease as the microphone was placed in front of the battalion commander. A change of command is a significant event in a Marine organization because as a unit's color is passed from the old commander to the new commander, it signifies the change of authority and responsibility. This was such an event, and the old commander prepared to say his farewell to the men of his battalion. I knew this day was approaching, and yet I didn't know how I could possibly express my feelings for the men of this battalion. As I pondered, I recalled a video movie, which appeared on TV within the last several years. The movie told the story of two football players who played for the Chicago Bears. They both were gifted players who came from different backgrounds—one was Brian Piccolo who happened to be white, and the other, Gale Sayers, who happened to be black. They developed a close relationship, which extended to their families. One year, Gale was injured and became quite frustrated with his physical progress, but Brian would not allow him to quit or feel sorry for himself. Finally, through diligence and perseverance, they overcame this obstacle, and the bond of friendship grew. Together they formed a duo, which was difficult to stop on the field. Years later, Brian started to lose weight and strength. Neither he nor the trainer could understand until finally he went to the hospital where he was diagnosed as having cancer. This time Gale remained at Brian's side and encouraged him to continue the fight. Unfortunately, it was a losing battle as Brian grew weaker and weaker. At the end of the season, Gale was honored at a banquet as the most courageous player in the National Football league. As he accepted the award and clutched it to his chest, he began to speak. He thanked all of those present for this particular honor, and then spoke of Brian and his fight against cancer. It was an emotional talk, and as he concluded, he said that this award may be his now, but that tonight it would belong to Brian. And then with tears in his eyes and a tremor in his voice as he looked at the audience, he said unashamedly, "I love Brian Piccolo and would like you all to love him." Now, much like Gale Sayers at a different time and place, as I look at you, I can say unashamedly, "I love the men of First Battalion, Second Marines." So said the battalion commander as he spoke to his men for the final time. The passing of the Battle Color next signified the official change of command, and the executive officer gave the command to "pass in review."