What is the best professional military fiction?

2014-11-28T10:41:15-05:00

Of the options offered? Warning: mentioning the movies without having read the books is a down-votable offense.

Offering an alternative professional military fiction is acceptable, but six answers to a survey is not supportable.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 28 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-11-28T10:55:10-05:00

For anyone who hasn't read any of these books: find them here.
http://www.marineshop.net/browse.cfm/gates-of-fire-(pb)/4,5378.html
http://www.marineshop.net/browse.cfm/starship-troopers-(pb)/4,8221.html
http://www.marineshop.net/browse.cfm/fields-of-fire-(pb)/4,6758.html
http://www.marineshop.net/browse.cfm/enders-game-(pb)/4,11203.html

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-11-28T11:44:37-05:00

No Once An Eagle? It was fiction written by a Marine. I would have thought a Marine like yourself would have it on his list. It was long book but a quick read as it was great. I saw the movie, forget but I think it was a made for tv movie.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-11-28T11:52:03-05:00

Most anything by Tom Clancy. In there is a rich universe of the military environment, down to small details that are correctly depicted. He did hang around a lot of military and had a security clearance as a civilian.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 12:21 PM

2014-11-28T12:21:50-05:00

Ok I voted for Starship Troopers. In your list Enders Game would be a close second. But I would like to recommend a series of Military Sci/Fi by John Ringo (a former paratrooper I believe). "The Legacy of the Aldenata" is a large series of novels that starts with "A Hymn Before Battle". Really, anything by this guy is good but this series is awesome.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2014 5:25 PM

2014-11-28T17:25:10-05:00

I loved starship troopers and because it was on the CMC reading list that was one of the books I recommended to my junior Marines, especially if they weren't strong readers like me. Its simple, motivating, and not boring. I heard a lot about Gates of Fire, matter of fact I had a LCpl tell me about it but i was in the middle of another book. This post reminded me so im going to check it out

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Nov 28 at 2014 11:34 PM

2014-11-28T23:34:37-05:00

I DONT READ FICITION ABOUT MILITARY............

Response by PO1 Autumn Sandeen made Nov 29 at 2014 12:47 PM

2014-11-29T12:47:05-05:00

I think the book that influenced me in my early Navy career -- influenced me not to be like the drill instructor character in the book -- was Robert Flanagan's 1971 book about Marine boot camp: "Maggot."

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 29 at 2014 1:43 PM

2014-11-29T13:43:59-05:00

"The Killer Angels" an ROTC requirement at the University of RI and the basis for the movie, "Gettysburg"

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Nov 29 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-11-29T13:48:38-05:00

I read Enders game, long before the movie. However, Louis L'Amour wrote one called Last of the breed which was excellent!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 3:25 PM

2014-11-29T15:25:12-05:00

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 3:56 PM

2014-11-29T15:56:25-05:00

True professional military fiction in my world, W. E. B. Griffin:

CLANDESTINE OPERATIONS, is a thrilling look into the deadly espionage of the Cold War and the beginning of a top secret organization called the Central Intelligence Agency.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF WAR is the first of the Griffin series. Its epic nine novels span the period from World War II to Vietnam, capturing all the drama and challenge of Army life.

THE CORPS series covers the fighting men of the U.S. Marine Corps from World War II to Korea.

The MEN AT WAR series follows the secret agents in Colonel William “Wild Bill” Donovan’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.

The World War II series HONOR BOUND follows OSS agents sent to neutral Argentina to secretly undermine German operations there.

THE PRESIDENTIAL AGENT is a cutting-edge insider’s look at intel and politics in the battle of counterterrorism, from the White House to covert ops in foreign lands.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Nov 29 at 2014 6:51 PM

2014-11-29T18:51:52-05:00

Webb's book was barely fiction. I suspect but do not know for certain the other three were not written by veterans. Writers Rule #1 is write what you know, even in fiction.
My vote (also not fiction) was Michael Herr's "Dispatches" far and away the best of the best of my generation of warriors. Herr was on the ground with the Marines in Hue for the TET offensive and really captured the grit of who we were.

http://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-Michael-Herr/dp/B002W0XDWI/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=1-2&keywords=michael+herr+dispatches

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Nov 30 at 2014 2:59 PM

2014-11-30T14:59:56-05:00

I voted for Ender's Game. I never read the book (not yet, plan to) but I thought the movie was great. For other books I would have to say The Corps series was my favorite. Or maybe Talon Force. I was pretty into that series as well growing up.

Currently its all about Warhammer and Space Wolves for me though!

