These guys are no different than the vast majority of American boys their age, except they have the courage and conviction to serve their country in time of war and to stand by their fellows through thick and thin. I think they're great; notwithstanding a little misogyny. A good wife will fix that.

As for the racism, I know from reading the book that these marines will risk their own life to save a fellow marine, no matter what race he is. I believe it.

Concerning the "uneducated" comment, an Honorable Discharge from the USMC is equal to an ivy league Masters in Leadership and Teamwork, in my book anyway.

I think this group of young people serving in the military today, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan, are the next "great generation". God bless them all.

...and, thanks to a real bi-partisan effort (with a couple of notable exceptions), they will have access to the best education available...just like the greatest generation of WWII. Imagine that, a grateful nation says thanks....!!!