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Yes, the professional reading list, it seems as if everyone has one these days; so have you considered developing your own? In the late 1980s the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program officially got its start as the "Commandant's Reading List," each CMC since has placed his personal "stamp" on the program, though many of the books have remained consistent; apparently, in some form or another "recommended reading" lists have been generated for marines since the 19th century; today we see that each service, organization, etc. have a recommended reading lists of one sort or another... so, have you considered... what would be your "leaders reading list?" It could be career-field specific, cover leadership and/or management, training, human psychology/achievement, life planning/financial, or any other subject(s) that you find complementary for a fitting and thorough list. So, the challenge here is to determine... what titles would you put on your own personal version of a "professional reading list?"
Professionalism
Military Career
Mentorship
Development
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 51
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If there is any book that every leader at every level should read it is "Blackhearts". I was a member of that unit and it tells a pretty haunting tale of how undisciplined Soldiers/Leaders and tyrannical leaders can destroy an organization.
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"Vietnam" by Stanley Karnow
"10 Propositions Regarding Air Power" by Col Phillip Mellinger
"The Soldier and the State" by Samuel P, Huntingdon
The Tongue and Quill
"10 Propositions Regarding Air Power" by Col Phillip Mellinger
"The Soldier and the State" by Samuel P, Huntingdon
The Tongue and Quill
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My list would be:
American Sniper by Chris Kyle
Lone Survivor by Mark Luttrell
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
You Can't Predict a Hero: From War to Wall Street, Leading in Times of Crisis by Joseph Grano
American Sniper by Chris Kyle
Lone Survivor by Mark Luttrell
Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn
You Can't Predict a Hero: From War to Wall Street, Leading in Times of Crisis by Joseph Grano
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Here are just a few related conversations that you'll find interesting; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!
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LCDR Jeffery Dixon
The Speed of Trust by Stephen Covey Jr. I was at the conference where he released this novel. His father wrote the 7 Habits of ... This book explains why trust can bridge time and develop relationships that enable any organization.
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Col (Join to see)
Should we as Squad Leaders require our Soldiers to have "mandatory reads?" | RallyPoint
Soldiers in my squad, upon reception, are counseled and issued a list of books to read. I have among the Infantry Community been praised and have been scoffed at. The basic is should we as leader require our Soldiers to read books such as; "Gates of Fire," "Lone Survivor," and "House to House." I believe personally hell yes because it gives a history lesson and shows them what they should look for in a leader.
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Here's a recent article with the CSAF Reading List, which includes numerous books and films, as well as TED Talks and web resources; very interesting, you can check it out for yourself here:
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Col (Join to see)
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force 2014 Reading List contains 12 books, seven films, seven TED talks, web-based resources, artwork and photography selections. The CSAF reading list titles have been p...
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SSG Maurice P.
Every couple of years i reread MARINE! the true life story of the greatest marine to ever live
CHESTY PULLER besides Dan Daly and John Basilone...........And Mad Dog Mattis
CHESTY PULLER besides Dan Daly and John Basilone...........And Mad Dog Mattis
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I have listed just a few books that have had a real impact on my life. They vary from military, inspirational, historical, networking, to financial freedom. I feel that we have to be a well rounded individual in order to find true success in life. Happy reading!
Gates of Fire - Steven Pressfield
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom - Slavomir Rawicz
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
The Men, The Mission, and Me - Pete Blaber
Miracles & Massacres: True and Untold Stories of the Making of America - Glenn Beck
Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
Gates of Fire - Steven Pressfield
The Long Walk: The True Story of a Trek to Freedom - Slavomir Rawicz
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie
The Men, The Mission, and Me - Pete Blaber
Miracles & Massacres: True and Untold Stories of the Making of America - Glenn Beck
Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki
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An Excellent Question, Major.
