The Marine Corps in Action presents the history of the United States Marine Corps and provides an overview of career opportunities in this service. The book explores structure and size, careers and pay, boot camp, life in the service, as well as how to join the U.S. Marine Corps. One chapter focuses on women and minorities in the military.

The Mission and Role of Today’s Marines

History of the United States Marine Corps

Recruitment and Training

Structure of the Marine Corps

Careers, Pay, and Benefits

Minorities and Women in the Marine Corps

The Future of the Marine Corps

Weapons and Equipment

Chapter Notes

Glossary

Further Reading

Internet Addresses

Index

February 2002...

Although not exceptional, these two offerings, part of the U.S. Military Branches and Careers series, provide a solid general introduction to the worlds of U.S. Army and Marine Corps service. Seven short chapters, enhanced by black-and-white photographs and illustrations, cover a wide range of topics, including mission and role; history; recruitment and training; structure; careers, pay, and benefits; the role of women and minorities; and a look at what the future might hold. Sidebar inserts provide a closer look at the contributions made by specific people. Of special interest is the section detailing weapons and equipment used in each branch. The text is easy to read, and the contents will be helpful to students looking for report information as well as those researching military career opportunities. Ample chapter notes, further reading suggestions, and a list of Internet addresses provide additional resources for students needing more detail.

Given the recent terrorist activity in the United States and the war in Afghanistan, titles providing information about the armed services might be in greater demand among young adult readers. Other titles in the series cover the U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy. Review of The Marine Corps in Action and The Army in Action.

Children's Literature...

The United States Marines Corps stands out as one of the elite military forces in the world. However, it might surprise you to realize that at least four American Presidents proposed disbanding the Marine Corps or submersing it into the Army. The Marine Corps survived those internal threats much as it has the military missions it has been called upon to fulfill. Today, approximately 174,000 men and women serve as full time Marines while tens of thousands more maintain their reserve enlistment. The Marine Corps is designed as a rapid deployment strike force with varied capabilities. The role, structure, history and composition of the modern day Marine Corps are some of the subjects reviewed in this volume in the "U.S. Military Branches and Careers" series. In an illustrated format, the author does a very capable job of detailing what life in the Marine Corps is like. Readers with an interest in military history or those contemplating a career in the service will find this to be a valuable book. The periodic insertion of "mini-biographies" of noteworthy Marines and a section dedicated to minorities and women in the Corps makes this book a colorful look at a military institution with a proud history

Nathan Aaseng is the author of a number of books for young people, including Meat-Eating Plants and American Dinosaur Hunters for Enslow Publishers, Inc. He lives in Wisconsin.