Is "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu Mandatory reading?

SPC Luis Mendez — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 17:20:40 -0500

I heard of this book for years.

I just found out is now Public Domain in YouTube, and other Audio forms in the Internet. I may read it or listen to it, but just out of Curiosity and for those in the know my questions is; Is it Mandatory reading in the Academies? How about OCS and ROTC? How about NCO Academy, Rangers etc? Thanks in Advance for you answers!

I've read comments online that one of it's chapters describes what happened in Vietnam.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 6:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:25:51 -0500

Couldn't hurt to read it.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 12 at 2015 6:32 PM

PVT Robert Gresham — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:32:23 -0500

SPC Luis Mendez "The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military writing attributed to Sun Tzu, a high-ranking military general, strategist and tactician. Written around 512 B.C., it is a definitive work on military strategy and tactics. It has had an influence on Eastern, and Western, military thinking, business tactics and even, legal strategy. It is also an excellent read on conducting your everyday life.

According to Wikipedia, the US Department of the Army, through its Command and General Staff College, lists "The Art of War" as one example of a book that may be kept at a military unit's library. "The Art of War" is also listed on the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program (formerly known as the Commandant's Reading List). It is recommended reading for all United States Military Intelligence personnel, and is mandatory reading for all CIA officers.

Some Vietnamese officers did study the texts during the Vietnam war, and many were able to quote the passages, and applied them in their tactics.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 12 at 2015 6:36 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:36:37 -0500

In a nutshell, it was China's military doctrine. First versions date back to the Han Dynasty (c.150 BC). I don't recall it being a mandated read. But, it was (probably still is) on the Commandants Reading List. Among its pages, it promotes creativity, fluidity, and initiative to the small unit decision makers. It's certainly not about the Vietnam. But, I'm sure there are many parallels drawn to that war. It'll get you thinking about how the other guy thinks... read it.

Response by COL Sam Russell made Nov 12 at 2015 6:45 PM

COL Sam Russell — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:45:07 -0500

Should be on every military leaders reading list!

History Channel Sun Tzu's The Art Of War Part 1

An interesting History Channel documentary on Sun Tzu and his prestigious teachings on the proper methods of how to wage war which still to this day applies.

Response by MAJ Steven Szymurski made Nov 12 at 2015 7:10 PM

MAJ Steven Szymurski — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:10:14 -0500

It was not "mandatory" while I was in ROTC or at any service schools on active duty. Whether or not it is mandatory reading now, I don't know. However, I would highly recommend it for all leaders in the armed forces as well as elected officials and appointees with defense oversight responsibilities.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 12 at 2015 7:11 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 19:11:39 -0500

This is an awesome book, and I'd recommend it to all of us. It's a pretty short read, but contains many short and sweet pearls of wisdom that extend far beyond the military.

Response by Maj Jeff Dodd made Nov 12 at 2015 9:34 PM

Maj Jeff Dodd — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 21:34:29 -0500

Wasn't mandatory in my commissioning school, but I've read it on my own and found it to be enlightening in many ways.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Nov 13 at 2015 3:30 AM

SCPO Joshua I — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 03:30:07 -0500

It's been on my desk for almost my entire time in the military.