Being of a heavy martial arts and hand-to-hand combat background, I find that there are things that people seem to overlook. For example, some might tell you to read an autobiography of some famous General or other- but it unfortunately Americanizes the views of our troops at large. Don't get me wrong, that is all well and good, and sometimes our country needs a bit of patriotism written by some retired General or former Chief of Staff- however, I find that a broader view happens when people look into a broader reading list from people not only in this country, but from countries around the world. My list is as follows:
Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef
Art of War by Sun Tzu
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Spetsnatz hand-to-hand combat training guide
Yeager, an Autobiography by General Chuck Yeager and Leo Janos
The Red Circle by Brandon Webb
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Traveller (A Civil War Novel) by Richard Adams
Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
and, believe it or not, Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Being of a heavy martial arts and hand-to-hand combat background, I find that there are things that people seem to overlook. For example, some might tell you to read an autobiography of some famous General or other- but it unfortunately Americanizes the views of our troops at large. Don't get me wrong, that is all well and good, and sometimes our country needs a bit of patriotism written by some retired General or former Chief of Staff- however, I find that a broader view happens when people look into a broader reading list from people not only in this country, but from countries around the world. My list is as follows:
Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef
Art of War by Sun Tzu
The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
Spetsnatz hand-to-hand combat training guide
Yeager, an Autobiography by General Chuck Yeager and Leo Janos
The Red Circle by Brandon Webb
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Traveller (A Civil War Novel) by Richard Adams
Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara
and, believe it or not, Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Breakdown:
Son of Hamas goes in-depth like never before from the point of view of a Sheik's Son, who witnesses first hand the horrors of the Hamas regime. The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings both are from famous warriors, and reflect deeply on their philosophies and teachings to a degree of acuteness rarely seen from most perspectives of martial arts and battle tactics, both defensive and offensive. The Spetsnatz combat guide is not just for training purposes, but also to induce a mindset of understanding what most people from other armies and special forces endure in their daily training. It's extremely hard to get a copy of one, but if you have it, it is invaluable as an asset to your combat guide collection. General Yeager's Autobiography explains in detail the rigors of a combat and test pilot, and has more than it's share of points in the story where General Yeager is frank to the point of bluntness. The frankness allows some light-heartedness and will not have you bored out of your skull. The Red Circle deals with the rigors of SEAL training and the personal experiences of a SEAL sniper, who ultimately becomes a focal point in several battles and a Navy SEAL instructor.
All Quiet on the Western Front is a novel of World War I and focuses heavily on the German Army as they struggle- from boot camp to the trenches of blood and mud.
Traveler, Killer Angels, and Gods and Generals are three Civil War Novels, based directly on historical events and records that reflect on the living conditions, battles, and what lead to the outcome of the Civil War. And Finally, I go to Lord of the Rings as (believe it or not) a Psychological evaluation. It was written by J.R.R. Tolkien who began writing The Hobbit in the trenches on the front lines during World War I. I find it to be a valuable example of what horrors or venturous ideas a person might think of while under a high-stress environment and a lot of tension. The very thought that someone created a new storyline and a whole new world just to deal with stress is remarkable in itself, and the details given are nothing short of intriguing and amazing.
The List not only covers our struggles as Americans, but the struggles of those involved in war.
Son of Hamas goes in-depth like never before from the point of view of a Sheik's Son, who witnesses first hand the horrors of the Hamas regime. The Art of War and The Book of Five Rings both are from famous warriors, and reflect deeply on their philosophies and teachings to a degree of acuteness rarely seen from most perspectives of martial arts and battle tactics, both defensive and offensive. The Spetsnatz combat guide is not just for training purposes, but also to induce a mindset of understanding what most people from other armies and special forces endure in their daily training. It's extremely hard to get a copy of one, but if you have it, it is invaluable as an asset to your combat guide collection. General Yeager's Autobiography explains in detail the rigors of a combat and test pilot, and has more than it's share of points in the story where General Yeager is frank to the point of bluntness. The frankness allows some light-heartedness and will not have you bored out of your skull. The Red Circle deals with the rigors of SEAL training and the personal experiences of a SEAL sniper, who ultimately becomes a focal point in several battles and a Navy SEAL instructor.
All Quiet on the Western Front is a novel of World War I and focuses heavily on the German Army as they struggle- from boot camp to the trenches of blood and mud.
Traveler, Killer Angels, and Gods and Generals are three Civil War Novels, based directly on historical events and records that reflect on the living conditions, battles, and what lead to the outcome of the Civil War. And Finally, I go to Lord of the Rings as (believe it or not) a Psychological evaluation. It was written by J.R.R. Tolkien who began writing The Hobbit in the trenches on the front lines during World War I. I find it to be a valuable example of what horrors or venturous ideas a person might think of while under a high-stress environment and a lot of tension. The very thought that someone created a new storyline and a whole new world just to deal with stress is remarkable in itself, and the details given are nothing short of intriguing and amazing.
The List not only covers our struggles as Americans, but the struggles of those involved in war.
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Col (Join to see)
A1C Rancourt, excellent list, diverse and well thought out, with insightful commentary... very well assembled, thank you for sharing!
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"Herky! The Memoirs of a Checkertail Ace". The story of Col. Herschel Green, a WW11 USAAF fighter pilot, and his 100 missions over North Africa, Italy, and Germany.
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