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

Rating:
Summary: Well written and definitely honest...
Review: Monroe Mann's book reminds me of my own multiple trips to Ft. Benning for Basic Combat Training, Infantry School, and Airborne School. His descriptions of life in the barracks and in the field is articulate, honest, and frequently hilarious. Highly recommended by this former 82nd trooper.

Rating:
Summary: Mockery of those who have really served
Review: This 'Mann' fella does quite a few things. A short visit to his website will show you that he feels he is the next Matt Damon, Vin Diesel, and General of the Army Patton. I believe it is time to deflate this balloon, because it is full of hot steam.

Many have served for their country, provided the ultimate sacrifice, and nowhere are there paper trails by "bestselling" platoon mates about their real life experiences. Many have been through basic training, an officer basic course (Not officer candidate school, as the author incorrectly alludes to), and do not muddy future recruits' minds with such hogwash. If perspective soldiers would like an idea what their service in the military will potentially involve, they should read the newspapers about stabilization missions taking place in the Middle East, because that is where they will undoubtedly spend a decent portion of their young career. They don't need to read about `how hard' basic training is going to be. That should be the least of their worries.

Mr. Oscar bound 'Mann', discontinue your mockery of those in the service, stop campaigning your movie star dreams through your limited experience as a soldier, and serve with duty, honor, and country in mind - not your own dreams. You'd better focus on IPB, because you may find yourself on a real ventilator (see his limited role in the terrible movie, Swimfan) if you don't refocus your responsibilities as a soldier first. That's the oath you swore at commissioning, remember? This is not an `ongoing documentary' for you to write about upon your return to the U.S.

Concerned citizen -


Rating:
Summary: so this is the Army! Well, Basic and OCS anyway....
Review: This book was terrific! It was easy to read (less than 4 hours), and FULL of information. Mr.Mann, I mean, LT Mann is also VERY entertaining. My first thought upon finishing the book was, "OH MY GOD I NEED TO RUN MORE." The flow of his thoughts has certainly given me a PRECIOUS inside view of BCT and OCS. I'm fairly certain his warnings will help me weather the toughest spots, from sleep deprivation to taking non-sensical seeming orders from seeming idiots. I'm sure there's a method to the madness, but whatever else, LT Mann has warned me of the madness. Give this book to those you love who are heading for BCT and OCS, and then READ IT YOURSELF. And SEND MAIL TO THEM!

Rating:
Summary: A Must Read
Review: To Benning and Back is a must read. This book is great example of what benning is really like. This book is a must read before and if you ship to Basic Training. This book really motivated me and it will motivate you. Buy it.

Rating:
Summary: What a crybaby whiner!!!
Review: While this book does give a more realistic account of OCS than I had read before, this guy is a huge wimp! All he does is cry about how much he hurts, how much he hates the army, how much he wants to go home, how much he doesn't like the other guys in his company... You can tell by his lame jokes that this guy is a spineless worm who spent too much time with mommy as a kid. "Running is good... for me to poop on" or Basic training is "El Stinko..." and he repeats it over and over again. He is also quite self absorbed, calling his fellow soldiers dumb and that he can't wait to get to OCS where there is an "inkling" of intelligence. Other cute things are "my sister told me all of her friends think I'm hot," and "One of my fellow soldiers asked why I was even here because I'm so smart and have so much going for me," not to mention "I hate my drill sgt. I'm so glad he'll have to salute me one day." What a joke. Are all actors seriously this weird, demented, weak, and cowardly? I was going to give this book 2 stars, but now I think that 1 star is more appropriate...