What's in your "professional library?"

2013-11-19T20:04:09-05:00

<p>Many leaders recommend developing a 'professional library' throughout your career. What are those time-honored classics as well as new titles that redefine the subject of (fill in the blank). I'm sure this will be a fun and informative topic that'll spark some discussion on the subject, as well as promote professional reading/development and well rounded "professional library." 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 is content/substance. Here's just a few ideas on subject matter: military/government; business; leadership; success & achievement; human behavior/psychology; philosophy; management; finances; training/systems/ technical, or anything else applicable, and the titles, well... we'll leave those up to you. Hopefully, this helps spur some thought on professional reading and development, and will prove helpful; now let's get this thing started, thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads! </p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2013 9:16 PM

2013-11-06T21:16:14-05:00

General Tommy Franks' American Soldier was pretty good.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2013 9:18 PM

2013-11-06T21:18:00-05:00

Hunting the Jackal: A Special Forces and CIA Soldier's Fifty Years on the Frontlines of the War Against Terrorism. You all should read this one.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2013 11:02 AM

2013-11-07T11:02:05-05:00

I enjoyed reading Outlaw Platoon.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 7 at 2013 1:12 PM

2013-11-07T13:12:46-05:00

Sir, try Leadership, the Warrior's Art; The Echo of Battle; Patton on Leadership; The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell and any of Capt. D Michael Abrashoff's (USN - RET) books. All good leadership development opportunities.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Nov 7 at 2013 1:20 PM

2013-11-07T13:20:28-05:00

Sir, here is a list of books that we read to better our Leadership qualities.
Leadership and Self-deception: Getting Out of the Box by Arbinger
Institute

Leadership is an Art by Max DePree

Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz

Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Managing at the Speed of Change by Daryl R. Conner

The Cluetrain Manifesto: The End of Business as Usual by Doc
Searls, Christopher Locke, Rick Levine

The Digital Economy: Promise and Peril in the Age of Networked
intelligence by Don Tapscott

The Digital Estate: Strategies for Competing, Surviving and
Thriving in an international World by Chuck L. Martin Jr.

The Human Side of Intranets: Content, Style, and Politics by Jerry
W. Koehler, et al.

The Leadership Engine: Building Leaders at Every Level by Noel M.
Tichy and Eli B. Cohen

The Lexus and the Olive Tree: Understanding Globalization by Thomas
L. Friedman

The Other 90%: How to Unlock Your Vast Untapped Potential for
Leadership and Life by Robert K. Cooper

The Power of Alignment: How Great Companies Stay Centered and
Accomplish Things by George Labovitz and Victor Rosansky

Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal With Change in Your
Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson, Kenneth Blanchard

Cohen

Encyclopedia article about Cohen by TheFreeDictionary.com

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 10:22 AM

2013-12-06T10:22:18-05:00

We Were Soldiers Once and Young by LTG Harold Moore and Joseph Galloway

A timeless narrative on combat leadership, and one of my all time favorite books.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 10:32 AM

2013-12-06T10:32:18-05:00

For academic development, right now I am reading The Immortal Life
of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and for military reading I must
recommend Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 14 at 2013 9:28 AM

2013-12-14T09:28:19-05:00

Sir,

I have too many books to even attempt to list them, but I have a varied interest in reading professionally and for pleasure.

I have thousands (Yes I said 1000s) of books in many categories such as military/govt., leadership, psychology, philosophy, management, training as you mention, but also in sociology, security, military history, doctrine related to past and current military, key leader autobiographies, emergency mgmt., and many other disciplines and field.

I am an avid reader, and will read just about anything I can get my hands on.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 8:18 PM

2013-12-14T20:18:22-05:00

Besides 'Horton Hears a Who', I read and watch books and movies and like many Band Of Brothers and the Pacific. I like the books about Churchill, Marvin Olasky and even Newt Gingrich (forget what you hear in the news) because Newt is not exactly a hardcore conservative but a thoughtful person in matters of governance. I am reading right now, 'The Cat From Hue' and learning Tagalog. Education and self-education is rewarding and enriching. :)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 9:32 PM

