Whats your favorite Military/Professional reading book?

2014-08-12T12:35:18-04:00

Reading was never something I wanted to do, a few months ago I picked up a couple of books that were on the SMA's reading list. I've read two of them so far and they were definitely worth reading and I encourage anyone who has a few minutes of nothing to do everyday to pick one of them up. It can't hurt.

I am now looking for the next book to sit down and read. So, is there one book that you can say changed your leadership style or affected your life in a positive way? Is there a book that you would recommend to your subordinates? Is there a book that you would make part of a professional reading list?

If you could also leave a brief description along with how it affected you and why you would recommend it, it would be greatly appreciated.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2014 1:03 PM

2014-08-12T13:03:01-04:00

I have a different approach than many to professional reading (some who know me would say I could have accurately ended that sentence after "approach.") First, my BA is in History and I enjoy reading history, "both real and feigned" to quote Tolkien. Historical works that have affected my view of leadership and my life include:

"The Generals" by Tom Ricks - a view of the decline of accountability in our senior leadership. He raises some excellent points although his conclusions may be a touch facile.

"So Far from God: The War with Mexico, 1846-1848" by John S.D. Eisenhower - strikingly shows the influence of leaders on the course and success of a conflict.

"A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam" by Neil Sheehan - also shows how leaders can shape events and how character influences a leader's ability to lead.

Then there's the novels that illustrate rather than discuss leadership. Some of the raise profound questions of who really influences events - the recognized leaders on horseback or the unsung, unnoticed who sway others accusing things to happen that might never have otherwise:

"The Lord of the Rings" by JRR Tolkien - "all that is gold does not glitter, not all who wander are lost..."

"The Pelbar Cycle" by Paul O. Williams - is inclusive or dominating leadership more powerful and lasting?

The Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey - who is more powerful, the diminutive woman who motivates through love or the brilliant manipulator? How is loyalty earned?

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Aug 14 at 2014 9:03 AM

2014-08-14T09:03:20-04:00

Anything about military etiquette is what I spent a lot of my time reading when I was in. Can't find that anymore.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Aug 19 at 2014 2:55 PM

2014-08-19T14:55:54-04:00

Robert Flannigan's 'Maggot'. Read it in 73 just AFTER Marine Boot Camp. Glad I read it afterwards.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Aug 20 at 2014 8:43 PM

2014-08-20T20:43:44-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member As I am being trained in the submarine force, I just finished reading "Blind Man's Bluff: The Untold Story of American Submarine Espionage" by Sherry Sontag, Christopher Drew, and Annette Lawrence Drew. It's about the sub force during the Cold War and was very interesting, and not just because I'm going to be a Submariner; the three of them wrote in very engaging prose.

I'm currently reading "Six Frigates" by Ian W. Toll, which is about the founding of the US Navy, and the subsequent service of the six original frigates that Congress authorized to be built. Mr. Toll also paints an elegant narrative picture for the reader.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2014 4:18 AM

2014-08-21T04:18:41-04:00

Im not much in to reading either but the book House to House by David Bellavia made such an impact on how I viewed the importance training no matter how stupid it seemed or how much it was done over and over. Its a memoir of the authors experience during the raid of Fallujah when they was trying to take back the city from the insurgent force occupying it. I would suggest this book to anyone that is looking for a military themed book.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 27 at 2014 3:20 AM

2014-08-27T03:20:56-04:00

The timeless classic on every leader's shelf....."Art of War".

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 27 at 2014 9:11 AM

2014-08-27T09:11:29-04:00

I'll call it a 'crossover' book (military to civilian), but a very good read.
"Hope Is Not a Method: What Business Leaders Can Learn from America's Army" by Gordon R. Sullivan, former CSA.
A lot of keen insight for those transitioning into the civilian business world. Much of it is aimed at senior leadership (military and civilian) but is just as relevant to the rest as well.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2014 6:50 PM

2014-08-27T18:50:39-04:00

"The Meditations." - Marcus Aurelius.

If you want to know about being a warrior leader, this is the book. The man was Caesar for crying out loud. You need to find a modern translation, as the ones written from 1970 and earlier are hard to get through. They miss the point of the writings. If you aren't up to snuff on your Roman history, the movie "Gladiator," can give you a glimpse. Marcus Aurelius was the Caesar that is invading Germany at the beginning of the movie. This was a warlord and a philosopher. A man who disdained the politics of Rome and loved the camp, the cape and the sword. His words ring with simplicity and he often talks about finding peace in being one with "the nature of things." Profound and meaningful. A must read for anyone who thinks about leadership.

