James R. McNeal is a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Naval Supply Corps, currently serving as an adjunct leadership professor and sprint football coach at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. J. Eric Smith is a former U.S. Naval Supply Corps officer, retired nonprofit executive, and management consultant who lives in Sedona, Arizona.

PRAISE FOR CRUCIBLES“As a U.S. Marine, Naval Academy graduate, and someone who has participated in combat operations, I know firsthand how intense training and real-world challenges shape individuals and teams. This book offers a timely and powerful look at how the hardest trials create the strongest leaders. Whether you’re in the military, business, or simply fascinated by elite performance, this is a must-read.”— Matthew "Jerry" Glavy, retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps“This enlightening and entertaining survey shows the wide range of what a crucible can be. The insights from participants—and even some leaders—provide an intimate view inside each example, and the authors offer pithy takeaways that help guide those trying to understand their own crucibles or developing new ones.”  — Steve Bowen, retired U.S. Navy Captain, USNA Class of ‘86"Coauthors Rear Admiral Jim McNeal and J. Eric Smith know how to tell a story that informs, influences, and leaves a lasting impact with the reader. They've done it with a previous book and succeeded again with Crucibles. Each has tremendous credibility writing about formidable rites of passage in elite organizations because each displayed their own measure of outstanding 'Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity' while serving in unique locations and organizations, such as southwest Asia combat zones and the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. What’s especially intriguing about this fascinating topic of Crucibles is the wide professional and geographic diversity of organizations that are examined across modern and ancient times. Want to be educated and entertained? Read one of Jim McNeal’s and J. Eric Smith’s books!" —Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Ret) Former Director for Intelligence (J2), Joint Chiefs of Staff"Always looking for gems in the hidden and unique aspects of history, both McNeal and Smith know how to select appealing and interesting topics that pull a reader into an engaging book. With their unique ability to assimilate disparate historical facts, in this book they are experts at how to methodically conduct a thorough examination of the distinct and usually shielded world of rituals required to enter certain groups or societies. Each author possesses that special ability to expose a reader to the mental, physical, and social commitments that make one experience an enlightening lesson in how people interact and why they are willing to conform themselves to belong to groups or societies. At times funny, serious, and disarming, both authors are brilliant writers who will create a book that pulls readers into wanting to know more about how the social need to belong affects group dynamics and why individuals choose to become part of the fabric of those groups."—Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, USS Cole (DDG 67)“This is a must-read for those looking to better understand the rites of passage most will never attempt. My experiences in the United States Navy and joining the locker room of the New England Patriots helped me understand the vital role crucibles play in hardening individuals for the trials of combat and elite performance. I truly appreciated this inside look at the unique trials undergone by the world’s secret societies and gilded orders. I recommend this book to anyone who finds meaning in the hard work necessary to accomplish what others see as impossible!”—Joe Cardona, USNA Class of ‘15 and member of the NFL's New England Patriots"Enlightening, and surprisingly, even has lessons for every society today. . . A valuable look at an endless manmade phenomenon that is not going away anytime soon."—The Straight Dope"[Crucibles shows why] it is important to put these young men under enormous stress, to make them feel that all is lost. . . . Most of these teenagers, apparently, reach down and find courage they never knew they had."—The Island News

• PROLOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part One), Annapolis, Maryland, Summer of 1982INTRODUCTION: Trials by Fire: The Roles of Crucibles in Defining Elite Groups and CulturesCHAPTER ONE: We Make Marines: Boot Camp at M.C.R.D. Parris IslandCHAPTER TWO: Kung Fu and Koans: The Shaolin MonksCHAPTER THREE: Space Is the Place: The U.S. Astronaut ProgramCHAPTER FOUR: Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ: The Knights TemplarCHAPTER FIVE: Knives in the Mountains: The GurkhasCHAPTER SIX: Our Mothers: The Dahomey AmazonsCHAPTER SEVEN: Honor and Fidelity: The French Foreign LegionCHAPTER EIGHT: Crouching Dragons and Divine Wind: Japan’s Special Attack UnitsCHAPTER NINE: An Offer You Can’t Refuse: Mafia Made MenCHAPTER TEN: Great Tiger Sharks Swimming on Land: The Hawai’ian KoaCHAPTER ELEVEN: Fiercely and Faithfully: The Swiss GuardCHAPTER TWELVE: Doctor, Doctor: The White Coat Ceremony and BeyondCHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Poor Widow’s Sons: American FreemasonryCONCLUSION: Elites Everywhere: Crucibles in ContextEPILOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part Two), Annapolis, Maryland, Autumn of 1982 through Spring of 1983ACKNOWLEDGMENTSSOURCES AND RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL READINGINDEXABOUT THE AUTHORS

James R. McNeal is a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Naval Supply Corps, currently serving as an adjunct leadership professor and sprint football coach at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. J. Eric Smith is a former U.S. Naval Supply Corps officer, retired nonprofit executive, and management consultant who lives in Sedona, Arizona.