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 1 at 2014 12:23 PM

2014-12-01T12:23:58-05:00

I might have been too critical of Gates of Fire from my studies, Starship Troopers never pretended to be anything but fiction.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Dec 1 at 2014 12:24 PM

2014-12-01T12:24:04-05:00

Haven't read any of them, am delinquent in professional reading.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 1 at 2014 12:39 PM

2014-12-01T12:39:11-05:00

I like a variety of authors depending on the specific genre of millitary fiction:

For "realistic" military fiction, my favorites are Harold Coyle ("Team Yankee"), Tom Clancey and Larry Bond ("Red Pheonix")

For "sci-fi" military fiction, my current favorites are Eric Flint ("1632" series. While not necessarily "military fiction" there is a heavy military storylines in the stories), and John Ringo.

For "fantasy" military fiction, my favorites are Robert Jordan ("Wheel of Time") and Christopher Rowley ("Basil Broketail" series where he blends the structure and tactics of the Roman cohort legion backed by intelligent sword wielding dragons in the place of elephants.)

Response by MAJ Chris Ballard made Dec 1 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-12-01T12:49:41-05:00

They are all superb, but as far as lessons in professional development go Fields of Fire has my vote. I didn't pull a lot of lessons out of Ender's Game, I merely enjoyed it as a good read. Gates of Fire and Starship Troopers share similar themes of sharing the same hardships as your troops and sweat in training saves blood in combat. Fields of Fire dealt with handling different personalities in your unit and finding a way to lead them in a common goal.

Others of note:
Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer, Company Commander (though not fiction) by Charles McDonald, The Ten Thousand by Harold Coyle, and The March Upcountry by John Ringo.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 7:04 PM

2014-12-03T19:04:02-05:00

Absolutely phenomenal!

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Dec 4 at 2014 11:44 PM

2014-12-04T23:44:05-05:00

I have to say I am in love with Lee Child's "Jack Reacher" series! I have read four now, and he does a splendid job building the characters that continue to develop. He is/was the most bad-ass Army Military Police Investigator... ever.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Dec 5 at 2014 10:23 AM

2014-12-05T10:23:25-05:00

Dale Brown & Tom Clancy!

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made Dec 5 at 2014 2:46 PM

2014-12-05T14:46:50-05:00

I just finished Ender's Game and really enjoyed it, Gates of Fire is on my reading list!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 5 at 2014 2:49 PM

2014-12-05T14:49:18-05:00

If historical fiction counts, I would say "Once An Eagle" is among the best I have read.

Response by MAJ Jeff Coulter made Dec 6 at 2014 2:43 PM

2014-12-06T14:43:59-05:00

I'm a huge military history buff so I think very highly of the Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell. The title character is a British soldier in India in 1799 in the first novel called Sharpe's Tiger. He then begins to rise up through the ranks eventually becoming a LTC in Sharpe's Waterloo and then still gong on adventures in retirement in the final book Sharpe's Devil. The author uses historical events and locations and puts his characters into the role of real people. I can appreciate Sharpe because I, too, started as a PVT and am now a MAJ getting ready to retire. They're also really fun reads!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2014 5:23 PM

2014-12-06T17:23:01-05:00

Highly recommend "The First Sergeants" by CSM (Ret) Richard Morgan, especially for any of you former Cavalry Troopers (especially 11th ACR) out there that pulled tours, OP Duty and Border Patrol, Annual Gunnery at Graf, Wildflicken, holenfelss, REFORGER, etc along the East-West German-Czechoslavakian Border during the Cold War. It will take you back!

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Dec 6 at 2014 9:54 PM

2014-12-06T21:54:00-05:00

the Sharpe Series by Bernard Cornwell.... But the I'm a but for that period oof history.... CS Forrester's. Hornblower saga is good too

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 6 at 2015 11:55 AM

2015-01-06T11:55:17-05:00

Heinlein said he was disappointed with the reception Starship Troopers received. Too bad he can't see this survey.

Walt

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jan 6 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-01-06T16:49:06-05:00

This is an awesome book:

http://www.amazon.com/The-13th-Valley-John-Vecchio/dp/ [login to see]

Amazon.com: The 13th Valley (9780312200817): John M. Del Vecchio: Books

Response by Sgt Daniel Albrecht made Mar 12 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-03-12T21:11:25-04:00

Vince Flynn's books with Mitch Rap.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 12 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-03-12T21:16:04-04:00

Can not decide between Troopers and Ender's Game.

Troopers is more about the political mindset and the development of the state as a whole, but also has elements of leadership and development for a military member.

