What books or reading lists would you suggest for professional development, personal development and leadership improvement? Non-mil as well

SSG Micah Wilson — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:17:11 -0500

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 6:21 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:21:00 -0500

Best book I can think of is the mentor has the most useful knowledge in it. It is definitely a must have for all NCOs

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 6:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:21:55 -0500

Read "Breakout" about the Chosen campaign and read Rommels "Attack"

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 6:21 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:21:57 -0500

Top Sergeant: The life and times of SMA William Bainbridge.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Jan 10 at 2016 6:24 PM

CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:24:36 -0500

SSG Micah Wilson Check in w/ the SMA. He is soliciting a recomended reading list for him to share with you.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 10 at 2016 6:26 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:26:18 -0500

SSG Micah Wilson I would recommend 'A Vietnam War Story'
The book "every American should read" (Vietnam) now available in trade paperback. Here is the powerful story of one man's fight against bigotry, paralysis and his war enemy that led to the Medal of Honor. From migrant farm-worker and middle-school dropout to recipient of his country's highest award for bravery, Roy Benavidez demonstrated the courage and fortitude of an American hero. The half-Yaqui Indian, half-Mexican orphan fought his way out of the bigotry of South Texas to serve with the Army's elite -- the Special Forces. In February, 1981, President Reagan awarded him the Medal of Honor.

Response by SGM Mike Barbieri made Jan 10 at 2016 6:35 PM

SGM Mike Barbieri — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:35:14 -0500

Everyone has different reading tastes so I have generally refrained from recommending books throughout my career, but there is one exception; The Three Meter Zone by JD Pendry is an excellent starting point for new leaders. It is an easy read and highlights a common sense approach.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 6:51 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 18:51:05 -0500

Tankers Wars, I am biased though being Navy.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 10 at 2016 7:08 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:08:11 -0500

While there are some very good military related books out there, such as "We Were Soldiers Once, and Young," I prefer some of the business leadership books. Such as "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" written by Stephen R Covey, "The Radical Leap" written by Steve Farber, and "Leading from the Edge" written by Dennis N.T. Perkins. Covey has written several great leadership books.

Response by CSM Eric Olsen made Jan 10 at 2016 7:24 PM

CSM Eric Olsen — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 19:24:56 -0500

"Blackhearts" by Jim Frederick

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jan 10 at 2016 8:07 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:07:25 -0500

the classic "the road less traveled". "7 habits of highly effective people". I know they are cliche classic but they are good books.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 10 at 2016 8:34 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 20:34:32 -0500

I've read several books by Teddy Roosevelt - "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman & the Wilderness Hunter", "The Rough Riders". No other President has written as he did, his winning the west series is also good.

"Citizen Soldier" is a must read. Ambrose did face to face interviews with these men, sometimes you can only shake your head and wonder how they did it.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Jan 10 at 2016 9:10 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 21:10:56 -0500

I have read all the books I could find in the war in Vietnam and tried to learn lessons from the way they did things there and try not to make mistakes that were made back then. I read allot of military books to learn our history. Without knowing our history and fight skills and the mistakes that were made you can't better you people in the battle field. I would also recommend books on business management and I took a sigma learn six class of home to better improve the way thing are ran in business and make them better. The best advice I would suggest is to sit down with your elders or a older veteran and listen to them. They have been thought things we have not been though before. As the old saying goes the older people would say ( I have been though what you are going thru you have never been thru what I'm going thru )

Response by SP5 Joel O'Brien made Jan 10 at 2016 9:53 PM

SP5 Joel O'Brien — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 21:53:47 -0500

One book I've mentioned elsewhere in a post to a like question is: "The Peter Principle." By Dr. Laurence J. Peter. From Amazon: The Peter Principle explains that everyone in a hierarchy-from the office intern to the CEO, from the low-level civil servant to a nation's president-will inevitably rise to his or her level of incompetence. (Worth a read, IMHO.)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 10 at 2016 10:01 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:01:44 -0500

Take a gander through "Art of War". Once done, read up on some key battles in history and take note that your job description, at its core, is what its been for several millennium. I've seen way to many "7 Habits of 4 Quadrant Whatever" SMs who think that having a shopping list makes them a good leader. These things POINT to stuff that can make a difference. What so called leaders tend to lack is a perspective of history, repeat past mistakes, and take credit for what some junior invented decades ago. You'll use a broader perspective as an asset to selecting the right tools at the right time vs. playing the 60% of the time it works game. Remember you need skill, technique, and perspective to effectively lead beyond next week.

