This volume provides an in-depth look at the experiences of the ordinary US Marine 'grunt' participating in the Vietnam conflict. Organisation of the Corps, weaponry, equipment, uniforms, training and medical arrangements are all detailed, with the unifying theme of examining all these differing aspects of marine life from the point of view of a soldier serving in the conflict. The author, Charles Melson, actually served in Vietnam, and it is this personal experience that allows him to provide such a unique angle on the life of the average US Marine in this bloody conflict.