PRAISE FOR CRUCIBLES“As a U.S. Marine, Naval Academy graduate, and someone who has participated in combat operations, I know firsthand how intense training and real-world challenges shape individuals and teams. This book offers a timely and powerful look at how the hardest trials create the strongest leaders. Whether you’re in the military, business, or simply fascinated by elite performance, this is a must-read.”— Matthew "Jerry" Glavy, retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps“This enlightening and entertaining survey shows the wide range of what a crucible can be. The insights from participants—and even some leaders—provide an intimate view inside each example, and the authors offer pithy takeaways that help guide those trying to understand their own crucibles or developing new ones.”  — Steve Bowen, retired U.S. Navy Captain, USNA Class of ‘86"Coauthors Rear Admiral Jim McNeal and J. Eric Smith know how to tell a story that informs, influences, and leaves a lasting impact with the reader. They've done it with a previous book and succeeded again with Crucibles. Each has tremendous credibility writing about formidable rites of passage in elite organizations because each displayed their own measure of outstanding 'Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity' while serving in unique locations and organizations, such as southwest Asia combat zones and the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. What’s especially intriguing about this fascinating topic of Crucibles is the wide professional and geographic diversity of organizations that are examined across modern and ancient times. Want to be educated and entertained? Read one of Jim McNeal’s and J. Eric Smith’s books!" —Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Ret) Former Director for Intelligence (J2), Joint Chiefs of Staff"Always looking for gems in the hidden and unique aspects of history, both McNeal and Smith know how to select appealing and interesting topics that pull a reader into an engaging book. With their unique ability to assimilate disparate historical facts, in this book they are experts at how to methodically conduct a thorough examination of the distinct and usually shielded world of rituals required to enter certain groups or societies. Each author possesses that special ability to expose a reader to the mental, physical, and social commitments that make one experience an enlightening lesson in how people interact and why they are willing to conform themselves to belong to groups or societies. At times funny, serious, and disarming, both authors are brilliant writers who will create a book that pulls readers into wanting to know more about how the social need to belong affects group dynamics and why individuals choose to become part of the fabric of those groups."—Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, USS Cole (DDG 67)“This is a must-read for those looking to better understand the rites of passage most will never attempt. My experiences in the United States Navy and joining the locker room of the New England Patriots helped me understand the vital role crucibles play in hardening individuals for the trials of combat and elite performance. I truly appreciated this inside look at the unique trials undergone by the world’s secret societies and gilded orders. I recommend this book to anyone who finds meaning in the hard work necessary to accomplish what others see as impossible!”—Joe Cardona, USNA Class of ‘15 and member of the NFL's New England Patriots"Enlightening, and surprisingly, even has lessons for every society today. . . A valuable look at an endless manmade phenomenon that is not going away anytime soon."—The Straight Dope"[Crucibles shows why] it is important to put these young men under enormous stress, to make them feel that all is lost. . . . Most of these teenagers, apparently, reach down and find courage they never knew they had."—The Island News

• PROLOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part One), Annapolis, Maryland, Summer of 1982INTRODUCTION: Trials by Fire: The Roles of Crucibles in Defining Elite Groups and CulturesCHAPTER ONE: We Make Marines: Boot Camp at M.C.R.D. Parris IslandCHAPTER TWO: Kung Fu and Koans: The Shaolin MonksCHAPTER THREE: Space Is the Place: The U.S. Astronaut ProgramCHAPTER FOUR: Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ: The Knights TemplarCHAPTER FIVE: Knives in the Mountains: The GurkhasCHAPTER SIX: Our Mothers: The Dahomey AmazonsCHAPTER SEVEN: Honor and Fidelity: The French Foreign LegionCHAPTER EIGHT: Crouching Dragons and Divine Wind: Japan’s Special Attack UnitsCHAPTER NINE: An Offer You Can’t Refuse: Mafia Made MenCHAPTER TEN: Great Tiger Sharks Swimming on Land: The Hawai’ian KoaCHAPTER ELEVEN: Fiercely and Faithfully: The Swiss GuardCHAPTER TWELVE: Doctor, Doctor: The White Coat Ceremony and BeyondCHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Poor Widow’s Sons: American FreemasonryCONCLUSION: Elites Everywhere: Crucibles in ContextEPILOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part Two), Annapolis, Maryland, Autumn of 1982 through Spring of 1983ACKNOWLEDGMENTSSOURCES AND RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL READINGINDEXABOUT THE AUTHORS

James R. McNeal is a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Naval Supply Corps, currently serving as an adjunct leadership professor and sprint football coach at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. J. Eric Smith is a former U.S. Naval Supply Corps officer, retired nonprofit executive, and management consultant who lives in Sedona, Arizona.

