1966, through August 6, 1967. During that year I went from a high school kid to a seasoned combat veteran. The training I received was excellent, but brutal. In Vietnam I went from a newbie walking rear security to a trusted point man. As you will see from reading the book the squad and fireteam leaders were the trainers of newbies in Vietnam. Learning from them, having a volatile temper, and possessing a contempt for anyone who could not hack it explains why I did the Marine Corps, "My Way!"