2013-12-14T21:32:53-05:00

Major. what kind of leader were you? A people person? I see a lot of humbleness and a positive attitude. I loved to be meticulous but anyone could talk to me. I also had a lot of fun with pilots. The younger ones would ask me what was playing. Ozzie Osbourne, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath. I really believe trust is something that is won and pretense is a perverse way of attaining it.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Dec 14 at 2013 10:03 PM

2013-12-14T22:03:01-05:00

I try to mix it up with a wide variety. Some of my favorites are the poem 'If' by Rudyard Kipling (I had to memorize it and recite in front of my fifth grade class). The Guerrilla's guide series of business books in particular the guide to negotiation book. The Leadership Principles of Attila the Hun. A few books that look at business through military strategy.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 10:13 PM

2013-12-14T22:13:04-05:00

Major Burns, I am cut from Polyester. Dancing to the Bee Gees as we speak or is that the Bee Gee? :)

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 10:32 PM

2013-12-14T22:32:52-05:00

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

What professional journals / blogs / websites do you read?

I try to read Small Wars Journal, Air and Space Power Journal, Parameters, Infinity Journal, and the Journal of Military History fairly regularly.  I also like MHQ and sometimes managed to find t...

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 10:47 PM

2013-12-14T22:47:14-05:00

A friend of mine is a Vietnam War Veteran and a Marine and he has a color guard that I will be joining. Knowing about changes and improving my memory is the first steps.

Response by SSgt Christopher R. made Dec 14 at 2013 11:02 PM

2013-12-14T23:02:42-05:00

I think leadership begins with connecting with people. So some of the best books I've read in leadership and people skills are...

- "How to Win Friends and Influence People" - Dale Carnegie
- "Bringing Out the Best in People" - Allan Loy McGinnis
- "The Art of Dealing with People" - Les Giblin
- "5 Levels of Leadership" - John C Maxwell

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 15 at 2013 5:02 AM

2013-12-15T05:02:18-05:00

1) tongue & quill, it's not just a reference book.
Also, no joke... the enlisted bible should be their Air Force Pamphlet 36-2241 (Promotional Fitness Study Guide).
I also found myself reading "The Definitive Performance Writing Guide" a lot as a young SSgt.

2)Essential Manager's Guide by Robert Heller & Tim Hindle;
The Psychology of Selling: The Art of Closing Sales by Brian Tracy;
Unfortunately, this has been a reference for me in business more often than not: Practical Aviation Law by J. Scott Hamilton
FAA's FAR/AIM/AMT.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

3)The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them & People Will Follow You by John C Maxwell.
A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards.

4) See all above.

5)See 3 but add the Bible. If you're looking for it, you can find a lot on this subject in there.
Also: The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types by Don Richard Riso & Russ Hudson (If you've never looked into this personality type study....I suggest you read up on it)

6)Again...the Bible. Add: Foundations of Pentecostal Theology by Van Cleave.
Studying various books on the subject of Maslows Hierarchy of Needs is a good subject to be knowledgeable of for effective leadership and mentorship.

7) See 5 & 2

8) In the civilian aviation world....I go to ASA for these items. I'm not a Gleim or Jepp fan. I used to distribute ASA...so I got a hefty discount also.

Of course there are tons of other books. The textbook I used for my first business management class in college coupled with lectures from the Dean of the college who taught that course...was life changing for my management style, and career altering for transitioning out of the military. It was like taking a course on translating military experience into civilian speak. All the transition seminars were worthless compared to that class. Still if I had to pick 3 books essential for all leaders, military or civilian, these would be my top picks:

Wisdom of the Enneagram

A Tale of Three Kings

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Dec 15 at 2013 2:50 PM

2013-12-15T14:50:20-05:00

Here are some of my favorites for professional development:

"Leadership 2.0" (Travis Bradberry, Jeane Greaves)

"Mindsight" (Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.)

"The 5 Levels of Leadership" (John C. Maxwell)

"Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn" (John C. Maxwell)

"15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" (John C. Maxwell)

"21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" (John C. Maxwell)

"How Successful People Think" (John C. Maxwell)

"Everyone Communicates, Few Connect" (John C. Maxwell)

"Developing the Leaders Around You" (John C. Maxwell)

"Failing Forward" (John C. Maxwell)

"Leadership 101" (John C. Maxwell)

"Start With Why" (Simon Sinek)

"How to Win Friends and Influence People" (Dale Carnegie)

Military Leadership:

"Grant Takes Command" (Bruce Catton)

"Napoleon's Marshals" (David C. Chandler)

"The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson" (Roger Knight)

Business:

"The Wisdom of Titans" (William J. Ferguson)

"The Compound Effect" (Darren Hardy)

"Trump 101" (Donald Trump)

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" (Robert Kiyosaki)

"The Cash Flow Quadrant" (Robert Kiyosaki)

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 3:53 PM

2013-12-15T15:53:09-05:00

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.

