Posted on Dec 26, 2014
Recommendations on my next non fiction book to read?
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All, I am nearing completion of another book and would like recommendations from you all on what you consider a great non fiction book I should read that will help me as I enter battalion command this spring.
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Professional Development
Reading
Professional Development Reading
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 41
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MAJ (Join to see)
I read it over Christmas. After reading it, I decided not to see the movie because I was afraid Hollywood would destroy an amazing story!
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SFC Mark Merino
The movie pales in comparison to the book but it was worth seeing. I hope they write another book about his post military life. That was the real story.
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Sir, if you haven't read it, I highly recommend "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/ [login to see] /ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
http://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/ [login to see] /ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change: Stephen R. Covey:...
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change [Stephen R. Covey] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. One of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has captivated readers for 25 years. It has transformed the lives of Presidents and CEOs
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COL (Join to see)
Already read this one twice! pretty awesome as well as many of the other books he has authored!
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Sir, without knowing what you've already read or how dry you're willing to accept your non fiction my top recommendation would be On Killing by Dave Grossman, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel. The book "explores the psychology of the act of killing and the military and law enforcement establishments' attempt to understand and deal with the consequences of killing." It's not exactly a book to read for entertainment, but it's definitely a must read for someone in our profession.
If you've already read that, or are looking for something of a less academic nature then check out The Good Soldiers by David Finkel. It's a good read about 2-16 Infantry's deployment to Baghdad, Iraq during the surge in 2007. It focuses primarily on the Battalion Commander LTC Kauzlarich giving insight into his and his battalions struggles during their deployment.
If you've already read that, or are looking for something of a less academic nature then check out The Good Soldiers by David Finkel. It's a good read about 2-16 Infantry's deployment to Baghdad, Iraq during the surge in 2007. It focuses primarily on the Battalion Commander LTC Kauzlarich giving insight into his and his battalions struggles during their deployment.
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COL (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see), I am sure if I like The Good Soldiers, I will very likely read Thank you for your Service. Thanks
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CMC Robert Young
SGT Robertson, if you enjoyed On Killing, try "On Combat" by LTC Grossman. Good read.
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SGT (Join to see)
CMC Robert Young That book is currently on my bookshelf alongside over a dozen others waiting to be read. If it's half as interesting as On Killing then I'll be pretty thrilled.
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I recomend Fearless it is a great book about overcoming a troubled path and doing great things. It is about a Operator who was Killed in Action in Afganistan. He overcame drug addiction and arrests.
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CPT(P) (Join to see)
SEALS books are great for entertaining combat stories, but there's USUALLY little value after that.
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COL (Join to see)
PO2 Corey Ferretti, finished this book! It was absolutely fascinating to learn about the drive of some of the most elite warriors we have on our side. What Adam Brown accomplishes is a testament to their training, intestinal fortitude and drive to succeed in every aspect of his pursuit to be and serve as a U.S. Navy Seal!
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
Glad that you enjoyed it. Yes it is. To accomplish what he did with the set backs he had. Is an inspection.
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CMSgt (Join to see)
I literally have this on my coffee table and have been "getting around to it". Starting it this weekend. Thank you!
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Sir, I recommend the Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable, by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It is not a military specific book, but I believe the ideas in it are invaluable for any leader who deals heavily with the human element and risk. It is one of those books that will probably make you think and help you improve your decision making process. I've read it twice, I'll probably read it again in a year.
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1. Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns-Goodwin. The way Lincoln handled his endless critics was nothing less than masterful and would sadly be out of place today.
2. Lee: The last years by Charles Bracelen Flood. The example that Lee left to us in the autumn of his life should define humility and redemption for anyone who has ever made a gross miscalculation.
Enjoy the reads and best of luck in Command.
2. Lee: The last years by Charles Bracelen Flood. The example that Lee left to us in the autumn of his life should define humility and redemption for anyone who has ever made a gross miscalculation.
Enjoy the reads and best of luck in Command.
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COL (Join to see)
Thanks LTC (Join to see), both of these seem fitting since I will be so close to Gettysburg!
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COL (Join to see)
I have been looking at both of these. I think they will complement the other reading I have done on Lincoln earlier this year!
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COL (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see), Finished the Lee book. It was fascinating looking at the post war from his perspective. Thanks for the recommendation. I have Team of Rivals in my cue right now.
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LTC (Join to see)
Sir, hope the book was a worthwhile read and broadened your knowledge on Lee's effort towards redemption. I visited his grave at Washinton and Lee University. It was well worth my time to visit from Alexandria. I'm sure you've stumbled across his boyhood home in Alexandria as well.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Start With Why is also great by Simon Sinek. There's a free (for military) online lesson plan as well. Great author!
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Sir, there are a handful of similar discussions about book recommendations. While I am sure that you will get a few good responses on this thread, I would encourage you to search the forums for the similar discussions. You may find additional resources or suggestions that may be right up your alley. Good luck!!!
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COL (Join to see)
1SG Steven Stankovich, I have scoured the different threads and I have made my list! Thanks
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And if you can find a copy of "military intelligence blunders and cover ups" by John Hughes Wilson
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