MWSA Book Review

The Last of the Short MPs – Volume I

Author:  Wayne Lennon

Publisher:  Publish America

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

A humorous insider look at a short MP

Most military books normally jump out of the pages with lots of macho blood and gore along with the action. In the humorous first novel “The Last Of The Short MPs – Volume 1”, by ex-MP Wayne Lennon, we have a whole new genre of military books. The author takes a fictional, yet almost autobiographical look back at the time when the U.S. Army changed the rules on height requirements and raised them to five-foot-nine. The troubles begin as our main character, Private Ray Holland, reports for OJT with a Military Company fresh out of basic – by passing the MP training school who will not allow him in because he does not meet the height requirement at five-foot-seven. Thus, the dilemma and the ordeal begin for our 18 year old MP trainee.

The author, who models the lead character on some of his own experiences (or least it feels that way) along with his great and wonderful imagination and many enhancements, molds a story around what this young soldier goes through in the unit he is sent to. How he manages to survive and cope in this mad capped company that is hostile to his very presence, makes for a non-serious and whimsical look at what an MP unit might be like.

I am sure that former Military Police veterans might get more out of the book than civilian readers as they would recognize situations and MP cultural experiences. The book is light hearted and makes a nice easy read. There is nothing deep or philosophical about what is going on but the characterizations and the portrayals of events and situations is a study in human relationships and behaviors. I think everyone who ever wore a uniform can find some delight in recognizing the various personality types from the sergeants to the officers.

This is Volume 1 but do not need to read beyond this book. It is a complete story and brings you much satisfaction; however, you may get hooked on the story and want to find out what happens to our hero after this book ends. This is definitely a book which would be of interest for any and all former military police to read. There is some “adult language” used although it is not overly heavy; but it may not suitable for all readers.