What is the best professional military fiction?

TSgt Jackie Jones, same comments to you as to SSgt (Join to see) about Tom Clancy. Basically: entertaining reads? yes, the "best professional military fiction?" I doubt it.

But military fiction nonetheless... My favorite or opinion of "best" is not the same as others. nfortunately, I havent read any of your choices, so I shared the ones that I enjoy.

I agree, some of the topics covered in the Racher Novel's are on point. One of the first I picked up was: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4494917-gone-tomorrow

Talks the signs of a "suicide bomber" and gets even better after that.

From a leadership perspective Once an Eagle is a great read.

COL (Join to see) Sir, what's phenomenal?

Gates of Fire! sorry a little confusion on that entry!

MSG Brad Sand, would you be surprised to learn that "Starship Troopers" was one of Heinlein's books written for the juvenile ("young adult") market?

1LT William Clardy

Not really, but I think our education system has slipped to such a low level that the young adult level for Heinlein is now college level stuff. There was a time we were teaching kids to read in Greek and Latin and now schools are more for holding area until they can get back to texting or playing video games.

1LT William Clardy MSG Brad Sand, Gentlemen, much as I get grumpy about these 'young kids and their electronic devices'(especially twitter) as well.... I will point out that reading was a far less-accessible skill for most in the era you're referencing. I suspect that in terms of percentages the number who can read 'read greek and latin' (metaphorically-since we can probably agree those specific languages have minimal utility anymore) are probably holding steady, while the overall percentage who can read at all is climbing. Remember there was massive stratification in society previously and technology improves peoples efficiency at everything, including learning.
http://xkcd.com/1414/

Capt Richard I P.
Sir,

Not trying to argue simply for the sake of arguing but reading as a skill has been accessible for a very long time and the question has been more of the individual realizing the need. I am willing to hear the argument that many do not need to be literate then or now, but they will face an economic hardship for this choice.

While I have never see the percentages, there is no way percentage of those who can read Latin or Ancient Greek are close to what they were 50, or 200 years ago. Those languages are not important IF you are willing to believe that an understanding of the Classic is not important? I think the main groups still studying either of those Classical languages are Theologians and I fear they have little interest in the writing of Homer or Virgil...but I hope I am wrong.
Technology compensated a person at everything, but does not improve their skills, especially if the technology is removed. GPS helps people find a specific location until they lose the satellites, and at that point can they find their way home with a compass and map? I think many people are overly dependent upon technology and have allowed their basic skills to atrophy.

Cpl Dennis F., I liked fields a lot. Pressfield was a Marine in the 60s and does a tremendous job in Gates of capturing what makes a warrior. Heinlein was a Naval Officer in the 30s with a clear love for Marines and an interesting take on future tactics and politics, but still ties in combat understanding. Card was a civilian, and still did a pretty great job, though his best points were more about general leadership, theory and strategy.

Cpl Dennis F., Robert Heinlein was a graduate of the Naval Academy and served in the Navy until he was medically discharged because of tuberculosis.

SFC (Join to see) I would challenge you to name a movie better than its book.

Challenge accepted - haha. now I will have to search Netflix and book catalogs.

SFC (Join to see) Maybe try Jurassic Park to start?

haha New one or old one?

PO1 Autumn Sandeen that's funny one of my DI's was a SSgt Flanagan. Can't be the same though given the year. Three of the four books above have pretty significant focus dedicated to the training and basic training of warriors.

SSG (Join to see) Great to hear it! SPC D W is enjoying it and its my second favorite book of all time.

SPC D W I've read Enders Game and enjoyed it. When it comes to my reading skills, I mostly mean "interest" I suppose. Most books I am not really interested in and some books are so dry that I just give up on reading. Over the past 5 years I have gotten better at reading and writing. Another fact about me is that I NEVER buy books, i usually just borrow or check them out from the unit library but I have only bought two books in my life one is Starship Troopers...the other is Into The Fire by Dakota Meyer.

I'll need to check out TSgt Michael Williamson's stuff. Can I get a signed copy if I get one of your books....?:oP ;o)

http://www.michaelzwilliamson.com/bibliography.html most stores have my books, Amazon, BN, Baen's site, and I can arrange a signed copy at cover price if you wish.

I have not seen it mentioned here, but maybe I just didn't see it. Who can forget Team Yankee by Harold Coyle? I read it when when I was in high school when it came out in, I believe, 1986. It's about a tank-heavy company team in the opening days of
WWIII in Germany (obviously based on AirLand Battle doctrine). Coyle was a serving Armor officer when he wrote it so it's completely authentic. A couple of others that have been very useful in my study of military history is Defeat Into Victory by Field Marshall Sir William Slim and America's First Battles, 1776-1965 by Charles Heller and William Stofft.

PO3 (Join to see), I'm also an avid reader of most of Ringo's works. Personally, I think his best books are his collaborations with Tom Kratman and Travis Taylor.

I might have to check these books out on Amazon.prime.

SSgt (Join to see) Awesome! Glad to hear it, i linked to them on Marineshop cause that's where I got the images for the OP-since I was stealing from the CMC reading list, but amazon often does have good prices.

Capt Porter, Noting your source I offer: abebooks.com A consortium of used book dealers w/ a jillion used & older books in great condition for minimal $.