Jarhead

“I was in the stink and the s**t, the gutter of the Marine Corps, the gutter of the world, and I knew I had made a mistake, but perhaps I’d discover ME in the same way centuries of men had discovered themselves, while at war, while in the center of the phalanx, drowning in the stink and the s**t and the rubble and the pi** and the flesh” (69).


I’m this far into the book and I’m pretty sure there are better quotes, but none that are as better fit to describe what Anthony Swofford is going through in the Marine Corps. This quote kind of says a lot about kids that don’t know what their future holds and need something to kind find their place in this world. I don’t think people give enough credit to the armed forces. Swofford talks about the loneliness and the depression that sinks in. I think this book really gives a heads up to those who are considering joining the military. The book constantly talks about all the long hours of training, all the beatings that officers put on lower ranks, and the brotherhood between the marines. The story hasn’t even gotten to the actual fighting yet and it still shows how brutal it is to be a marine. I think Anthony Swofford does a great job in not taking out any of the specific details of what a marine goes through. Much of the detail is way to specific to write about in this blog, but it makes me wonder how anyone can survive what they go through. I can see why marines have psychological problems when they go home now.
I am really enjoying this book. It’s nice to have a book that can pull you in like this one has. Now only if I could find a way to pay attention in chemistry class and put the book down for a second.