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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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Perhaps I should create one, I have a number of books I've got from published reading lists. I stumbled upon this "grandmother" of all reading lists recently. The summary link is an insightful read indeed.
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SSG (Join to see)
WOW!!! That's a great list. I have about a dozen on the list and read three. Will look into the other ones.
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Proverbs... King David wrote them to pass on wisdom to His son. Read one chapter a day.
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I've looked at the responses here and I think it's a wise idea for everyone to read more main stream normal books sprinkled in with all the leadership and combat books. You all are at some point going to step out of uniform. People on the outside (civilians) while they may say "we love our military and we support our veterans" they don't and won't look at you the same as their peers. They need to see some sort of normalcy and constantly reading leadership, military, and combat books will cause you to frighten your civilian counterparts. Because your smarter and more dedicated than they are. And believe it or not that's a threat to those who control whether or not you get hired in a civilian job. All the books I see listed are great examples and I have read some myself. But take it down a notch. I say read The Game of Thrones ( there are 5 books in the series at this point there will be a 6th at some point. And it is a good example of all the political maneuvering you will need to do in life and your career.) Want to start your own business after your career in the military? Read the Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki and Good to Great and How the Mighty Fall both by Jim Collins, Read The Shack by WM. Paul Young, another good read is Dig Your Well Before Your Thirsty by Harvey Mackay this is a particularly good one for those of you still in the service and are looking to retire or leave in the next year or so. And that's my tid bit of advice and suggestions for an effective reading list.
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(Join to see)
I agree with what PO1 Waeschle has said and wish to expand upon it. He speaks about it on a purely practical level, even mentioning Game of Thrones as an example of the political analysis and plotting necessary to get ahead in life. I believe that everything you should take the time to read should benefit you in some way, even if it is not necessarily so practical.
I would propose everyone make an effort to read many classic novels such as "Lord of the Flies" and "The Great Gatsby" (which I have yet to read, but plan to). Not necessarily for the raw entertainment value, but also analyze and digest the material. Discover the meaning behind it and it may change so much as how you perceive life even (as "The Road" did for me).
I am of the belief that a well-read man can do little to hide his education. It shows in how he speaks as the more read one becomes, the more sophisticated their tongue does as well. Perhaps it is not necessarily something that will set you up for success in life, but it may prove to be useful in that many books have lessons hidden within the text--some more useful than others.
That said, I am not discouraging the study of practical texts. In fact, I believe the transitional phase from Military Service to Private Sector should be full of it as PO1 Waeschle has mentioned. However, I believe one should tailor that list to their aspirations in the Private Sector.
Regarding my book list, I would propose the following books for all to read if for no other reason than the lessons to be learned of them. They are not necessarily military-oriented books, but I believe they are of value:
"A Clockwork Orange" (British Version), Anthony Burgess - A novel depicting a future where violence has become quite common. It is when one teenager commits an act of "Ultraviolence" as the author pens it, that he is forced to be rehabilitated. The novel explores the issue of morality and what truly defines: "Good".
"The Road", Cormac McCarthy - A novel regarding a post-apocalyptic future in which a man and his son must make their survival. I recommend this for the lesson it teaches regarding appreciation of what we have, for in a moment, it could all be gone.
"The Lord of the Flies", William Golding - A novel exploring the psychological effects of societal breakdown. Focuses on a group of young boys ranging in ages from six to fourteen (if I remember correctly) and the schisms that occur within their group.
I would propose everyone make an effort to read many classic novels such as "Lord of the Flies" and "The Great Gatsby" (which I have yet to read, but plan to). Not necessarily for the raw entertainment value, but also analyze and digest the material. Discover the meaning behind it and it may change so much as how you perceive life even (as "The Road" did for me).
I am of the belief that a well-read man can do little to hide his education. It shows in how he speaks as the more read one becomes, the more sophisticated their tongue does as well. Perhaps it is not necessarily something that will set you up for success in life, but it may prove to be useful in that many books have lessons hidden within the text--some more useful than others.
That said, I am not discouraging the study of practical texts. In fact, I believe the transitional phase from Military Service to Private Sector should be full of it as PO1 Waeschle has mentioned. However, I believe one should tailor that list to their aspirations in the Private Sector.