Response by SSG Maurice P. made Sep 21 at 2014 2:50 AM

2014-09-21T02:50:57-04:00

THE MARINE CORPS GUIDE BOOK...GREEN SIDE OUT...BROWN SIDE OUT...MARINE! ABOUT THE GREATEST MARINE EVER CHESTY B PULLER LT GEN USMC

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 4:07 PM

2014-10-11T16:07:52-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, I recommend "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." In my opinion, it's a great book.

This is a book I read a couple decades ago, and it seems to fit right in with the military way of life, especially regarding prioritizing and setting goals. Stephen Covey also emphasizes maintaining physical fitness and other self maintenance areas, in the 7th habit, Sharpening the Saw. As he takes you through the seven habits, he shows you how to improve yourself, your interactions with others, and your organization. In addition to Sharpening the Saw, I especially like the quadrants he uses for setting priorities.

I have used this book for professional development (professional reading program), and I highly recommend it.

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Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 12 at 2014 9:22 PM

2014-10-12T21:22:39-04:00

The collective works of Mort Walker's "Beetle Bailey".

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 11:49 PM

2014-12-12T23:49:49-05:00

Once an Eagle!

Response by PO1 Timothy Gould made Feb 18 at 2015 1:00 PM

2015-02-18T13:00:29-05:00

The Art of War by Sun Tzu. If there is a book that can help you in life, that is the book.

Response by SSgt Lucas Dyer M.S. made Feb 19 at 2015 12:23 AM

2015-02-19T00:23:56-05:00

There are a few that I have read, and enjoyed. Although not military related, it applies to leadership and that is Good to Great by Jim Collins. Other military books, I just finished Level Zero Heros and A Battle Won by Handshakes: The Story of Alpha Co 1/5 is a great book about a Marine unit in Afghanistan. Here is a link to an op-ed about the book.

http://blueforcetracker.com/article/A-battle-won-by-handshakes

A battle won by handshakes

Lucas Dyer, author of "A Battle Won by Handshakes," previews his time spent in Afghanistan with the Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade and the tactics his unit employed.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 29 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-06-29T09:58:59-04:00

I have seen similar questions and being Summer and trying to something that has value but also a top read for the professional warrior. Robert Heinlein's Starship Troopers. Not the movie, read the book. I think it should actually be core reading for everyone in the military. If you have not read it, read it.

Next, get out the US Constitution and read it. DO NOT forget to read the Amendments especially the first 10...the Bill of Rights.

Then I would say there are many excellent books to consider but you may want to shape toward your interest and career? Then Interrogators was really interesting to me and may be to you as well?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-06-29T15:18:19-04:00

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. Great book that illustrates how the few can make a difference.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-29T15:33:38-04:00

Sorry for blurry pic. In addition, "Gods and generals" and "killer angels" were good reads. "The Pentagon's new map" if you can find a recent edition. The author used to update the facts in the book, I have a third edition, not sure what version is out now. "Military intelligence blunders" is another good one for common mishaps in the political and intelligence communities. More importantly it gives a good primer on how intelligence is supposed to work in a perfect world and how it falls short for any number of reasons.

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Aug 13 at 2015 4:10 PM

2015-08-13T16:10:32-04:00

CHOSIN by Eric Hammel....It was an interesting read because I knew some of the guys mentioned in this book when I was stationed at the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown MA in 1954..

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jul 13 at 2016 6:22 PM

2016-07-13T18:22:25-04:00

Those Damn Engineers. Got it from my son, who's a Maj, CE.

Response by LTC Tim Ellis made Nov 10 at 2016 3:01 PM

2016-11-10T15:01:49-05:00

The Heights of Courage by Avigdor Kahalani, a tank commander's story defending the Golan Heights in the 1973 Yom Kippur war. Vastly outnumbered, this unit defended their homeland against incredible odds. It reinforced that mission first, weapons training and small unit leadership is the core of victory.

Response by SSG Jason Denham made Mar 21 at 2017 3:49 PM

2017-03-21T15:49:20-04:00

On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society is a book by Dave Grossman exploring the psychology of the act of killing, and the military and law enforcement.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 21 at 2017 4:01 PM

2017-03-21T16:01:04-04:00

Starship troopers -- practical leadership
Modern History -- Churchill's history of WWII (many good leadership lessons in the series)
European History -- Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples
Afghanistan -- books by Khaled Hosseini
Civil War -- historical fiction books by Ralph Peters (some good military history and strategic leadership mixed in with great stories)
The War After Armageddon, Ralph Peters, for a sobering look at religious extremism
Fiction: anything by Grisham or Clancy

Response by CPT Chris Newport made Mar 25 at 2017 11:53 PM

2017-03-25T23:53:37-04:00

No contest; Irregulars Partisans and Guerillas by Irwin Black. Irregular warfare, first hand accounts since the 17th c to 1948.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Mar 26 at 2017 11:04 AM

2017-03-26T11:04:47-04:00

Before I retired the most important book for me was the U.S. Army Officer's Guide. The "don't leave home without it," end all, be all for Army officers. Invaluable information for the professional officer. Hooah!

