Was wondering if anyone here has spent time with him or read one of the books regarding him? Interesting character in recent history. Anyone read the Passion of Command or McCoys Marines: Darkside Towards Baghadad? Just curious peoples take?

I have not read his books but I do know him from when he was TECOM G-3 and commanding 7th Marines. He is indeed interesting.

I love Passion of Command. It was (in 2006) and should be required reading for USMC 2ndLts; particularly combat arms platoon commanders. I never read the other book.
I saw the guy speak though, he was boring and uninspiring. He put half the crowd to sleep.

That's a shame. I just spend a few days with him non-military related and came away very impressed. Apparently he seems to have a very polarizing personality/history.

I did not in any way mean to imply that he was not impressive an impressive leader. I just don't have the benefit of having known him from the perspective of being under his command.

A second hand sea-story might reinforce your impressions of him. Shortly after he took command of 7th Marines there was an engagement trainer (from Virtra with their Threatfire simulated shoot-back) that was being leased for evaluation at 29 Palms. The Threatfire provides a "negative incentive to heroics" in training scenarios by administering a 200,000v shock for a duration of 0.1-2.5 seconds. Col McCoy decided that in the interest of expediency he would give an informal safety acceptance test before letting his Marines use it. He strapped on the Threatfire belt and told the operator to hit him with full 2.5 second dose which is meant to put you on the ground completely. I was not there in person when this happened but my friend who was said that he managed to keep both knees off the deck for the duration of the shock which was a pretty impressive accomplishment.

Ulysses - Thanks. Also i hope you didn't make that "dance video". I hate laughing at other peoples pain but that was funny.

I was standing road guard one day and he rolled up, all of my COs were acting like Jesus came by and I had no clue who he was.