Regarding my book list, I would propose the following books for all to read if for no other reason than the lessons to be learned of them. They are not necessarily military-oriented books, but I believe they are of value:
"A Clockwork Orange" (British Version), Anthony Burgess - A novel depicting a future where violence has become quite common. It is when one teenager commits an act of "Ultraviolence" as the author pens it, that he is forced to be rehabilitated. The novel explores the issue of morality and what truly defines: "Good".
"The Road", Cormac McCarthy - A novel regarding a post-apocalyptic future in which a man and his son must make their survival. I recommend this for the lesson it teaches regarding appreciation of what we have, for in a moment, it could all be gone.
"The Lord of the Flies", William Golding - A novel exploring the psychological effects of societal breakdown. Focuses on a group of young boys ranging in ages from six to fourteen (if I remember correctly) and the schisms that occur within their group.
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The following books are fiction, but I think they still serve their purpose well being on a military service members reading list. Each has it's own take on leadership, and I learned a lot from reading them.
1 - Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
2 - The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
3 - Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
1 - Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein
2 - The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
3 - Enders Game by Orson Scott Card
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SSG (Join to see)
I prefer non-fiction above all else but think we can find lessons in most any reading. From Winnie the Pooh to Starship Troopers there may be a single quote or passage that makes us consider our actions as leaders, ambassadors and everyday people.
But here are some of my favorite books:
Shockwave: Countdown to Hiroshima
Inside Delta Force
Black Hawk Down
No Angel (about undercover agent inside Hells Angels)
These books make me consider our history, what we are capable of, what we are willing to do as a country and individuals, and what we are willing to sacrifice (friends, family, own reality, health and sanity) for a cause we see as greater.
But here are some of my favorite books:
Shockwave: Countdown to Hiroshima
Inside Delta Force
Black Hawk Down
No Angel (about undercover agent inside Hells Angels)
These books make me consider our history, what we are capable of, what we are willing to do as a country and individuals, and what we are willing to sacrifice (friends, family, own reality, health and sanity) for a cause we see as greater.
But another great and preferable start point for all Soldiers should be our ARs, FMs, and ADPs. Find the guidance our profession gives us first. It's a great start.
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CPT Zachary Brooks
SGT Robertson, I think you nailed my list. As for Starship Troopers, I still quote portions of that to new soldiers that enter our unit as the book is a great leadership tool. The movie, while not the same as the book, is hilarious and an awesome guys movie.
I would however add "Dante's Inferno" or "The Divine Comedy" to your list as it speaks well of man's more disgusting habits and helps to show what you should strive not to be.
I would however add "Dante's Inferno" or "The Divine Comedy" to your list as it speaks well of man's more disgusting habits and helps to show what you should strive not to be.
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SSG (Join to see)
Any and all of Orson Scott Card's roster of books. Especially the Bean series of the "Ender" books.
Wild Cat Juliet
Breaking BUD/S
Fearless
The Red Circle
NO EASY DAY
SERVICE: A NAVY SEAL AT WAR
LONE SURVIVOR
Wild Cat Juliet
Breaking BUD/S
Fearless
The Red Circle
NO EASY DAY
SERVICE: A NAVY SEAL AT WAR
LONE SURVIVOR
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MSgt (Join to see)
I agree on Orson Scott Cards books as well as Lone Survivor. Both focus alot on not giving up and surviving regardless of you circumstances
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Day by day Armageddon and Muddy Boots Leadership. One of the biggest points I took away from Muddy Boots Leadership is the difference between a sergeant and a Noncommissioned Officer.
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The following should be required reading for every soldier (in my opinion):
ADP 1: THE ARMY
ADRP 1: THE ARMY
PROFESSION ( required above all others)
ADP 1 is a bare basics guide to the Army mentality, but ADRP 1 is an essential guide as it not only reenforces what soldiers went through in BCT, but it gives and explaination of why the Army conducts the business the way it does.
A soldier that understands why they are doing something will produce much better results than a soldier that is just told to do it.
Not to say that you have to explain to a soldier why you asked them to do something, because if they are required to read these books and you question them about it, they will begin to understand and will start to take the initiative to do tasks with passion instead of distaste.
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For leaders, I always recommend "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie, and "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo
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