Response by SPC Geoffrey Jenkins made Apr 4 at 2017 7:42 AM

2017-04-04T07:42:22-04:00

On Killing,
Book by Dave Grossman

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Oct 27 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-10-27T13:51:54-04:00

The Holy Bible; The Ranger Handbook; FM 22-100; Ender’s Game; Once an Eagle; Starship Troopers; Gates of Fire; Hatchet; The River; Far Side of the Mountain; On Patten; Unbroken; Band of Brothers; How to Win Friends and Influence People; the Fred Factor; Blink; How to deal with Annoying People; Broken Windows; No Excuse Leadership; Blackhawk Down; Alien; Infantry Attacks; The Art of War; The Book of Five Rings; The Legionnaire; Delta Force; The Mission, The Men and Me; On Combat; On Killing; We were Soldiers Once and Young; The Thin Red Line; The Red Badge of Courage; The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn

All of these books are great for lessons on teams, teamwork, self discipline and motivation, leadership, endurance, comraderie, training and combat experience, self development, decision making, professional development, personal development, overcoming adversity, tactics, strategy, warfare, the influence of politics on the warrior, warrior mindset, bravery, cowardice, the realities of combat, warrior ethos and warrior culture.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Oct 28 at 2018 7:12 AM

2018-10-28T07:12:27-04:00

"Saving Grace at Guantanamo Bay: A Memoir of a Citizen Warrior," is my book about medical and detention operations from inside Gitmo. It tells the story of what it's like to take care of detainees and what it's like to leave your family for the first time soon after the tragedies of 9/11. The book is taken from my journal which I kept while serving as the ranking US Army Medical Department officer with the Joint Detainee Operations Group, Joint Task Force 160, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from FEB - JUN 2002. I include "Lessons Learned," and other analysis of the mission. I didn't have the book published until 2010, after countless frustrations with how unfairly Gitmo and those who serve there are depicted. The book highlights the difference between the Fake News media portrayal of Gitmo, and the reality of Gitmo; good, bad and in between. Available through Amazon, and wherever books are sold. Author web page: http://sbprabooks.com/montgomeryjgranger/ I am available for speaking engagements on Gitmo. Hooah!

Montgomery J. Granger | Official Author Website

About the Book U.S. Army Reserve Captain Montgomery Granger found himself the ranking Army Medical Department officer in a joint military operation like no other before it – taking care of terrorists and murderers just months after the horrors of September 11, 2001.

Response by MSgt Raymond Stettner made Jan 9 at 2019 2:17 AM

2019-01-09T02:17:49-05:00

Tom Clancy, “The Cardinal of the Kremlin”

Response by SSG George Holtje made Oct 22 at 2019 5:28 PM

2019-10-22T17:28:10-04:00

We were Soldiers Once and Young, Blackhawk Down, The Killer Angels, The Art of War, The Art of Peace, The Tao of Jeet Kun Do, The Prince, Recondo, MIKE Force, East of Chopin and War of the Rats

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 3 at 2022 5:16 PM

2022-10-03T17:16:38-04:00

I like military history, but sometimes I have to read different sources to piece things together and to give me reasons why one side won or lost. What helps me to understand are the various military paradigms I have studied to paint the picture.

Response by SPC James Strande made Oct 26 at 2022 9:43 PM

2022-10-26T21:43:22-04:00

"Fire in the hole" by Michael Orange (Viet Nam Vet)

Response by CPT David Gowel made Oct 26 at 2022 11:35 PM

2022-10-26T23:35:18-04:00

For all the military entrepreneurs out there, I highly recommend Creative Capital, by Spencer Ante. From Amazon's summary on the book: "In Creative Capital, Spencer Ante tells the compelling story of the enigmatic and quirky man--Georges Doriot--who created the venture capital industry. The author traces the pivotal events in Doriot's life, including his experience as a decorated brigadier general during World War II; as a maverick professor at Harvard Business School; and as the architect and founder of the first venture capital firm, American Research and Development. " https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Capital-Georges-Doriot-Venture/dp/ [login to see]

Creative Capital: Georges Doriot and the Birth of Venture Capital: Ante, Spencer E.:...

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Response by SN Christopher Naple made Oct 28 at 2022 2:16 PM

2022-10-28T14:16:46-04:00

Sun Tzu, "The Art of War".