Review of The Navy, it's not just a job, it's a grease gun rammed up your butt

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Navy, it's not just a job, it's a grease gun rammed up your butt" by Jason Earley.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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The NAVY, It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Grease Gun Rammed Up Your Butt by Jason Earley shows his tumultuous time in the United States Navy, capturing the dark reality of military life in the mid-1970s. The book shows Earley's struggles, including a traumatic childhood and a brush with schizophrenia, and explores how these elements intersected with his naval experience.

Earley recounts his enlistment and the harrowing boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, detailing the relentless routines, lack of personal space, and the psychological toll it took on him. His vivid descriptions of the barracks paint a picture of an environment designed to strip recruits of their individuality and dignity.

The narrative takes readers through Earley's encounters with various characters in boot camp, including convicted felons, illustrating the diverse and often volatile mix of personalities. His depiction of the hazing rituals, particularly the infamous "grease gun" incident, highlights the toxic traditions within military culture. Earley shows the darker side of naval life.

Earley's conversations with a psychiatrist enmeshed throughout the book reveal his growing disillusionment and frustration with the Navy's hypocrisy and abuse. He criticizes the institution's homophobia and its contradictory stance on behavior deemed acceptable under the guise of tradition. These sessions show his internal struggle to reconcile his need to belong with the Navy’s oppressive environment.

Despite the harsh conditions, Earley admits he enjoyed the sea. He describes the beauty of the ocean, the serenity of whale watching, and the thrill of U.F.O. searches. However, the oppressive atmosphere created by his shipmates overshadowed these joys.

Earley's experiences in Oahu provide further insight into his complex relationship with the Navy and sailors. He explores Hotel Street, with its bordellos and transvestite bars, offering a candid account of his encounters with prostitutes and his struggle with anger and frustration.

I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars. I deducted a star because it contained many grammatical errors. I also deducted a star because some lines may reinforce negative stereotypes and offend some readers.

Overall, this book is not an easy read. Its depiction of abuse and trauma may be distressing for some readers. Earley's raw honesty and dark humor offer a compelling, if unsettling, narrative that sheds light on the often-hidden aspects of military life. This memoir will resonate with readers who appreciate candid, no-holds-barred storytelling about the challenges faced by those who serve.

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The Navy, it's not just a job, it's a grease gun rammed up your butt
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[Ifeanyi Nwokike]

This book is a memoir of Earley which depicts his numerous struggles from his childhood to his life in the Navy. He was objective in revealing his nature of lifestyle as an adult, his liking for the ocean with the excitement he gets when he is touring through the ocean. I find the book interesting.

[Mojisola Omowunmi Omotosho]

Your review of "The NAVY, It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Grease Gun Rammed Up Your Butt" by Jason Earley vividly captures his turbulent journey through the United States Navy in the mid-1970s. You highlight his raw honesty in depicting the harsh realities of military life, from grueling boot camp experiences to the complexities of personal struggles and institutional hypocrisy. Your insights into Earley's narrative make it a compelling read, offering a candid portrayal of the challenges faced by those who serve. Thanks for sharing!