What books do you suggest every young NCO should read?

2021-06-22T19:32:10-04:00

Also what are some things that you found handy to put in your Leader Book?

Response by SFC Randy Hellenbrand made Jun 22 at 2021 7:50 PM

2021-06-22T19:50:16-04:00

All Quiet On The Western Front and the book Starship Troopers; not the screwed up movie.

Response by SPC Andrew Murray made Jun 22 at 2021 7:59 PM

2021-06-22T19:59:43-04:00

Ender's game

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2021 8:23 PM

2021-06-22T20:23:52-04:00

*Zen in the MA* —> One of the best common sense reads I’ve come across. Over the years have gifted it to many and still do. Can be read in an afternoon and chapters are standalone with insights that apply throughout the military industrial complex.

Response by SSG Brian L. made Jun 22 at 2021 8:25 PM

2021-06-22T20:25:07-04:00

Blackhearts, On Killing, also anything leadership, financial, or theater specific

Response by Maj John Bell made Jun 22 at 2021 8:28 PM

2021-06-22T20:28:15-04:00

Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach, by Col. Dandridge M. Malone.

FM 3-22.68 , Crew-Served Machine Guns, 5.56-mm and 7.62-mm
[Disappointed to see there is no longer a section on observed indirect fire with machine guns]

The Discourses of Epictetus, by Arrian

The Enchiridion of Epictetus by Arrian

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2021 8:49 PM

2021-06-22T20:49:17-04:00

The Three Meter Zone by CSM (Ret.) J.D. Pendry. It outlines common sense leadership for NCOs. https://www.amazon.com/Three-Meter-Zone-Common-Leadership/dp/ [login to see] /ref=nodl_

Amazon.com: The Three Meter Zone: Common Sense Leadership for NCOs (9780891417286): Pendry, J....

Amazon.com: The Three Meter Zone: Common Sense Leadership for NCOs (9780891417286): Pendry, J. D.: Books

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Jun 22 at 2021 9:45 PM

2021-06-22T21:45:38-04:00

There is a book called, "Crucial Conversations, Tools for Talking When Stakes are High". This is more about how to communicate, which is one of the most difficult tasks in any organization. I highly recommend it. It is used in the Navy Civilian leadership program as a teaching tool.
Another good leadership book is, "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team". This book is about building an effective team or managing the problems that will arise when people must work together to reach a goal.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 22 at 2021 10:22 PM

2021-06-22T22:22:57-04:00

Leaders book:
- Alpha roster with addresses and phone#s. Birthdays too.
- Numbers for COC and numbers you will use often.
- Maybe pertinent data due to the MOS.
- TACSOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Sector sketches.
- Training metrics.
- Blank OPORD format.
- Sensitive items lists.
- How to call for MEDEVAC. Emergency medical numbers.
- You know what. I would add a list what you need to do to help your soldiers.

My recommendations might not be stellar, but I gave it an honest jab. lol

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 22 at 2021 10:55 PM

2021-06-22T22:55:50-04:00

For years if not decades it has been a feel good question to ask a leader 'what is on their reading list.' I have looked at reading lists and have never read a book because someone out ranks me read and liked it. Soldiers need to read non-fiction in something that interests them and will potentially take their career in the direction they want. I am a history buff and can easily tell that the beloved General of the Army of Northern Virginia, Robert E. Lee LOST THE WAR for the South and his biggest mistake at Gettysburg should be taught. Eisenhower never commanded a combat unit yet was successful as the AEF Supreme Commander and then President. Nothing in his military history would have you think he would rise higher than Patton or McArthur but he did. Why? I have been fascinated with Gettysburg and the difficulty in understanding the order of battle until recently. Lee never should have sent Picket's Division up Cemetery Ridge and should have withdrawn his Army over night 2 July. He could not win with Picket's Charge and certainly lost the war for the South. I have learned incredible leadership with these two topics because they engage my interest.
A good developing leader should be able to examine what interests them and what is useful for their career and read appropriately. What interests you is what you will learn best from and do additional research.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 3:27 AM

2021-06-23T03:27:52-04:00

Legacy by James Kerr -- especially if you like sports.

