Into the Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century

by James B. Woulfe

“This is a book for all Marines and future Marines. . . . [and] will also appeal to Marines of the ‘Old Corps’ since it shows we still ‘make ‘em like we used to.’”—Leo J. Daugherty III,  Marine Corps Gazette

“Something so tough, so powerful, that unless you join together, you can’t accomplish the defining moment. Your team will not make it unless you pull together.”—General Charles C. Krulak, Commandant, United States Marine Corps

Welcome to the Crucible Event. This is the culmination of Marine Corps basic combat training, boot camp. The Crucible Event is the “defining moment” for young Marine recruits. Once inside the crucible, the recruits are faced with fifty-four gruelling hours with little sleep, little food, and a series of events that will tax them physically and mentally. The recuirt platoon will be profoundly tested as individuals. Even more important, they will discover that they are unable to pass through the crucible except as a team.

Beyond the Crucible Event’s physical demands of endurance is the reinforcement of the core values of the United States honor, courage, and commitment. The crucible creates a change of mind, body, and spirit that will alst a lifetime, whether one wears the uniform for four years or forty—a constant reminder of the supreme responsibility that comes with the title “United States Marine.”

Praise for Into the Crucible

“Provides a wealth of factual information and insider insights. . . . [and] provides a fascinating first-hand look at the revolutionary training ‘event’ and shows why it has become so effective. Readers—whether Marines, civilians, or other members of other services will find Woulfe’s book a worthwile read.” — SeaPower Magazine

“A powerful and inspiring book.” —Terry Mapes, Mansfield, Ohio, News Journal

Genres: Nonfiction, Military Fiction

183 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Rhona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book to help understand what my son would be going through as he is in USMC Bootcamp. I found it very informative and interesting, and am very proud of my son!

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and it was a quick read (finished in about a day and a half). It has an excellent account of what the Crucible is really like, complete with descriptions of the hardships Marine Corps recruits must endure before claiming the title of Marine. Throughout these passages, Woulfe adds stories of other Marines who in combat have demonstrated incredible leadership, honor, courage, and commitment, as well as historical facts about the Marine Corps through its beginnings, World War I & II, up to the Korean War and Vietnam. By the end of the book, I was crying from Woulfe's moving description of the hard-won culmination of the Crucible and the acceptance of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor by the newly-minted Marines. Definitely recommended.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew thru this book and am amazed at that. Never in a million years would I have picked up this book if it weren't for our son just graduating from Marines Book Camp. The book was fabulous. I learned a lot about our war history as well. Since it has never been an interest of mine, my knowledge was bleak.

I also must say that The Marines truly train their recruits to have respect, courage and honor. Miles learned a lot while in Boot Camp and I can't believe I am saying this, but THANK YOU DI'S. You do amazing hard work. God bless you all.

Semper Fi!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent look at Marine boot camp, especially valuable to friends and parents of recruits but also good reading for anyone interested in the Corps. As the title indicates, this covers only those three days near the end of the boot camp training, where the recruits are tested by enduring a 54 hour ordeal of multiple test scenarios requiring physical and mental fitness to survive. In addition to long marches with full gear, they receive very limited rations and even less sleep. But at the end when they return to camp, they have earned the right to call themselves Marines. Ooh Rah!

[Krischelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read, mainly focusing on the details of the Crucible event that rounds off Marine Corps boot camp. Making the Corps is a more thorough view of the indoctrination process throughout boot, but this is a great picture of the Crucible in particular, which wasn't around when Making the Corps was written. It's paints a nice picture of the transformation from recruit to Marine, rather than the larger transformation from civilian to Marine.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book provides valuable insight into the final 54 hours of Marine Recruit training. It describes each obstacle in The Crucible. The author does a wonderful job of demonstrating the core values that are all Marines learn and live by.

If you are a Marine, are interested in becoming a Marine, or if you love a Marine, you will find this book valuable.

[Birdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a loved one going through Marine Boot Camp, this is an excellent book that explains the events of "The Crucible." I had thought of the Crucible as a final exam for Boot Camp, but really, it's still part of the training to be a Marine. The book also tells the stories of many Medal of Honor recipients and important battles. I found it very interesting.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good look at the Crucible and at the Marine spirit. However, the author is more Marine than writer. This makes the book plodding to get through. There are some interesting bits of information since I have a son heading off to boot camp in a few weeks. Recommend it for information if you are are trying to get an idea of what your son/daughter will be experiencing.

[Wilma Gooch]

This was good, my son did the Crucible also...it's very hard!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

It tells the history of each Crucible event. Very good book.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this the week before my son was to do his Crucible. It was informative and interesting. Gives a good understanding of the why behind the Crucible.