Ender's game teaches us about the empathy for the enemy, the battle for resources, and the tactics that can turn the tide of any battle, no matter the odds.

I think Heinlein's book is a better tale of what an ideal government and it's encompassing military can be, but I think Card's is the better military specific novel, especially for commanders.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 12 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-03-12T23:19:28-04:00

Robert Heinlein, peace be upon him.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 12 at 2015 11:52 PM

2015-03-12T23:52:27-04:00

There is no singular best.

I used to strongly encourage ROTC cadets to read "West of Honor" by Jerry Pournelle -- any of his CoDominium tales featuring John Christian Falkenburg makes for a good read, but "West of Honor" was written from the view of a newly commissioned lieutenant serving under a young Captain Falkenburg on a military expedition to a remote colony.
http://www.baenebooks.com/chapters/ [login to see] / [login to see] .htm

I'm also surprised to not see any mention of Frederick Forsyth. His "Dogs of War" is full of incredibly realistic detail (and, according to some reports, may be almost historical), and all of his works are very readable.

There are quite a few more I could list off given time to peruse my shelves, but I strongly recommend perusing the offerings of Baen Publishing (http://www.baen.com/). As an editor and publisher, Jim Baen nurtured many authors and good military science fiction was one of his favorite products. One of his sneakier marketing methods was to offer free electronic copies of at least one book from each author, just to get you hooked into buying the other books.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 5:49 AM

2015-03-13T05:49:44-04:00

Best fiction: 2015 National Military Strategy........

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Mar 13 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-03-13T07:42:33-04:00

"West of Honor" by Jerry Pournelle and all those Falkenberg's Legion books. Those are very good.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-03-13T10:10:53-04:00

I agree that Ender's Game is probably one of the better books I have read. His ability to see threats and ensure they stay down is a pretty good tactic...

The Jack Reacher novels are by far the best out there (IMHO) - and I am in camp Tom Cruise to portray him due to the fact he is suppose to blend into a crowd yet in the books look like a freaking Line Backer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-03-13T10:35:22-04:00

Gates of Fire, hands down.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-03-13T17:10:06-04:00

John Ringo's 4-parter, A Hymn Before Battle, Gust Front, Hell's Faire, and When the Devil Dances is excellent. Essentially, aliens have highly advanced technology, but they haven't had to fight in a LONG time. Then a highly aggressive species emerges and begins to decimate them. They come to earth with a proposal: they will share the technology and build weapons, we supply the soldiers. Great books, some of the best use of power armor in fiction in my humble opinion. There's also some other books in the same universe, including Watch on the Rhine, where the Germans use the alien technology to rejuvenate members of the Waffen SS to fight the invaders.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 12:04 AM

2015-03-14T00:04:36-04:00

I've read two of the four choices offered. While I enjoyed Ender's Game, Starship Troopers was one I couldn't put down. I like the movie, but it doesn't do the book justice.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-03-14T14:02:35-04:00

Starship Troopers is very very good look to the future of science fiction that may become science fact. So many great teaching points. Gates of Fire comes in a very close second!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 14 at 2015 2:20 PM

2015-03-14T14:20:12-04:00

Starship Troopers.

The book, mind you...not the laughable movies derived VERY loosely from the book.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Mar 14 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-03-14T16:06:21-04:00

I enjoy military thrillers. Realistic? Best? Meh. I read for enjoyment.

I like the Dale Brown novels. He writes from the AF side of things with some science fiction (prediction?) thrown in.

I have been reading the Brad Thor novels. These are not so much military as much as protagonist as hero who has military experience and uses it to his advantage.

I get a kick out of the Rogue Warrior series. "Doom on Dickie!"

I like the Andy McNab novels.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Mar 16 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-03-16T12:16:49-04:00

Loved Gates of Fire and Enders Game. Have to recommend The Last Centurion by John Ringo. Great piece of modern military fiction.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 2:54 PM

2015-03-30T14:54:44-04:00

The Ten Thousand by Harold Coyle. Moving a modern US Army Armored Corps from Ukraine to Hamburg with a hostile(as in actively shooting at you) German government.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 3 at 2016 11:36 AM

2016-02-03T11:36:30-05:00

Starship Troopers, hands down.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 30 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-04-30T12:24:49-04:00

I read Enders Game when I was in much younger. It still remains one of my favorites. The movie was terrible though.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 30 at 2016 1:23 PM

2016-04-30T13:23:20-04:00

I rather enjoyed the Brotherhood of War series myself.