Posted on Nov 19, 2013
Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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What's in your %22professional library %22
<p>Many leaders recommend developing a 'professional library' throughout your career.&nbsp;What are those time-honored classics as well as new titles that redefine the subject of (fill in the blank).&nbsp;I'm sure this will&nbsp;be a fun and informative&nbsp;topic that'll spark some discussion on the subject, as well as promote professional reading/development and well rounded "professional library."&nbsp;Of course, today when we speak of "books" we may also include: audio books; videos/ documentaries; mp3s, or any other format or delivery method, the important thing here&nbsp;is content/substance. Here's just a few ideas on subject matter: military/government; business; leadership; success &amp; achievement; human behavior/psychology; philosophy; management; finances; training/systems/ technical,&nbsp;or anything else applicable, and the titles, well... we'll leave those up to you. Hopefully, this helps spur some&nbsp;thought on&nbsp;professional reading and development, and&nbsp;will&nbsp;prove helpful;&nbsp;now let's get this thing started, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!&nbsp;</p>
Edited 10 y ago
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MAJ Team Leader
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I don't think I've seen this book on here yet, but Taking the Guidon by Nate Allen & Tony Burgess is a MUST read for any LT or young CPT.  I read this book too late and I still regret it.  Quick, easy, and you'll mark it up like a college book.
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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
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CPT Brundage, excellent post and recommendation, I think our up-and-coming leaders will certainly appreciate it.  Also, please feel free to share any "take aways" from your read of the material and/or any salient lessons you gleaned from the book. Again, great post...  thanks for sharing!

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MAJ(P) Instructor/Analyst
MAJ(P) (Join to see)
11 y
Very true, Patrick! This is definitely a must read for all junior officers. Great recommendation!
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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
11 y

For those leaders interested in "Taking the Guidon: Exceptional Leadership at the Company Level," here's just a few book reviews (btw all outstanding marks); Amazon lists this book as 4.5 stars and has numerous copies (new and used) available for purchase... thanks again CPT Brundage and CPT Walker for your outstanding recommendations!

 

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CPT Multifunctional Logistician
CPT (Join to see)
11 y
I must second this recomendation.  Taking the Guidon is an excellent reference!  I have it myself.  Company Command: The Bottom Line is another good one to help LTs and CPTs prepare for command.
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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
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Professional reading and development is one of those topics that we just can't talk about enough. So, to make sure we're all learning, sharing and growing together, here's a few other similar discussions going on in the RallyPoint universe:

 

https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/15636-what-professional-journals-blogs-websites-do-you-read

 

 

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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
11 y

 

 

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TSgt Phillip L.
TSgt Phillip L.
11 y
AOPA, EAA, AMT, Cessna Owners for magazines & Organizations

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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
11 y

 

 

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Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
11 y
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Col Mark Wilbanks
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Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War 
This is a fascinating book and I had never heard of Col Boyd. He influenced Marine Corps doctrine even more than AF doctrine. The AF still barely acknowledges his work in any PME course but the Marines took notes.

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CMSgt Mark Lutz
CMSgt Mark Lutz
11 y
Self taught mathematician and engineer. Developed the energy maneuverability theory. Father of the F-16 and F-15. Weapons school instructor and plank member of the Fighter mafia. A lot of contributions to the cause of air power (for all services) but like most visionaries, it wasn't his message but his approach that got him ostracized. On the tactical side, he's why guys at the bar shoot their watches.
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Capt Sergio De La Garza
Capt Sergio De La Garza
11 y
Col. Boyd is also the author of the OODA Loop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OODA_loop
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CMSgt Mark Lutz
CMSgt Mark Lutz
11 y
Col Boyd was also insrumental WRT "Pattern of Conflict". You can download a powerpoint version @ http://www.ausairpower.net/JRB/patterns.ppt‎ . Its a pretty deep read and best to be taken a few bites at a time
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CMC Robert Young
CMC Robert Young
11 y
The OODA Loop is still taught today as a critical thinking and decision making tool for leaders. It's good stuff!
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