The General's Daughter

Set in a military camp setting, The General’s Daughter tells the story of a young woman who was believed to have been raped and murdered.  The woman was a general’s daughter who was undergoing military training.

At first, everyone believed the young woman was raped and killed, but as the story unfolds and snippets of the life of the young woman came into view, it became apparent that the young woman caused her own demise.

The General’s Daughter is a tale that is carefully woven into something that intricately delves into the gender issues within the military, as well as the supremacy of military positions over family ties.

Because this novel by Nelson De Mille was adapted through film, the General’s Daughter gained more popularity and prominence. The movie’s depiction of military life partly influenced the public’s perception of the military now.

Joining the military and/or graduating from military basic training is no longer a simple matter. A smart candidate will prepare him/herself not only to see a recruiter, but before leaving for boot camp. In addition to the information you can find right here in our About.com U.S. Military pages, we recommend the following books:

1. Arco’s Guide to Joining the Military
An insider’s guide to the recruiting process from the Chief of Air Force Reserve’s Recruiter Training, Lt Col Scott Ostrow. If you want a real “tell it like it is” book about the military recruiting process, this is it.

2. Honor, Courage, Commitment: Navy Boot Camp
The story of 81 men and women, from the time they arrive at the Chicago Airport, to the time they graduate (and in some cases not graduate) from Naval Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Il.

3. Barron’s Guide to Military Careers
From the publisher who brings the renowned ASVAB study guides, a general guide to military enlisted and officer jobs, in simple, civilian (not military “gobbly-gook”) language. A great book when trying to determine which job you want to try for in the military.

 4. Army Basic Training: Be Smart, Be Ready
An “insider’s guide” to Army basic training, written by the former commander of an Army Basic Training Company at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. As a basic training commander, the author was in the unique position to see what goes on “behind the scenes.”

5. Into the Crucible
Want to know what it takes to become a Marine? This book chronicles the events of the 54-hour graduating event, the “Crucible.”

 6. Bogeys and Bandits: The Making of a Fighter Pilot
The true, detailed six men and two women undergoing the testing process for becoming carrier-qualified pilots of the navy’s FA-18 Hornet. If you want to see what it takes to qualify as a Naval Aviator, this book is a good start.

 7. Airman’s Guide
The complete reference on what it takes for a sucessful career as an Air Force airman and NCO. Includes detailed information on dress & appearance, decorations, promotions, career planning, duties & responsibilities, assignments, and more.

 8. Life in Army Basic Training: On Duty
An accurate and detailed description of the 9-week Army Basic Combat Training program (basic training) by one who has “been there.”

 9. Enlisted Soldier’s Guide
The essential guide for the first-term soldier. Includes detailed information on dress & appearance, decorations, promotions, career planning, duties & responsibilities, assignments, and more.

 10. The Real Insider’s Guide to Basic Training
Advice and hints about how to make it through the basic training programs of all of the military services. New edition, published in Feb 2003. Much more extensive than the previous edition.

This article is written by Rod Powers for About.com.
To read about the full article, please click here.