Primarily documents the life of CJ Gray Grafton Scarlet and her service with the United States Marine Corps. Scarlet recalls growing up on various military bases throughout the United States, as well as in Okinawa, Japan, and how those experiences encouraged her to want to do something important in life. She discusses the physical and mental challenges of boot camp, being named honor graduate, and several meritorious promotions she received during her time in the U.S. Marine Corps. Personal topics include the daily sexual harassment and gender issues she was faced in the U.S. Marine Corps and how this ultimately led to a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the a loss of a sense of community she felt after leaving the military.