R. Lee Ermey - Gunnys Rules: How to Get Squared Away Like a Marine

PRAISE FOR

GUNNYS RULES

Read and heed! My friend R. Lee Ermey has packed a pithy bio and a lifetime of Corps values into Gunnys Rules. The only people who wont love this book are thumb-sucking, tree-hugging, belly-crawling maggots.

LT. COL. OLIVER NORTH, USMC (Ret.),

author of the New York Times bestseller Heroes Proved

In his typical gritty and courageous way, The Gunny pulls no punches in this true-to-life rendering of some of lifes greatest lessons. Gunnys Rules is a must-read not only for U.S. Marines but for everyone interested in getting a no-nonsense guide to some of lifes toughest lessons.

MAJ. GEN. J. A. KESSLER, USMC (Ret.)

Having known The Gunny for many years as a fellow Marine and a fellow showbiz professional, I can affirm that what you get in this straight-shooting, hard-hitting new book is the real deal. R. Lee has given us all-important insights coupled with solid doses of commonsense wisdom in this work. Whether or not you feel the need to get squared away, youll be glad you read this book. Bravo Zulu, Gunny!

CAPT. DALE DYE, USMC (Ret.), founder of Warriors, Inc. and

technical advisor on Saving Private Ryan and Band of Brothers

Gunny tells it like it is! I read a lot of leadership books, most of which are written by people who have read other leadership books and want to add their version but know nothing about leadership! Gunny speaks from real-world experience. This should be mandatory reading for every NCO and Staff NCO in the Marine Corps.

GENE OVERSTREET, USMC (Ret.),

Twelfth Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The behind-the-scenes look into the filming of Full Metal Jacket and Lees relationship with Stanley Kubrick was interesting. More important, though, those who know and appreciate what Lee has done are likely to view his rules for life as an honest assessment of what people look for in achieving some level of success. Those who have served will relate; those who have not will understand. Lees honest appraisal of his own shortcomings as a youngster and what kind of determination it took to get a leg up on the rest is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to become successful.

MIKE KESSLER, national director and CEO of

Young Marines of the Marine Corps League

The Gunnys done it again! Real, raw, and revealing, R. Lee weaves his amazing life into a must-read how-to lesson for life. The Gunny is a true American original, and now hes written a playbook for anyone who wants to live the true American dream.

ROE CONN, talk radio host of Roe & Roeper, WLS-AM 890 in Chicago

R. Lee Ermey, aka The Gunny, has given us a quick, most enjoyable read about his experiences growing up, his lessons learned serving in the Marines, and his most successful career as both a talented actor and a successful businessman. Everyone in our Corps of Marines understands that the Non-Commissioned Officers are the backbone of our Corps. This little book will help you understand why! Gunnys Rules and the various related quotations are priceless and most applicable for all as they go through life.

GEN. AL GRAY, Twenty-Ninth Commandant, USMC (Ret.),

senior fellow and chairman of the Board of

Regents of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies

The most original self-help book evergreat fun to read and truly inspirational!

SIDNEY J. FURIE, director, The Boys in Company C

R. LEE ERMEY

Copyright 2013 by R. Lee Ermey

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, website, or broadcast.

First ebook edition 2013

eISBN 978-1-62157-176-6

The Library of Congress has cataloged the hardcover edition as follows:

Published in the United States by

Regnery Publishing, Inc.

One Massachusetts Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20001

www.Regnery.com

Published in association with

MacGregor Literary, Inc. of Hillsboro, OR

Represented by Sandra Bishop

Written with Lamar Underwood, who diligently helped the author get his voice on the page.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Books are available in quantity for promotional or premium use. Write to Director of Special Sales, Regnery Publishing, Inc., One Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001, for information on discounts and terms, or call (202) 216-0600.

Distributed to the trade by

Perseus Distribution

250 West 57th Street

New York, NY 10107

This book goes out to all who have served our country,
especially my brother and sister Marines whove stood in the yellow footprints.

Also, God bless the six most influential people in my life:
my three Marine Corps Drill Instructors and Sidney J. Furie, Leon Vitali, and
Stanley Kubrick.

CONTENTS

If youre not fifteen minutes early, YOURE LATE.

R. Lee Ermey, a.k.a. The Gunny

L eo Durocher once said that nice guys finish last, but after working as R. Lee Ermeys personal manager for over twenty yearswith nothing more than a handshake agreement between usI gotta say, I take issue with that particular generalization.

Im sure you picked up this book hoping to learn more about what made The Gunny who he is. Of course certain characteristics define a person. But, I assure you, there is more to the man than the hard-ass most people see in the movies or on TV.

The Gunny does quite a few personal appearances throughout the year on behalf of the various companies he proudly represents at trade shows and major retail outlets. There are always long lines of people patiently waiting an average of three hours to meet him and get his autograph. He truly is a rock star in these environments. When people meet him, he looks them in the eyenot because hes attempting to intimidate, but because hes genuinely interested in connecting with people in a meaningful manner. He goes out of his way to pose for pictures, engage in conversation, and make every effort to individually connect with as many folks as he possibly can.