SPOILERS for Netflix’s Boots are ahead!
Since Netflix’s <em>Boots</em> is based on a bestselling memoir, the real Cam Cope went on to have an exciting life after graduating from boot camp. Based on The Pink Marine by Greg Cope White, the dramedy shows the challenges and successes of a young gay man going through boot camp.
Actor Miles Heizer, known for 13 Reasons Why and Parenthood, leads the cast of Boots, playing Cameron “Cam” Cope, the fictional version of Cope White. Although he nearly washes out of boot camp, Cam successfully graduates from boot camp alongside his platoon and his best friend, Ray (the fictional counterpart of Dale).
The question naturally arises about what happened to him after the end of Boots season 1. Greg Cope White’s experience in the military is just as interesting as his experience at boot camp and could be the foundation for future seasons. Additionally, he has had an exciting life after finishing his military contract.
Greg Cope White Stayed In The United States Marines For 6 Years After Boots
Though it’s not shown in the Netflix original show, Greg Cope White received his specialty within the military before his graduation. He became a communications specialist and was one of six people out of his 72-person class to be promoted to the rank of Private First Class.
After graduation, he remained in the service for the duration of his six-year contract. According to the final chapter of The Pink Marine, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune for training just ten days after graduating.
Once a person is a Marine, they are always considered a Marine, even after they’re discharged or retired. As such, articles about Boots written by me will not refer to Greg Cope White as a “former Marine.”
Two years into his service, he agreed to attend Officer Candidate School, which involved two summers of intensive basic training. In an interview on the Classic Conversations podcast, he revealed that they were promised a steak dinner at the end, which motivated him. However, it ultimately ended up being steaks pulled out of a boiling pot.
However, he decided not to become an officer, turning down the opportunity to attend law school and become a military attorney in the Judge Advocate General Corps. He received an honorable discharge, with his highest rank being Sergeant. He is still a proud Marine, sharing many posts discussing how much the Marines changed his life for the better.
Greg Cope White Became An LGBTQ+ & Veteran’s Rights Advocate
Greg Cope White has been outspoken about his political beliefs on social media, specifically Instagram. He is a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and veterans’ rights. His passion for these subjects makes sense given his own lived experiences.
However, these aren’t the only causes that Cope White has spoken out about. He supports reproductive rights and the Black Lives Matter movement. Based on his Instagram, he has attended marches and protests to support causes that he cares about. He also supported the 2023 Hollywood Strike.
Greg Cope White Is Now A Screenwriter & Memoir Author
When he left the Marines, Greg Cope White decided to move to pursue a career in acting. However, he eventually shifted his sights towards screenwriting. Prolific producer Norman Lear gave him his big break as a writer. He has gone on to write scripts for TV shows and movies (via IMDb).
Despite telling other people’s stories, Greg Cope White didn’t start to write his own story until he created a now-private blog. He put together short stories about his time as an active-duty Marine. Eventually, he decided to write his bestselling memoir,The Pink Marine, which was published in 2016 and serves as the basis for Netflix’s Boots.
Luckily, he had just as much control over the onscreen story as he did over the words on the pages. Greg Cope White led the writer’s room for Boots alongside multiple other veterans. His witty cynicism from the book is evident in every episode of Netflix’s Boots, which proves that his voice and experience are at the heart of it all.
Greg Cope White & Dale Are Still Best Friends
In the Classic Conversations podcast interview, Cope White mentions that one of the biggest questions that he’s asked after people read the book is what happened to Dale, his best friend with whom he went to boot camp. The good news is that Greg Cope White and Dale are still best friends all these years later. Cope White credits his best friend with always believing in him, even when he didn’t. This offers a happy ending to the friendship that set Boots in motion.
