Shiloh79
Royal Marines Commando
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2007
- Posts
- 591
- Reaction score
- 12
Hi guys,
Just thought I’d do a quick review of Steve Preece’s book – Amongst the Marines as I finished reading it a few days back.
For those of you that don’t know or haven’t read the book, it’s Steve Preece’s quite stark account of his time as a Royal Marine Commando from 1983 to 1990, serving first at entry-level and then as a lance-corporal.
Amongst the Marines is Steve’s own first-hand tale of his years as a marine, from leaving CTC until his departure from the marines after the acquittal from a court marshal attempt.
Steve focuses directly on his own excessive and often shocking lifestyle as a Marine during this time, and the resulting knock on effect this had on his own personality, behaviour and the relationship with his family.
Having checked the book out online on various websites it seems to have gotten a mixed bag of reviews from readers, ranging from guys like myself who are on route with their app to joining the RM’s to people claiming to have served with Steve & other fellow RM’s from this era, One reviewer even going as far as making this comment –
“I served in the Marines from 1974-1981 & indeed was in 45Commando from '75-'79. After 1981 I served with Special Forces. If we'd have gone on like this we would have been crucified...literally! We certainly were no angels but for this conduct to have been tolerated is a disgrace. What a shower!! After reading this I don't see how anyone would let their son join such an outfit. It has confirmed my belief in the deterioration of HM Forces & for anyone wanting to join a "rough, tough outfit"; they should head for the French Foreign Legion. Their training is far better & more diverse. You’ll learn the lot relating to Soldiering.”
Not having any family members who ever served in the RM’s at any stage I can’t offer any comment on the above review! Maybe guys on the here may be able to offer some insight if they had family members serving at the same time as Steve.
Luckily I’m a great believer in checking these things out for myself, so I thought what the hell; I might as well see what all the fuss is about!
Firstly the book is an easy & enjoyable read but a very stark account of one mans time relating to the social side of the marines and the bonds he forged with other fellow marines.
After the first few chapters I personally found the book hard to put down as I wanted to see what was going to happen to Steve next, the only reason I did was because it was time to go training *text deleted*..! In my own opinion, I personally felt that the book/Steve could have elaborated more on certain things, but that’s by the by and doesn’t have any major overall effect on the story as it unfolds.
I've always understood that life as a marine was challenging & hard, but on the other hand it’s also very rewarding one to; Steve’s book seems to reinforce that! Obviously he had his ups & downs as mentioned in the book, the constant fighting to control his aggression, his struggle with the relationship with his family etc, but from what I’ve read it’s made Steve the person he is today, thus giving him the drive & ambition to see things through!
After reading ‘Amongst the Marines’ I have to say I’m glad I did! Again what I’ve written here is just my own personal opinion but I would say that everyone should read this book and then make their own mind up about what they think themselves!
Please feel free to comment.
Steve.
Just thought I’d do a quick review of Steve Preece’s book – Amongst the Marines as I finished reading it a few days back.
For those of you that don’t know or haven’t read the book, it’s Steve Preece’s quite stark account of his time as a Royal Marine Commando from 1983 to 1990, serving first at entry-level and then as a lance-corporal.
Amongst the Marines is Steve’s own first-hand tale of his years as a marine, from leaving CTC until his departure from the marines after the acquittal from a court marshal attempt.
Steve focuses directly on his own excessive and often shocking lifestyle as a Marine during this time, and the resulting knock on effect this had on his own personality, behaviour and the relationship with his family.
Having checked the book out online on various websites it seems to have gotten a mixed bag of reviews from readers, ranging from guys like myself who are on route with their app to joining the RM’s to people claiming to have served with Steve & other fellow RM’s from this era, One reviewer even going as far as making this comment –
“I served in the Marines from 1974-1981 & indeed was in 45Commando from '75-'79. After 1981 I served with Special Forces. If we'd have gone on like this we would have been crucified...literally! We certainly were no angels but for this conduct to have been tolerated is a disgrace. What a shower!! After reading this I don't see how anyone would let their son join such an outfit. It has confirmed my belief in the deterioration of HM Forces & for anyone wanting to join a "rough, tough outfit"; they should head for the French Foreign Legion. Their training is far better & more diverse. You’ll learn the lot relating to Soldiering.”
Not having any family members who ever served in the RM’s at any stage I can’t offer any comment on the above review! Maybe guys on the here may be able to offer some insight if they had family members serving at the same time as Steve.
Luckily I’m a great believer in checking these things out for myself, so I thought what the hell; I might as well see what all the fuss is about!
Firstly the book is an easy & enjoyable read but a very stark account of one mans time relating to the social side of the marines and the bonds he forged with other fellow marines.
After the first few chapters I personally found the book hard to put down as I wanted to see what was going to happen to Steve next, the only reason I did was because it was time to go training *text deleted*..! In my own opinion, I personally felt that the book/Steve could have elaborated more on certain things, but that’s by the by and doesn’t have any major overall effect on the story as it unfolds.
I've always understood that life as a marine was challenging & hard, but on the other hand it’s also very rewarding one to; Steve’s book seems to reinforce that! Obviously he had his ups & downs as mentioned in the book, the constant fighting to control his aggression, his struggle with the relationship with his family etc, but from what I’ve read it’s made Steve the person he is today, thus giving him the drive & ambition to see things through!
After reading ‘Amongst the Marines’ I have to say I’m glad I did! Again what I’ve written here is just my own personal opinion but I would say that everyone should read this book and then make their own mind up about what they think themselves!
Please feel free to comment.
Steve.
