Parris Island Daze: My Drill Instructor was Tougher Than Yours

At 3 a.m. in a misting rain on a street in Parris Island, South Carolina an eighteen-year-old boy's life is changed forever.

Three in the morning and screaming men in Smokey Bear hats are trying to set records. Unlike Marines in the recruiting posters, none of them are dressed in blue suits, wear medals, or even carry swords. No "Glad to see ya", no "Hi Buddy", no handshaking, nothing. No, the message is clear: "The Marine Corps builds men, and we're starting this morning."

"That was outstanding, Swivel Hips, do they have any more like you at home?"

"You murdered that sand flea! He had a family!"

"Yes, you Sweetie! You waiting on a personal invitation?"

Seventeen percent of Private Joyce's buddies are sent home in the first two weeks. He guts out another twenty-four hours of Marine boot camp. Each hour, each day, his tormentors' Gestapo methods and language stretch his personal limits.

Will he be sent home in disgrace, or can he earn the title of United States Marine?

"Parris Island Daze is the best book I've ever read on boot camp at Parris Island. I've read every word in the book and even read some aloud to my wife. It's a wonderful, wonderful book that I hope all Marines will read and enjoy. It's great." Former US Senator Zell Miller, author of Corps Values: Everything You Need to Learn I Learned in the Marines. .