Response by Col Mark Wilbanks made Dec 15 at 2013 8:39 PM

2013-12-15T20:39:00-05:00

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.

Amazon.com: Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War eBook: Robert Coram: Kindle Store

Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War - Kindle edition by Robert Coram. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking...

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 8:55 PM

2013-12-15T20:55:21-05:00

The Constitution of the United States of America

The Declaration of Independence

"Washington's Crossing"

"The Mission, The Men, and Me"

"In the Company of Heroes"

"The Battle of Mogadishu"

Currently reading "1776."

Response by SGT Robert Riley made Dec 15 at 2013 10:29 PM

2013-12-15T22:29:58-05:00

The Bible, Arrian's Campaigns of Alexander, Tacitus' Annals of Ancient Rome, Guerrilla warfare by Che Gueverra; Rommel's Attacks, Micheal Collins and the Anglo-Irish War, The Military experience in the Age of Reason by Christopher Duffy, On Killing: The Psychological cost of learning to kill in war and society by Lt.Col D. Grossman, USA, Ret'd; The DSM-V (2013), The Harper encyclopaedia of Military History, The Complete Encyclopaedia of arms and weapons; Brassey's complete encyclopaedia of Land forces & warfare; The Kama Sutra, Rome and Her Enemies, The Irish Guards in the Great War by Rudyard Kipling, The Iliad and the Oddessey, The Western way of warfare: War in Classical Greece.Just to name a few.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:22 AM

2013-12-16T09:22:11-05:00

"On Killing" and "On Combat" by LTC Dave Grossman w/ Loren W/ Christensen. Great books

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 6:27 PM

2013-12-16T18:27:33-05:00

To Hell and Back. (the story of Audie L. Murphy)

A number of books about Gen. Patton.

Both give great examples of leadership and selfless service to ones soldiers

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 16 at 2013 6:38 PM

2013-12-16T18:38:46-05:00

MAJ Burns:

I found "The Patton Mind" a prime example on developing and shaping one's life embodies passion, discipline, and a deep desire to push towards your purpose.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Dec 16 at 2013 8:12 PM

2013-12-16T20:12:11-05:00

SSG Riley: I am very proud of you keep pushing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2013 9:06 PM

2013-12-16T21:06:40-05:00

I believe the good that every single military man should read and have is the art of war by Sun Tzu. Also a book that I like is "get selected" written by MAJ Joe Martin and MSGT Rex Dodson.

Response by PFC Thomas Graves made Dec 16 at 2013 9:31 PM

2013-12-16T21:31:17-05:00

I have books on history, NLP, human communication, linguistics, and grammars of about 200-300 different languages.

Response by SSG Matt Murphy made Dec 16 at 2013 10:03 PM

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They Called Us White Chinese et al<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/gno/beacon/BeaconSprite-US-01-fw._V355247711_.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss">Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs &amp; more</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Online shopping from the earth's biggest selection of books, magazines, music, DVDs, videos, electronics, computers, software, apparel & accessories, shoes, jewelry, tools & hardware, housewares, furn...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by Sgt John Henry made Dec 16 at 2013 10:39 PM

2013-12-16T22:39:07-05:00

History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides in the original Attic Greek. Loeb Classical Library.

Response by LTC Martin Metz made Dec 17 at 2013 9:52 AM

2013-12-17T09:52:59-05:00

There are many reading lists out there to help focus and jump start personal libraries. For instance, there is the Army's Chief of Staff's list at http://www.history.army.mil/html/books/105/105-1-1/CMH_Pub_105-5-1_2013.pdf or the NCO reading list from AUSA at http://www3.ausa.org/webpub/DeptNCOStuff.nsf/byid/KCAT-6DBPYK . Also, you don't need to have a personal copy of everything you read. Check the post library. Look over a book. If it looks useful, add it to your library or put it on your Christmas List.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 12:33 PM

2013-12-17T12:33:11-05:00

I have 5 books that I consider my "professional library" staples:

*Philosophy/Self-Awareness: These 2 books were good for me with respect to cultural awareness, and really made me think about how to approach being (essentially) a guest in another country. I was glad to have read them prior to my partnerships with Iraqis, Afghans, Jordanians, Czechs, etc.

