About the Book
There is absolutely nothing in the American experience comparable to basic training or boot camp. If you haven't been through it, you can't understand it.
But if you've been through it, you never forget it.
No matter where they live, all American fighting men and women have one thing in common: They have survived basic military training. They've crawled through the swamps on Parris Island, stood in the frigid cold guarding a Dumpster at Great Lakes, struggled to complete fifteen bars on the horizontal ladder to get to the chow hall at Ft. Jackson, fought desperately to stay awake after long days without sleep at Lackland. They were shaved and screamed at, they barely ate, they marched a hundred miles, and they accomplished things they never would have dreamed were possible. They made the epic journey from civilian to soldier in eight weeks and gained a lifetime of memories in the process.
If you've done it, you will recognize the Drill Instructors, the marching chants, the movie segments, the proper way to make a hospital corner, the jokes, the camaraderie and the shared feeling of triumph. And those who haven't done it yet will understand and appreciate this life-changing experience.
Basic is the story of that training. Col. Jack Jacobs and David Fisher tell the funny, sad, dramatic, poignant, and sometimes crazy history of how America has trained its military, told through the indelible memories of those who remember the experiences as if they happened yesterday.
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About the Author :
In addition to his Medal of Honor, Colonel Jack Jacobs (Ret.) is the recipient of three Bronze Stars and two Silver Stars. He is the Vice Chairman of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, holds the McDermott Chair of Humanities and Public Affairs at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and is an on-air analyst for NBC News. Colonel Jacobs is also the author of the Colby Award winning memoir If Not Now, When? He lives in New Jersey.
David Fisher is the author of more than fifty books, including sixteen New York Times bestsellers. He lives in New York.
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Review :
"Praise for "If Not Now, When?"
The unique transition from civilian to Soldier has always generated tall tales... about the environment, the changes, and of course the ever-present Drill Sergeant who changes your life. While the portrayed events usually grow with exaggeration and some added humor as Soldiers grow older, Jack Jacobs and Dave Fisher have captured the war stories' of basic training in a uniquely hilarious and moving way. Well done, gentlemen and patriots! Mark Hertling, Former Deputy Commander for Initial Military Training, US Army
Movies and television shows have taught us to think of boot camp as a grueling physical challenge--and it is that--but what we take away here is a deeper understanding of the punishing psychological component as recruits learn to box up their individuality in favor of conformity and the unfaltering following of orders. Booklist
Provides a clear and sometimes mordantly amusing overview of the training experience, punctuating it with personal accounts from soldiers. Kirkus Reviews
This is a book about transformation, the transition from civilian to soldier. With insight and candor, Basic is certain to bring back memories for the 40 million people who have gone through it, and provide a grasp of what it is like for the others who have not. Tucson Citizen
The two authors weave interesting facts and stories about basic training throughout their readable book, with personal accounts from service members interviewed. The Fayetteville Observer
It's a privilege to call [Col. Jack Jacobs] a friend and an honor to recommend this remarkable life story. Tom Brokow on If Not Now, When?
One warning: The book you are about to read, at its core, is a story about selflessness, sacrifice, and service. I will never view my friend Jack in the same way again. I just didn't think it was possible to admire him any more than I already did. Brian Williams on If Not Now, When?
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The unique transition from civilian to Soldier has always generated tall tales... about the environment, the changes, and of course the ever-present Drill Sergeant who changes your life. While the portrayed events usually grow with exaggeration and some added humor as Soldiers grow older, Jack Jacobs and Dave Fisher have captured the war stories' of basic training in a uniquely hilarious and moving way. Well done, gentlemen and patriots! "Mark Hertling, Former Deputy Commander for Initial Military Training, US Army"
Movies and television shows have taught us to think of boot camp as a grueling physical challenge--and it is that--but what we take away here is a deeper understanding of the punishing psychological component as recruits learn to box up their individuality in favor of conformity and the unfaltering following of orders. "Booklist"
Provides a clear and sometimes mordantly amusing overview of the training experience, punctuating it with personal accounts from soldiers. "Kirkus Reviews"
This is a book about transformation, the transition from civilian to soldier. With insight and candor, "Basic "is certain to bring back memories for the 40 million people who have gone through it, and provide a grasp of what it is like for the others who have not. "Tucson Citizen"
The two authors weave interesting facts and stories about basic training throughout their readable book, with personal accounts from service members interviewed. "The Fayetteville Observer"
It's a privilege to call [Col. Jack Jacobs] a friend and an honor to recommend this remarkable life story. "Tom Brokow on If Not Now, When?"
One warning: The book you are about to read, at its core, is a story about selflessness, sacrifice, and service. I will never view my friend Jack in the same way again. I just didn't think it was possible to admire him any more than I already did. "Brian Williams on If Not Now, When?""
"The unique transition from civilian to Soldier has always generated tall tales... about the environment, the changes, and of course the ever-present Drill Sergeant who changes your life. While the portrayed events usually grow with exaggeration and some added humor as Soldiers grow older, Jack Jacobs and Dave Fisher have captured the 'war stories' of basic training in a uniquely hilarious and moving way. Well done, gentlemen and patriots!"--Mark Hertling, Former Deputy Commander for Initial Military Training, US Army
"Movies and television shows have taught us to think of boot camp as a grueling physical challenge--and it is that--but what we take away here is a deeper understanding of the punishing psychological component as recruits learn to box up their individuality in favor of conformity and the unfaltering following of orders."--"Booklist
""Provides a clear and sometimes mordantly amusing overview of the training experience, punctuating it with personal accounts from soldiers."--"Kirkus Reviews
""This is a book about transformation, the transition from civilian to soldier. ... With insight and candor, "Basic "is certain to bring back memories for the 40 million people who have gone through it, and provide a grasp of what it is like for the others who have not."--"Tucson Citizen
""The two authors weave interesting facts and stories about basic training throughout their readable book, with personal accounts from service members interviewed."--"The Fayetteville Observer
"Praise for "If Not Now, When?"
"It's a privilege to call [Col. Jack Jacobs] a friend and an honor to recommend this remarkable life story."--Tom Brokow
"One warning: The book you are about to read, at its core, is a story about selflessness, sacrifice, and service. I will never view my friend Jack in the same way again. I just didn't think it was possible to admire him any more than I already did."--Brian Williams
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