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To Benning and Back: The Making of a Citizen Soldier - My Journals of Daily Life in U.S. Army Basic Training and Officer Candidate School, from Private to Second Lieutenant, from First Call to Lights |
List Price: $19.99
Your Price: $13.59 |
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Product Info |
Reviews |
Rating: Summary: HOOAH!!! Review: To Benning and Back's first person depiction of the Army's vigorous basic training program helped me grasp a better understanding of the intense transformation from civilian to disciplined soldier. As a USO performer, after reading this book I have even a greater appreciation for the men and women who choose to risk their lives for this country! It was especially intriguing to learn that Lt. Mann is not only a soldier but an actor!! I recommend this book not only to potential military recruits but to anyone who is interested in gaining greater insight into the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces.
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Rating: Summary: Relating to the author just got easier Review: As an officer you must possess many characteristics, two of the most important are courage and leadership. The author, LT. Monroe Mann, displays both and so much more. In my opinion, the mixed reviews that this book has received can be referenced to the fact that it is the first of its kind. This book is an emotional leap forward on what to expect from BCT and OCS. Those who shake their head in disagreement and post negative reviews may just be one-dimensional. Remember, as an officer you must think out side of the box. You can't knock a man/woman down for trying. I appreciated this book for its literary content and for the format that was utilized to illustrate the day-to-day activities of a solider in training. As for me, a new recruit and future Lieutenant, I will continue to recommend this book. Especially, to those who are considering a career in the United States Army.
HOOAH
Rating: Summary: Great True-To-Life Perspective On BCT and OCS! Review: Bravo on your book! I first want to say that I just read your book, "To Benning and Back", and I was truly impressed. There were so many situations that I encountered in Basic Training that you wrote about. It was awesome to see someone else felt the same. There were quite a few times when I laughed so hard, I startled my wife. Great memories, or at least they are great now! I leave for OCS in February 05. So, I find myself trying to get into better shape for OCS. I am suffering from shin splints right now (interesting to see your shin pain in basic). I know that your OCS experience was slightly different than mine will be, but it was still good to get some info on it. It is hard info to come by and your book provided a taste of what's to come. I went to your website and read that you were called to active duty and are about to do a tour in the Sand Box. I imagine being there is as lonely as Basic/OCS (or more!) So, letters being the morale booster that they are, I'll send my HELL REPORT to you in the Sand Box. My BN XO gave me a copy of your book and he said, "Here Parsons, I saw this and thought of you." That's how I was introduced to your book. I also wanted to mention that it was very refreshing to see in your journals that you ask God for strength, motivation, health, etc. That isn't something you see much, and it is very refreshing. I believe that your faith with help you in your pursuit to conquer Hollywood! Best wishes to you. Keep safe and God bless you in Iraq.
Rating: Summary: Sir, are you serious? Review: First, it is pretty obvious that his friends have written every review 1 star or above. This book is amusing. It is fun to laugh at. To have such total disrespect for the enlisted corps is shameful ("he'll have to salute me one day"; "I'm smarter than everyone here..."). I am a 2LT, and I try every day to live up to the responsibility and honor of leading those enlisted troops. It is a privlege to serve this country, not a stepping stone to Hollywood. Lead from the front and suck it up. Nobody cares if your legs hurt.
Rating: Summary: Thank you!!! Review: I am an aspiring infantryman heading to benning (on the split
option program, into the Army Reserves, and then heading to OCS).
I just wanted to let you know that I have read your book and I
found that it was an influence. I thank you for putting all of
your private thoughts and letters into such a publication. Just to
show how much I liked your book: I bought another copy for my
school library :). Good luck in Iraq 1LT Mann.
Rating: Summary: A must read Review: I am in the process of deciding whether or not to join the Army, and pursue OCS just as Mann did. As some of the other reviewers have noted, yes he does complain....he is in BASIC TRAINING! I imagine if you don't complain there is something wrong with you. I found it impossible to put the book down, and crunched it in just a few days. The journal format is perfect for what this book aims at, and I found it very inspiring.
Rating: Summary: Wish I Had This Book 15 Years Ago Review: I came across this book on Amazon while Deployed to Iraq. I purchased this book along with others. I actually read this in about 3 days (very fast for being in Iraq). The book would have a great tool to have prior to me going through OCS back in 1989. Although 1LT Mann went through the Guard version of OCS, it still is very applicable to soldiers going through the active duty version of OCS. I encourage any soldier thinking about OCS and ALL soldiers selected for OCS to read this book. I have given the copy of the book to one of my soldiers on return to Colorado as he will be on his way to OCS next February. I wish 1LT Mann Good Luck in Iraq.
Rating: Summary: Very Interesting Review: If you're planning on joining the Army, or if you're just interested in what it's like, this is something you should read. Monroe spills his guts in this book without holding much back. It's different from other books out there because these are his journal entries in first person form. He tells about things in Army basic training that I have not read in other books. I joined the Army in July of 2003, and I ship to Fort Benning for basic training on April 20th, 2004. I'm very glad I was able to find this book. I think you will be too!
Rating: Summary: Not impressed Review: Just read through about 230 pages of Monroe Mann's journal/diary account of his days spent at BCT and OCS and will read no farther. His book, entitled [u]To Benning and Back: The Making of a Citizen Soldier[/u], is a shameless and puling account of a snivelling boy's journey (he certainly was not a man when he wrote the entries) through the Army indoctrination and training process. It is a ceaseless series of whining entries about how difficult boot camp is and how he continually doubts his decision to join the Army--note: Mann really wants to be an actor and fears that his Army training will interfere with his acting career. He even goes so far as to say that he would prefer playing the role of an officer than actually being an officer! The author also shares with his readers startling revelations about how boot camp is uncomfortable--DS's actually yell at you and make you exercise--outrageous! and I thought boot camp was a day spa--glad he set me straight on that. He also tells his readers that Boot Camp is not fun (really, I thought is was a Disneyland simulation!)--while at Boot Camp you actually have to work and accept accountability for your actions; he even reveals that you have to be responsible while you are there--what was the Army thinking! Mann is a middling author at best (and, that's being kind), and a poorly motivated and uninspiring officer at worst. He is not the kind of man I want leading my men into battle.
Final note: There is one good lesson to be taken from Mann's book: if you find that your feelings about training and a career as an officer resemble those of the author, you had best remain clear of military service. The military needs leaders who find satisfaction in getting the job done, not doubting malcontents who bridle against every hardship.
Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records
--anonymous
Rating: Summary: Honesty Review: Monroe Mann writes this book while in Basic and OCS, which makes this book rare. It is honest, thoughtful, and informative. Anyone with an interest in the military should read it, but for those of us heading into OCS- it is a must have.
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