Jared McGowen's time as a U.S. Marine consisted of some of the most tedious, miserable, exciting, and terrifying days of his life.

When his days of getting shot at ended, he hung up his boots and traded a rifle for a laptop. He had a lot of questions:

- Now what am I supposed to do?

- I don't have to shave?

- Can I put my hands in my pockets?

With a pat on the back and a certificate in hand, he was lost and wondering how he could translate his infantry skills to talents that would appeal to employers.

With these questions heavy on his mind, he fought constant confusion and depression and covered it all up with long nights of drinking. But a chance meeting with a special woman at the gym combined with a lot of hard work changed the trajectory of his life.

McGowen shares journal entries, letters to family members, interviews with fellow Marines, and recalls fighting in some of the most violent battles during the Iraq War. In doing so, he provides a framework for anyone facing difficult circumstances to achieve victory with The Heart of a Marine.