(1) "The Ugly American" by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer, takes place in a fictional Asian country called Sarkhan (though it is pretty easy to see it alludes to Vietnam), but the lessons are still pertinent. It's a classic and you can even watch the movie (starring Marlon Brando), which is also very good.

(2) "The Places in Between" by Rory Stewart is specific to Afghanistan, but you can still get some good lessons. Plus, it's just a good read with a cup of coffee.

* Library Must Haves: I think every Soldier should read these 2 books.

(3) "If You Survive..." by George Wilson, and (4) "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien are, of course, staples.

* Human Psychology/Leadership: This book is not widely known, but I still recommend it.

(5) "Influence: Science and Practice" by Cialdani is a short and easy read, but helps to scope your mindset with respect to influencing people, be it your peers, subordinates, or superiors. The novel covers 6 types of influence: reciprocation, consistency, liking, social proof, scarcity, and authority. It's not, by any means, an instruction novel, but I think it helps the reader take a look at how they approach influencing those around them.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 1:34 PM

2013-12-17T13:34:50-05:00

A new book I just downloaded a little while ago called: The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer: Backbone of the Armed Forces. Just from flipping through the pages I can say every NCO and Petty Officer should read it. You can find it at http://www.ndu.edu/press/nco.html

The Noncommissioned Officer and Petty Officer

We are the academic publisher for National Defense University and our mission is to support the advancement of Joint Professional Military Education and national security policy for the Chairman of th...

Welcome to the NDU Home Page

The National Defense University, our nation's premier joint professional military education institution, educates military and civilian leaders through teaching, research, and outreach in national se...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 8:10 PM

2013-12-17T20:10:00-05:00

The Little Prince - Saint X. It's a book that says that maturity might not be what adults tend to define it as. I mean, how immature are you really, to put on the same tie every day and walk into a career that you deplore? Instead, focus on what matters most in life. I won't give it away.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 1:08 AM

2013-12-18T01:08:14-05:00

Still beginning my collection that would fit this, but right now I have "The Things They Carried," "Small Unit Leadership: A Commonsense Approach," and probably a few others I can't remember the titles at the moment. Still looking to expand

Response by SFC Rory Kempf made Dec 18 at 2013 8:58 AM

2013-12-18T08:58:29-05:00

I have too many in my library to list but, this one speaks out. "A General's Spiritual Journey - Lt. Gen Hal Moore (Ret).

Response by CMSgt Mark Lutz made Dec 18 at 2013 9:02 AM

2013-12-18T09:02:43-05:00

We developed a library that was more tuned to our unit(s) and personnel.

Junior Enlisted
-The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1864: 1775-1865
-Leadership secrets of Attila the Hun by Wess Roberts
-The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
-Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae by Steven Pressfield
-Up from Slavery, an Autobiography: An Authoritative Text, Contexts and Composition History, Criticism By Booker T. Washington
Junior NCOs/CGOs
-The Three Meter Zone: Common Sense Leadership for NCOs by J.D. Pendry.
-The Art of War by Sun Tzu
-Lead On! by Dave Oliver
-Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany by Stephen E. Ambrose
Senior NCOs/FGOs
-This Kind of War: The Classic Korean War History by T.R. Fehrenbach
-Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram
-Warrior Politics, Why Leadership demands A Pagan Ethos, by Robert D., Kaplan

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 1:18 PM

2013-12-18T13:18:22-05:00

Three books I found extremely helpful in understanding and coping with the challenges associated with combat stress in our Soldiers and leaders:

"Black Hearts" by Jim Frederick. An incredibly engaging and tragic book that speaks bounds to the challenges of prolonged combat exposure and what can happen when things go wrong with leadership in a unit. It does a fair job of telling the story accurately and without bias according to the many veterans I know who were there. I made my PLs read it as a company commander and they all felt it was one of the most valuable things we did before going to Afghanistan.

