Honor, Courage, Commitment: Navy Boot Camp

by J.F. Leahy

J. F. Leahy chronicles the transition of eighty-one men and women from civilians to sailors at the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Granted unlimited and unprecedented access to the recruits during the fall of 2000, his examination of the unique American institution --popularly known as boot camp --offers a look into the hearts and minds of a group of young people who are a cross section of the nation. The work offers a unique view into the training experience of all recruits and sheds light on the differences between those entering the military services and the society they serve.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 11, 2013

About the author

After retiring as a director of international operations for a major telecommunications company in 2000, Jack Leahy joined the Naval Institute Press at Annapolis to write a series of non-fictional books about the modern U.S. Navy. A Navy veteran, he had previously served with USN Mobile Construction Battalion One at Phu Bai and Danang Vietnam in 1969-70. After completing his graduate education as a civilian, he spent nearly thirty years in the intelligence community and telecommunications industry. Upon retiring in 2000, he returned to professional communications at the Naval Institute, and also became an adjunct professor of Humanities, retiring as Vice President for Strategic Planning and Extension Services of the Pontifical College Josephinum, a Roman Catholic seminary in Columbus, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Margaret. They have three sons, and three grandsons, and enjoy rail travel throughout North America.

About The Naval Writers Group

Established by a cadre of writers who first met through the Naval Institute at the Naval Academy, Annapolis in 2002, the Naval Writers Group is a specialized publishing imprint which provides a voice to “the sailor on the deck plates.” No distinction is ever made based upon the author’s rating or rank – be it seaman or admiral – for we strongly believe that each story deserves to be evaluated on its merit alone. You may learn more about the Naval Writers Group at www.navalwritersgroup.us .

Reviews

[Denille · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those with loved ones in boot camp at Great Lakes! This book covers everything from arrival to departure. Though many things have changed since the time this book was written, the author provides an inside voice to what daily life is like for recruits at the RTC. This is also the only detailed information I've been able to find on what Battle Stations actually consists of. Bravo Zulu J. F. Leahy! Well done!

[Bree H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this a must read for anyone with family or friends heading for Navy boot camp. It's easy to read, engaging and informative. I'm sure things have changed since December of 2000 in regards to the physical aspects of RTC but the basics likely remain the same.

[Shelby A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone curious about Navy bootcamp can get a good idea about it here. Although a few things have changed since the publishing of this book, new "ships", new PT facility, battle stations, firing range, etc.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granted this was ten years after I went to boot camp, and it's not set it Orlando, but it's an accurate portrayal. Would recommend to anyone who asks what boot camp was like.

[Michael Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

It helped me understand what my son was going through this summer. Especially "Battle Stations".