As an Officer Candidate yet to ship off to Quantico, I think that this manual is an invaluable recourse for those who are entering the officer corps. As a former enlisted Marine I found much of the information to be review, but several other sections are incredibly usefull. The sections on career progression, personal admin, and traditions unique to officers are parts I have read several times.

For a civilian that has little or no experience in The Corps, I think this manual is absolutely essential. If you are prior service and want to get a head start I say the same. Either way, get this book at some point in your career.

My only complaint is that this book was last updated in the late 90's and could really use a refreshing. Still, I give it a high recommendation.

I have been using the 3rd edition since 1972. The 6th edition by Lieutenant Colonel Estes is a tremendous improvement though Chapter 22 Marine Corps Social Life is still antiquated and reeks of the 19th Century. I did not observe the use of calling cards once in my thirty year career.

I accepted my commission this summer and found this book helpful because it addressed some of the customs and history of the United States Marine Corps all in one location. The book is well organized and each chapter can be read on its own. Good overview of the basics. The history portion is superficial. I'm wondering if a more recent edition should be available since this book is several years old.

I accepted my commission this summer and found this book helpful because it addressed some of the customs and history of the United States Marine Corps all in one location. The book is well organized and each chapter can be read on its own. Good overview of the basics. The history portion is superficial. I'm wondering if a more recent edition should be available since this book is several years old.