What books and resources do you recommend specifically for CA Officers/NCOs to read and keep on top of?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 08:42:49 -0400

There are many resources available, but with little experience in CA and not yet officially a CA Officer, I wanted to ask the experts here for their insights.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 14 at 2015 7:03 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 07:03:08 -0400

I am curious CPT Private RallyPoint Member ... have you developed a list of books and, if so, would you mind sharing your recommendations? Thanks!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 14 at 2015 12:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 12:54:28 -0400

Read and digest the COIN Manual as it will help you understand the full spectrum of operations for US Counterinsurgency. When you have that digested I would recommend reading Mao Tse Tung's (sp) book about the steps necessary to conduct a successful revolution as the model has been consistent through the years. I also recommend a book on how the British fought insurgencies. I am sorry but can't remember the titles of the books.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 18 at 2016 3:03 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 15:03:04 -0500

Waging Peace and We Meant Well. Neither is a well written piece of literature but quick reads of first hand accounts. They cover both ends of the spectrum regarding CA during OIF, from the invasion to drawdown.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2017 2:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 14:01:53 -0500

In addition to reading COIN Manual, you will greatly benefit from reading DATE (Decisive Action Training Environment). The Big Army is now focus on DATE and not COIN. Big emphasis in Unified Land Operations across all the war fighting functions (WFF). Best of luck to you.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2017 10:18 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 10:18:50 -0500

Read stuff written by David Kilcullen

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2017 5:22 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 17:22:10 -0500

I respectfully disagree.
If you really wish to develop a sensible, real-world CA perspective and want to keep on top of things, deploy to PI, the Horn or one of the numerous FID / HA missions going on in Latin America.

Or you can read about it in a TM.

I do agree with reading " Waging Peace". After all, COL Clark was my CO in Iraq. Stand up former SF guy. Real CA.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 12:44 PM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 12:44:09 -0500

As a CA officer, you really need to understand the world beyond the military so you can properly translate that into military operations. Books on world governance and economics are key. I have quite the library in my office that anyone is allowed to use. Here are a few:

The World is Flat by Tom Friedman
Political Economy of Iraq by Frank Gunter
Homo Deus: A Brief History of the Future by Yuval Harari

In addition to reading, I highly recommend listening to Podcasts to get smart on world affairs and economics. Here are a few:
Freakonomics
CSIS - these are broken into specific regions and subjects if you want to focus.
TED Talks