Sloppy Marines
I’m seeing more and more typos and misspellings in publications these days. I expect that in the Washington Post and such, because the collapse of the journalism industry has forced all sorts of cutbacks, including in high-quality copyediting. But I have to say I was a little surprised to see two references to a General ...
I'm seeing more and more typos and misspellings in publications these days. I expect that in the Washington Post and such, because the collapse of the journalism industry has forced all sorts of cutbacks, including in high-quality copyediting. But I have to say I was a little surprised to see two references to a General "Patraeus" in the December issue of the Marine Corps Gazette (pages 56 and 57). The author also adds an "S" to the end of Brig. Gen. H.R. McMaster's surname. All three errors are still there in the online version, too.
It's a good article, and makes a worthwhile point. So maybe I'm just an oversensitive fellow. But to me this is a bit like seeing a Marine carrying an umbrella. What would Dan Daley and Chesty Piller say? Probably what Drill Instructor Sgt. Carey at Parris Island used to shout at erring recruits: that "failure to pay attention to detail is gonna get someone killed in the fleet."
I’m seeing more and more typos and misspellings in publications these days. I expect that in the Washington Post and such, because the collapse of the journalism industry has forced all sorts of cutbacks, including in high-quality copyediting. But I have to say I was a little surprised to see two references to a General “Patraeus” in the December issue of the Marine Corps Gazette (pages 56 and 57). The author also adds an “S” to the end of Brig. Gen. H.R. McMaster’s surname. All three errors are still there in the online version, too.
It’s a good article, and makes a worthwhile point. So maybe I’m just an oversensitive fellow. But to me this is a bit like seeing a Marine carrying an umbrella. What would Dan Daley and Chesty Piller say? Probably what Drill Instructor Sgt. Carey at Parris Island used to shout at erring recruits: that “failure to pay attention to detail is gonna get someone killed in the fleet.”
Mike Burns/Flickr
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