Response by PV2 Israel Campbell made Jan 10 at 2016 10:15 PM

PV2 Israel Campbell — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:15:25 -0500

that is a tall order, however, i can help. il give you a short list that should cover a wide range of personality's and experience variables...(b4 you can improve yourself you must know yourself) so read "the banal man", that will tell you how far you have to fall, read http://www.viewonbuddhism.org/resources/buddhist_quotes.html it will give you in idea of how far you must climb...

always keep in mind
the best leader does not stand above his brothers on their shoulders, rather he learns their shortcomings and compensates for them without hesitation, correcting his brothers miss-steps, without condemning his brothers, this balance is crucial and impossible to perfect, but just making in effort to do so will keep you off the pedestal most would be leaders break their necks falling from...

last but possibly most important read triplanetary by ee doc smith, and midworld, dont take yourself so seriously that you think you cant learn from fiction books, those two will give you in idea of the pinnacle of mankinds potential, then read anything that catches your attention, any book can teach you if your willing to learn from it

Buddhist Quotes

Buddhist quotations

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 10:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:22:52 -0500

I recommend "You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader", by Mark Sanborn. Something to pass down to the troops as well. I emjoyed this book and maybe you will too.

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jan 10 at 2016 10:59 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 22:59:59 -0500

http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/polisci/faculty/trachtenberg/guide/Cohen%20core%20readings.htm
This is one website that I found that could be of some guidance. There used to be a website that was called the "Duke Top 100" books to read. If you got through this rather extensive list, then you would have a graduate minor in military history.

Strategic Studies Core Reading List

Read not to contradict, and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention...

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Jan 10 at 2016 11:17 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:17:54 -0500

"Gates of Fire" with or without 300 as an add on.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 11:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:22:28 -0500

Professional Development - Who Moved My Cheese?
Personal Development - The Game.
Leadership Improvement - Leadership and Self Deception.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2016 11:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 23:34:08 -0500

"Turn this Ship Around" by L. David Marquet and "Its Your Ship" by Capt. D. Michael Abrashoff. Both deal with positive leadership that makes subordinates feel they are part of the team and they have ownership in the mission, rather than a top-down philosophy. They demonstrate moral courage because many times in means going up against their chain of command and the Leader to Follower culture and replacing with a Leader to Leader culture. Both very well written and easy to read.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Jan 11 at 2016 12:06 AM

CW4 Brian Haas — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 00:06:04 -0500

The biography of Colin Powell. Amazing.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Jan 11 at 2016 12:07 AM

Col Lyman Faith — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 00:07:49 -0500

The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

Response by Doug Macdonald made Jan 11 at 2016 6:08 AM

Doug Macdonald — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 06:08:20 -0500

SSG Leo Bell, People suggest for military & civilian alike; http://www.amazon.com/The-Prior-Service-Entrepreneur-Competitive-Successful/dp/ [login to see]

Amazon.com: The Prior-Service Entrepreneur: The Fundamentals of Veteran Entrepreneurship...

Amazon.com: The Prior-Service Entrepreneur: The Fundamentals of Veteran Entrepreneurship (Experiential Leadership) (Volume 1) (9781494949174): Michael I Kaplan, Doug Macdonald: Books

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 11 at 2016 7:29 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 07:29:33 -0500

Over in tge RalleyPoint "Books" section we have the reading lists of all 5 services. They are broken down by rank. I would suggest starting there.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 10:00 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 10:00:23 -0500

South by Ernest Shackleton
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young by Lt. General Hal Moor and Joe Galloway
The Bear Went over the Mountain by Lester Grau
Gods and Generals (The Killer Angels and the Last Full Measure too) by Jeff Shaara

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 11 at 2016 10:37 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 10:37:23 -0500

If you did any extended combat tours, "Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior" by C. Hoge, COL MC USA RET... This is a "How to" manual for those dealing with combat PTSD. It includes information and work for family members as well as the servicemember/veteran...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 11:30 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 11:30:47 -0500

The Army Times published an article recently about the SMA putting together a book club and asking for suggestions from Soldiers. http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/2016/01/02/smas-book-club-soldiers-submit-must-read-books-leadership/78033120/
This article list some of those books and why the people recommend them.

SMA's book club: Soldiers submit must-read books on leadership

Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey is putting together a professional reading list, and he'sasked soldiers for their ideas and recommendations.

