Anthony Swofford (born August 12, 1970) is an American writer and former
U.S. Marine, best known for his
2003 book Jarhead, based heavily on his accounts of various situations encountered in the
Persian Gulf War. This memoir was the basis of the 2005
film of the same name, directed by
Sam Mendes. The title refers to a nickname for the Marines, which itself is derived from the traditional
high and tight haircuts favored by the Marines, giving them a "jar-like" appearance.