"Achilles in Vietnam" and "Odysseus in America," both by Dr. Jonathan Shay. Dr. Shay does an incredible job in Achilles in Vietnam outlining the psychological cost of war by comparing Homer's story with Dr. Shay's work with Vietnam veterans. In Odysseus, he further uses the Odyssey to relate to the challenge many veterans find returning from war. I had to read both as a PL in Iraq and they did an exceptional job and helping broaden my understanding of the things leaders must do that really can't be taught.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 10:41 AM

2013-12-20T10:41:43-05:00

I have a fairly extensive library; most of the titles came at the recommendation of various first line supervisors and commanders over the years.

But my favorite is one that is a little lesser known:

"To the Last Man: Kubles' Mongrels at the Chosin" by MAJ (Ret.) Frank Kestner, Sr.

It is a fairly simple telling of PVT Kestner's experiences at the Chosin Reservoir in 1950 with D CO, 10th EN (yes, there were a few Army Sappers up there). No great tactics, no shining examples of great leadership, just a great story of U.S. Sodliers and Marines standing strong against incredible odds in some of the worst conditions imaginable. It is not an easy book to find but there are a few copies available on Amazon; I highly recommend it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 10:43 AM

2013-12-20T10:43:59-05:00

I also have to throw out my favorite non-military/non-professional:

The Complete Works of Robert Frost

I find his poetry to be very inspirational.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2013 11:47 PM

2013-12-21T23:47:39-05:00

SSG Riley, thanks for posting, in response to the awesome post where you added a photo of your professional library; here's the stack at my "home-away-from-home" (about another two-feet's-worth are in the trunk of my car waiting to be brought-in); of course these will all have to be turned-back-in, although a number of these titles are in my library at home as well... this was definitely a great idea SSG, and I'd like to encourage others' to share motivational photos of your collections along with any stories, tips, etc. on how you built your libraries... any cost savings tips would be most welcomed, as well as any organizational tips, maintenance or any other nuggets of wisdom you may have to share... thanks again for posting and for all that you all do!

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 1:38 AM

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Here's a holiday idea for all of our book worms out there... ahem, I mean "book enthusiasts," just be careful with the lights. : ) Wishing you all the best, very good reads, and very Happy and prosperous New Year!!

Response by SrA Eric Olsen made Dec 31 at 2013 11:52 AM

2013-12-31T11:52:14-05:00

Right now I have my library divided up into two main topics military history and success. My military history part is mostly comprised of books relating to WW II. In that regard I have added books either written by or about various leaders from that time period including Gen Patton, Gen Eisenhower, Gen Bradley, Gen Wainwright, Gen Doolittle, Gen Holland Smith and a host of other books all with little nuggets to be gleaned from them about leadership.

My success and leadership library is one that is starting to grow as I am mentored by leaders in a company that my wife and I are associated with. Some of these books are:

How to win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carneigie
How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The Success Magazine
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
and a host of other authors including John Assaraf, Og Mandino, Napoleon Hill, Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman, Zig Ziglar, David Bach, Jim Rohn, W. Clement Stone, and Robert Schuller.

You become that which you are exposed the most to. A good look at your library and the 5 people you spend the most time with and a clear picture can be seen of where you are and where you are going. Personal development is the name of the game if one hopes to live a life by design and not designed for them.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 11 at 2014 10:44 PM

2014-01-11T22:44:18-05:00

I think this is a good thread for those we are trying to get to join can see the substance of some things we discuss between us as current and former military, soft spoken as well as informational and mentoring types of postings.

We also have fun at times while remaining professional.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 14 at 2014 11:19 AM

2014-01-14T11:19:46-05:00

I read this articles this afternoon. I thought that I would share.

http://warontherocks.com/2014/01/odiernos-reading-list/

Odierno’s Reading List

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno released a proposed reading list on his Facebook page for Army, and more generally, military professionals. He asked...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-01-15T14:11:51-05:00

After looking over this post, I have seen a few books named that are listed on a personal development reading list one of my professors recommended out of Success Magazine. I personally have read Jim Collins' Good to Great and Dave Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. Both were great books and I highly recommend both to Soldiers and Civilians of all ranks and age. I look forward to reading some of the books mentioned along with more books from the reading list.

http://www.whitedovebooks.co.uk/2011/07/my-personal-development-reading-list/

Personal Development Reading List

Whilst browsing one of my favourite forums, I came across the following list of recommended reading. Apparently it was first published in Success Magazine….