Response by CCMSgt Steven Grant made Jun 23 at 2021 4:25 AM

2021-06-23T04:25:08-04:00

6 dash series

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 7:40 AM

2021-06-23T07:40:17-04:00

Check your brigade or division CSMs reading list. They usually have some good ones.

Response by SMSgt Henry Kiester made Jun 23 at 2021 10:53 AM

2021-06-23T10:53:49-04:00

The Book of Proverbs - whether you are religious or not, contains a lot of wisdom and sound advice (not all of which I followed...)

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 23 at 2021 12:41 PM

2021-06-23T12:41:28-04:00

The NCO Guide and if interested in becoming an Officer - they can get the Officers Guide.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2021 6:08 PM

2021-06-23T18:08:24-04:00

AR 600-20, young NCOs need to understand, 1) where the power comes from, 2) what that power makes them responsible for, 3) what they can and con not do with the power.
Then the Ranger Handbook, i keep one in my nightstand.

Response by PFC Ray Gibb made Jun 23 at 2021 8:21 PM

2021-06-23T20:21:25-04:00

The UCMJ, particularly to the Constitutional RIGHT & DUTIES of the US Military.

Response by SGT James Gish made Jun 23 at 2021 8:21 PM

2021-06-23T20:21:57-04:00

Bible

Response by PV2 M B made Jun 23 at 2021 8:42 PM

2021-06-23T20:42:35-04:00

The 15 invaluable laws of Growth.
The 5 love languages.
Wired for love.
Attacked at home.
Man's Search for meaning.
The Bible.

Response by MSgt Steven Smigelski made Jun 26 at 2021 10:05 AM

2021-06-26T10:05:41-04:00

The Constitution
The Defense of Duffers Drift
Last Stand
On Killing
Chickenhawk

Response by SSG John Jensen made Jun 26 at 2021 7:54 PM

2021-06-26T19:54:18-04:00

a dictionary.

Response by MAJ Michael DeLaughter made Jul 2 at 2021 11:00 AM

2021-07-02T11:00:26-04:00

Once an Eagle. The Toa of leadership. Starship Troopers.

Response by SGT James Gish made Jul 3 at 2021 9:16 PM

2021-07-03T21:16:34-04:00

Pictures of your spouse to remind you not to do anything stupid. Names and phone numbers of your soldier’s spouse or family members. If you know their family, you’ll know your soldier and be familiar with their behaviors.

Response by SGT Beth Day made Aug 5 at 2021 2:38 AM

2021-08-05T02:38:02-04:00

Five Years to Freedom
The Things They Carried
Kite Runner
The Gulag Archipelago
Night
On War
The Art of War
The last two are often required for officers, which makes then excellent reading for NCOs.
Night and Gulag serve as cautionary tales against totalitarianism.
Five Years and Things give you insight into soldiers.

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Jul 5 at 2023 1:03 AM

2023-07-05T01:03:03-04:00

Not Just NCO's But EVERYONE Above The Age Of 12:
~ And DISREGARD The TITLE: ~
There's FAR More To It Than That.
By Dale Carnegie: "How To Win Friends And Influence People".
My First Copy Was Given To Me By My Brother When I Was 14 & Living In Panama.
The Cover Price Was $1.95; And I've Purchased Many Others Sense That Time In 1959.
Appx. 3 Months Ago, 04/2023, I Purchased Another; Available Through AMAZON,
Gave Them As Gifts & Replaced My Worn Out Copies.....
But Now For $13.95. .... But Worth a MILLION..... Guaranteed To Change Your Life.

Response by CMSgt Marcus Falleaf made Jul 5 at 2023 9:58 AM

2023-07-05T09:58:02-04:00

Maybe, "Lord of the Flies"

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 10 at 2023 2:45 PM

2023-07-10T14:45:06-04:00

Good afternoon SPC Private RallyPoint Member. Excellent post. Thanks for sharing this Specialist. One book that I would suggest is that warrior task and drill book. Its very helpful. Also, this one is optional but helpful sometimes would be a bible. A third book I would suggest would be The Art of War. I've read it twice and found it to be an excellent book.