PRAISE FOR CRUCIBLES“As a U.S. Marine, Naval Academy graduate, and someone who has participated in combat operations, I know firsthand how intense training and real-world challenges shape individuals and teams. This book offers a timely and powerful look at how the hardest trials create the strongest leaders. Whether you’re in the military, business, or simply fascinated by elite performance, this is a must-read.”— Matthew "Jerry" Glavy, retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps“This enlightening and entertaining survey shows the wide range of what a crucible can be. The insights from participants—and even some leaders—provide an intimate view inside each example, and the authors offer pithy takeaways that help guide those trying to understand their own crucibles or developing new ones.”  — Steve Bowen, retired U.S. Navy Captain, USNA Class of ‘86"Coauthors Rear Admiral Jim McNeal and J. Eric Smith know how to tell a story that informs, influences, and leaves a lasting impact with the reader. They've done it with a previous book and succeeded again with Crucibles. Each has tremendous credibility writing about formidable rites of passage in elite organizations because each displayed their own measure of outstanding 'Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity' while serving in unique locations and organizations, such as southwest Asia combat zones and the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. What’s especially intriguing about this fascinating topic of Crucibles is the wide professional and geographic diversity of organizations that are examined across modern and ancient times. Want to be educated and entertained? Read one of Jim McNeal’s and J. Eric Smith’s books!" —Rear Admiral Paul Becker, USN (Ret) Former Director for Intelligence (J2), Joint Chiefs of Staff"Always looking for gems in the hidden and unique aspects of history, both McNeal and Smith know how to select appealing and interesting topics that pull a reader into an engaging book. With their unique ability to assimilate disparate historical facts, in this book they are experts at how to methodically conduct a thorough examination of the distinct and usually shielded world of rituals required to enter certain groups or societies. Each author possesses that special ability to expose a reader to the mental, physical, and social commitments that make one experience an enlightening lesson in how people interact and why they are willing to conform themselves to belong to groups or societies. At times funny, serious, and disarming, both authors are brilliant writers who will create a book that pulls readers into wanting to know more about how the social need to belong affects group dynamics and why individuals choose to become part of the fabric of those groups."—Commander Kirk S. Lippold, USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, USS Cole (DDG 67)“This is a must-read for those looking to better understand the rites of passage most will never attempt. My experiences in the United States Navy and joining the locker room of the New England Patriots helped me understand the vital role crucibles play in hardening individuals for the trials of combat and elite performance. I truly appreciated this inside look at the unique trials undergone by the world’s secret societies and gilded orders. I recommend this book to anyone who finds meaning in the hard work necessary to accomplish what others see as impossible!”—Joe Cardona, USNA Class of ‘15 and member of the NFL's New England Patriots"Enlightening, and surprisingly, even has lessons for every society today. . . A valuable look at an endless manmade phenomenon that is not going away anytime soon."—The Straight Dope"[Crucibles shows why] it is important to put these young men under enormous stress, to make them feel that all is lost. . . . Most of these teenagers, apparently, reach down and find courage they never knew they had."—The Island News

• PROLOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part One), Annapolis, Maryland, Summer of 1982INTRODUCTION: Trials by Fire: The Roles of Crucibles in Defining Elite Groups and CulturesCHAPTER ONE: We Make Marines: Boot Camp at M.C.R.D. Parris IslandCHAPTER TWO: Kung Fu and Koans: The Shaolin MonksCHAPTER THREE: Space Is the Place: The U.S. Astronaut ProgramCHAPTER FOUR: Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ: The Knights TemplarCHAPTER FIVE: Knives in the Mountains: The GurkhasCHAPTER SIX: Our Mothers: The Dahomey AmazonsCHAPTER SEVEN: Honor and Fidelity: The French Foreign LegionCHAPTER EIGHT: Crouching Dragons and Divine Wind: Japan’s Special Attack UnitsCHAPTER NINE: An Offer You Can’t Refuse: Mafia Made MenCHAPTER TEN: Great Tiger Sharks Swimming on Land: The Hawai’ian KoaCHAPTER ELEVEN: Fiercely and Faithfully: The Swiss GuardCHAPTER TWELVE: Doctor, Doctor: The White Coat Ceremony and BeyondCHAPTER THIRTEEN: The Poor Widow’s Sons: American FreemasonryCONCLUSION: Elites Everywhere: Crucibles in ContextEPILOGUE: On Being a Plebe (Part Two), Annapolis, Maryland, Autumn of 1982 through Spring of 1983ACKNOWLEDGMENTSSOURCES AND RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL READINGINDEXABOUT THE AUTHORS