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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 10 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 54
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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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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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