The Marines, Counterinsurgency, and Strategic Culture

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Acknowledgments
deserve special thanks, not only for their always valuable insights on Marine
Corps culture, but also for making me smile every time they delivered them.
Indispensable resources were generously supplied by Randy Shepard from
J. Walter Thompson, Joan Thomas and Vickie Stuart- Hill from the National
Museum of the Marine Corps, and Beth Crumley and Greg Cina from the
USMC Historic Division.
Thanks to those who were willing to review and critique sections of this
thesis even in its very rough first drafts. The reviewers who supplied their
critical feedback through Georgetown University’s publication process have
set the gold standard as far as I am concerned. Their suggestions on both
content and additional resources were invaluable and are much appreciated.
Theo Farrell supplied critical adjustments to this research midstream and
boosted confidence in the value of the work. Terry Terriff proved an expert
guide on all things Marine, and Frank Hoffman has gifted me both his critical
analysis and access to his vast knowledge of primary and secondary
sources. I am greatly in his debt.
Blagovest Tashev shared his wisdom on Marine Corps service culture,
and Kerry Fosher kept me honest regarding the state of cultural study within
the Corps. Ben Connable, one of the most talented analysts across the Corps,
made sure my assumptions did not go off the rails. Kael Weston is a valued
friend and national hero who has provided service above and beyond the
call of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and offered me firsthand insight on the
operations of the Corps across seven years of serving alongside Marines.
I leaned on Briana Bowen more often than should be morally permissible
for her excellent editing and wordsmithing skills. She is an incredibly gifted
writer, and I benefited much from her pen on my work. Research assistants
Tyler Thomas and Lauren Roberts supplied valuable help in the research and
editing process. I am so grateful for Ms. Roberts’s attention to detail! Carlie
Morrison kept me going through her sheer enthusiasm for the US Marine
Corps and provided a critical assist by transcribing hours’ and hours’ worth
of oral interviews with CAP veterans. Thanks also to Christine Leah, Steve
Sharp, and Peter Crosby for their editing feedback and valued friendship.
Most of all, a heartfelt bow to my parents, Lynn and Cheryl Humphreys,
who inspired in me a love of country, truth, and problem- solving
and laid the foundation necessary for the confidence and skill set to pursue
this work. And to my husband, Steve, thanks is too small a word for the
gratitude I feel for the sacrifices he made and unremitting support he provided
to see this through. He and our children, Benjamin, Sam, and Jess,
never ceased to cheer on my efforts no matter how difficult it became. They
are remarkable. This work is dedicated to them.