Is "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu Mandatory reading?

This is an awesome book, and I'd recommend it to all of us. It's a pretty short read, but contains many short and sweet pearls of wisdom that extend far beyond the military.

Should be on every military leaders reading list!

It was not "mandatory" while I was in ROTC or at any service schools on active duty. Whether or not it is mandatory reading now, I don't know. However, I would highly recommend it for all leaders in the armed forces as well as elected officials and appointees with defense oversight responsibilities.

SPC Luis Mendez "The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military writing attributed to Sun Tzu, a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician. Written around 512 B.C., it is a definitive work on military strategy and tactics. It has had an influence on Eastern, and Western, military thinking, business tactics and even, legal strategy. It is also an excellent read on conducting your everyday life.

According to Wikipedia, the US Department of the Army, through its Command and General Staff College, lists "The Art of War" as one example of a book that may be kept at a military unit's library. "The Art of War" is also listed on the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program (formerly known as the Commandant's Reading List). It is recommended reading for all United States Military Intelligence personnel, and is mandatory reading for all CIA officers.

Some Vietnamese officers did study the texts during the Vietnam war, and many were able to quote the passages, and applied them in their tactics.

Wasn't mandatory in my commissioning school, but I've read it on my own and found it to be enlightening in many ways.

In a nutshell, it was China's military doctrine. First versions date back to the Han Dynasty (c.150 BC). I don't recall it being a mandated read. But, it was (probably still is) on the Commandants Reading List. Among its pages, it promotes creativity, fluidity, and initiative to the small unit decision makers. It's certainly not about the Vietnam. But, I'm sure there are many parallels drawn to that war. It'll get you thinking about how the other guy thinks... read it.

It's been on my desk for almost my entire time in the military.

Couldn't hurt to read it.