On Board Marine One (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)[This capsule review applies to the version of the program aired on National Geographic Channel in January, 2009.]
I have seen many (all?) the documentaries available on Air Force One, but I had always craved more information about the other prominent presidential aerial transport, Marine One. "On Board Marine One" at last gives us a rare look inside that helo and the unit (HMX-1) supporting it.
The storyboard of the film progresses in logical fashion from Marine Base Quantico to the White House to an actual transport mission. We observe the lone crew chief practicing his drills until they are absolutely perfect, would-be pilots undergoing simulator exercises followed by actual practice approaches and landings on the South Lawn of the White House and, finally, we travel with HMX-1 to New York City as they prepare to shuttle President George W. Bush from JFK Airport (where he arrives on Air Force One) to the Wall Street Heliport in preparation for his visit to the United Nations. The footage inside and outside the helicopters is outstanding and is as close to flying with the president as most of us are ever likely to get.
Witnessing the consumate skill that the members of HMX-1 bring to their job, you will come away with enhanced respect for the small group of incredibly hard-working people who, as the unit commander says, "are not special Marines doing an ordinary mission" but "ordinary Marines doing a very special mission."
[Note: There will no doubt be an updated (or new) version of this program once the new Marine One enters service, but don't let that delay you in acquiring this gem of a program. I would hope that National Geographic will offer a special disc set pairing this program with its mate, "On Board Air Force One"--maybe in time for Father's Day?]

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Following up on the success of previous specials including Air Force One, the National Geographic Channel takes viewers On Board Marine One to reveal the incredible challenges and imminent dangers of protecting the President and Vice President.

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Making Marines (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)My 18 year old daughter saw this documentary on TV, and immediately wanted to become a Marine. She has extensive experience as a musician--and successfully auditioned for the Marine band--but even the bandies in the Marines must complete boot camp and combat training.
This series helped to prepare her for boot camp, but after she actually completed boot camp, she realized that some of the segments in the series appear 'dated.' That's the only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
But, this documentary was filmed prior to and during the events surrounding September 11th. The Marine recruits in this series enlisted during a 'non-wartime' America, and graduated boot camp with the prospect of war looming. All of our lives, and of course, military life is VERY different NOW, so naturally, much of the series will feel 'dated.'
But, that aside, I decided to buy this series for my daughter so she can now show friends and family 'what it was like' to experience Marine boot camp. She simply expounds 'around' the parts that are a little different now with Marine boot camp, but otherwise it's a fairly accurate account of recruit life at Parris Island.

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Each and every Marine Corps recruit has to survive 12 weeks of Boot Camp. It is perhaps the toughest 12 weeks anyone can imagine - especially for those whose average age is 19. To become one of the few and the proud, these recruits must first learn just to survive. More than just a showcase of grueling training, these three hours will shed light on the lives and backgrounds of those who make the decision to become United States Marines. Tragically, the events of September 11th take place in the middle of the sixth week of training. But for most recruits, the acts of terrorism only strengthen their resolve to become modern soldiers. Episode 1. Parris Island- Phase One: Follow young recruits as they prepare for Boot Camp at Parris Island. From all over the eastern U.S., they roll off the bus in the middle of the night and begin their transformation into U.S. Marines. Episode 2. Parris Island- Phase Two: The recruits at Parris Island learn to cope with the punishing regimen of physical training and mental conditioning. In the confidence course, they are pushed beyond their limits. Nerves become frayed, and attrition takes its toll. Episode 3. Parris Island- Phase Three: Training becomes more demanding as the recruits enter the 54-hour Crucible. Upon completion of this final test, they march to the mess hall for the Warrior's breakfast.

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