Smith [the company commander] did not have to order his Marines straight into the direction of the fire; it was a collective impulse - a phenomenon I would see again and again over the coming days. The idea that Marines are trained to break down doors, to seize beachheads and other territory, was an abstraction until I was there to experience it. Running into fire rather than seeking cover from it goes counter to every human survival instinct - trust me ... In one flash, as we charged across [the street] amid whistling incoming shots, I realized that they were not like me; they were Marines.
Comments
I agree. Just don't let them drop you in 18 knot gusts. That smarts...
Posted by: Kirk | June 17, 2004 3:18 AM
What is green, comes out at night and beats up Paras?
A Royal Marine...
Sorry, a joke from an old "bootneck" friend of mine, I just had to share it...
Posted by: nbc | June 17, 2004 10:32 AM
"God has a hard on for Marines, because we kill everything we see." -Gunnery Sergeant Hartman,'Full Metal Jacket'
Posted by: Humbaba | June 17, 2004 3:53 PM
Smith [the company commander] did not have to order his Marines straight into the direction of the fire; it was a collective impulse - a phenomenon I would see again and again over the coming days. The idea that Marines are trained to break down doors, to seize beachheads and other territory, was an abstraction until I was there to experience it. Running into fire rather than seeking cover from it goes counter to every human survival instinct - trust me ... In one flash, as we charged across [the street] amid whistling incoming shots, I realized that they were not like me; they were Marines.
In the Line of Fire
Robert D. Kaplan
Posted by: Brian | June 18, 2004 4:55 PM