Sword Drill Paperback – November 26, 2002

I'm a 1986 graduate of The Citadel and a member of the 1986 Junior Sword Drill."Sword Drill" is a fantastic book!Author David Epps has perfectly captured the essence of the Citadel experience of the 70s and 80s. As I read the book I found myself going back in time to re-live experiences my memory had long forgotten.Epps' writing style is top-notch and flows smoothly. "Sword Drill" is very easy to read. It is great work and a true page turner. My only disappointment is that the book had to end. I could easily read another 600 pages.This is one of my top ten favorite books, rating along-side such master-pieces as Robert Graves' "Goodbye To All That", Pat Conroy's "The Lords of Discipline", Robert Heinlein's "Starship Troopers", and Frank Herbert's "Dune" to name a few.I strongly encourage anyone interested in The Citadel to read this book.

I really could hardly put this book down once I started. The story is excellent, and I can personally identify with the main character on many levels. Two criticisms:1) This is the most poorly edited book I have ever seen! There were at least a dozen typos and grammatical errors, and there were several random breaks in the middle of paragraphs. It looks like the author did a spell check in MS Word, then self published without further review. Very amatuerish.2) I was left hanging at the end, wanting more closure on the character. How did he resolve his conflict with his brother? Did he marry his girlfriend? Did his grades crater from neglect during "The Nights"? I guess a good author will get you so involved in the protagonist's story that you don't want it to end.

From the opening page and until the end, I was captivated by the journey of the hero in this fact based novel. Epps described an accurate picture and bolstered the concept of "ending as a man" which was the prevailing premise of the school since its inception in 1842. I am a graduate of The Citadel, predating the time frame in the book but had a roommate who was the Sword Drill Commander our junior year. Epps ability to weave in the stress of normal cadet's life and the humor that is indigenous to the barracks were reasons for turning page after page. Conroy was right in his review. This book reveals the character of the young men who endure the special rites associated with this select group of Citadel men.

1986 Citadel graduate whose roommate was JSD. From his recollections, the descriptions of the roach training is pretty spot-on, as is the basic life and regimen of Citadel cadets during that period of time. I enjoyed it thoroughly, as it brought back many memories, some of which were long forgotten.

According to my stepson, who will graduate from the Citadel in May, this book is as accurate as it comes in describing the life of a Citadel cadet. I found it interesting and had a hard time putting it down. A very good read for anyone with interest of the fine institution that is The Citadel.

P '17 parent~ purchased as a gift for our cadet. Book arrived in great condition and will be read over furlough. Cant attest to its content or writing style as it is a present but I will be in line to read it once he is finished...or after R day ;)

As a member of the '66 Drill, I attest to David's accuracy and wonderful writing skills. What a fantastic book. Well written.

Still reading--so far it rings true to what I know from my son a current student at El Cid