Response by SFC Russell Shaw made Jan 11 at 2016 3:58 PM

SFC Russell Shaw — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:58:25 -0500

To get on track and put together a plan I suggest John C. Maxwell, 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. John has been voted the leadership Guru of the world now for 6 years running. Michael Hyatt has a lot of good materail. Kousses and Posner Leadership Challenge is a good one also. The question would be what are you wanting to do and who do you want to be. If you answer those quesitons and start keeping a journal of you leadership journey it will help you tremendously. You can check out my web site an sign up to receive my posting that go out usually 5 days a week. My web site is http://www.RTShaw.com

Home

Working in and around business professionals for over the past 25 years has taught me that everyone has great ideas. What I have found to be true, is that we do not think at our greatest level without the help of others. At Carlrus Solutions we do twothings to help.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 5:49 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 17:49:15 -0500

True North by Bill George. Get a highlighter and don't be afraid to mark this book up you will keep it long term.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2016 8:55 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 20:55:01 -0500

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Absolute must-read.

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Jan 11 at 2016 11:23 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 23:23:28 -0500

The Art of War by Sun Tzu
Band of Brothers
Green Side Out, Brown Side Out, Run in Circles, Scream and Shout by Major Gene Duncan, if you can find it
Leadership Secrets of the Rouge Warrior by Richard Marcinko
Marine The Biography of Chesty Puller
and there are many more. I got something from all of them, but you may have to read them several times to get an understanding of what the author is trying to say.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jan 12 at 2016 12:54 AM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 00:54:08 -0500

How to win friends and influence people... must read.

Response by SSG Ray Strenkowski made Jan 12 at 2016 11:26 AM

SSG Ray Strenkowski — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 11:26:23 -0500

About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior by COL David Hackworth was always on my list. It's a must read.

Response by SSG Joshua Salois made Jan 13 at 2016 6:18 PM

SSG Joshua Salois — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 18:18:37 -0500

I'd have to recommend:
- The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
- Hagakure, by Yamamoto Tsunetomo
- The Three Meter Zone, by CSM (Ret) J.D. Pendry
- Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
- We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, by COL (Ret) Hal Moore
- Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 8:31 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 20:31:49 -0500

Sun -Tzu

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jan 13 at 2016 10:03 PM

PO2 Peter Klein — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:03:58 -0500

"The 29% Solution" and "Who's In Your Room?" by Dr. Ivan Misner. Great ideas on how to improve your networking and your life.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 10:46 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:46:10 -0500

The Men, The Mission, and Me by Pete Blaber (former Delta Force Commander)

Response by LTC Jerry Clanton made Jan 14 at 2016 11:56 AM

LTC Jerry Clanton — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 11:56:55 -0500

"The Death of Common Sense: How Law is Suffocating America" by Philip K. Howard. Everyone who works in a regulatory environment needs to read this.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2016 6:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:56:27 -0500

On Combat by LTC David Grossman, I have read it about 15 times and always have a copy in my house GREAT book.

Response by SSG David Kaelin made Jan 15 at 2016 7:31 AM

SSG David Kaelin — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 07:31:30 -0500

http://www.amazon.com/NO-REGRETS-American-Adventure-Afghanistan-ebook/dp/B00GR7C4OA

NO REGRETS: An American Adventure in Afghanistan - Kindle edition by David Kaelin. Politics &...

NO REGRETS: An American Adventure in Afghanistan - Kindle edition by David Kaelin. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading NO REGRETS: An American Adventure in Afghanistan.

Response by SGM William Gabbard made Jan 15 at 2016 1:52 PM

SGM William Gabbard — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:52:32 -0500

"The Caine Mutiny," "Winds of War/War and Remembrance" by Herman Wouk; "Once An Eagle" by Anton Myrer; "American Caesar" by William Manchester; "Stonewall Jackson" by J.I. Robertson

Response by SGM John Perret made Jan 19 at 2016 11:09 PM

SGM John Perret — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 23:09:56 -0500

The One Minute Manager

Response by CPT Maria Burns made Jan 25 at 2016 11:16 PM

CPT Maria Burns — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 23:16:16 -0500

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/black-hearts-jim-frederick/ [login to see] ?ean= [login to see] 760
So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in The Quest For Work You Love by Cal Newport

The Road to Character by David Brooks

Black Hearts: One Platoon's Descent into Madness in Iraq's Triangle of Death

This is the story of a small group of soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division’s fabled 502nd Infantry Regiment—a unit known as “the Black...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 8:58 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 20:58:52 -0500

good to great
the one minute manager (or the new one minute manager)
the energy bus
start with why
leading change

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2016 5:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Feb 2016 05:47:15 -0500

Colin Powell's 'It Worked For Me' , Russell Simmons' 'Super Rich'