Response by TSgt Mari Quiroga made Feb 1 at 2014 5:49 PM

2014-02-01T17:49:02-05:00

John Maxwell books and Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University, whether people are religious or not learning how to maximize your financial resources can benefit anybody at any stage again and if people's finances are in order at home, they will probably follow the same principles with military spending.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 6:05 PM

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To encourage maximum participation, here are a just few other topics that may catch your interest; thank you for all that you do, and... best wishes for continued success!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 1 at 2014 6:25 PM

2014-02-01T18:25:50-05:00

<p>There are too many on my bookshelves to count, but here are some absolutes:</p><p><br></p><p>Leadership; The Warrior's Art</p><p>The Leadership Lessons of Jesus</p><p>Sharing Credit - Owning Failure</p><p>How Good People make Tough Choices</p><p>Leading without Power</p><p>The Echo of Battle</p><p>Shackleton's Way</p><p>Warrior Politics</p><p>The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell</p><p>Why Courage Matters</p><p>The Code of the Warrior</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-02-01T22:30:33-05:00

I read "an Army White Paper The Profession of Arms" a few months ago. I read it again last month to sink it in.

I was personally blown away by it. It gives insight into what it means to be a Soldier. This should be required reading in Basic Training and again as refreshers thrughout a career.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 8:31 PM

2014-02-03T20:31:59-05:00

A great recommendation thanks to CPT Robert McCormick: for portability, convenience, and ability to hold multiple titles try the Amazon Kindle... the basic reader is very inexpensive and you can take an entire library along with you anywhere. Go to http://www.gutenberg.org/ for a ton of great FREE reading material! Many eBooks are now public domain and considered legal and completely free to download; ~42K totally FREE eBooks include some of the greatest classic literature ever written. Excellent advice, thanks again CPT McCormick!

Amazon Kindle

Amazon's most affordable Kindle lacks the touch screen and self-illuminating screen found on step-up e-readers, but it costs a mere $69.

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg offers 40,000 free ebooks to download.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 10:49 PM

2014-02-11T22:49:08-05:00

Here's a RP thread on a related topic, with a few great articles and resources to share, check it out here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/55686-simon-sinek

Simon Sinek

The name should really be enough, but for those that may not be aware, he is the author of "Start With Why" & "Why Leaders Eat Last".  He's got a few great videos out there at TED and 99U.
I...

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 17 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-02-17T14:32:52-05:00

I have a couple.... one is "the Oz Principle" by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman. It is on the topic of getting results through individual and organizational accountability. The other one is on Transformational Leadership as it applies to people going for advanced degrees in the Healthcare industry.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Mar 14 at 2014 3:34 PM

2014-03-14T15:34:40-04:00

Current read is "Orders to Nowhere" by LtCol Mike Grice... "After action report from a career Marine's tranistion back to the civilian world".... So far highly entertaining and thoughtful. Lots of humor about some of the mundane things we take/took for granted with regard to making the decision to leave the service, the 'check out' process and the meat and potatoes part... how to go about finding a job.

Response by CWO2 Shelby DuBois made Mar 14 at 2014 4:32 PM

2014-03-14T16:32:16-04:00

Saw a USAToday article today about another Jr High is going to iPads next year over text books. Sad ...iBooks are like 'fire and forget' firing downrange.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 3:13 AM

2014-03-15T03:13:49-04:00

Leadership and Training for the Fight by. Paul Howe

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2014 11:25 PM

2014-03-15T23:25:44-04:00

Here's another one that should be mandatory reading. The Mission, The Men and Me

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 4:54 PM

2014-03-17T16:54:02-04:00

Most recently read...."The Battle of Stones River." because I live two miles away from the National Battlefield and until recently only discovered how much history I was wasting.

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield actually an AWESOME book about leadership

Lions of Kandahar....because I knew some of the Group guys in it.

Killing Bin Laden...will let you know how close we actually came to getting him early on.

No Easy Day...Marcus Lutrell

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 20 at 2014 7:58 AM

2014-03-20T07:58:07-04:00

"Think and Grow Rich" and "The Bible"

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 9:23 AM

2014-03-21T09:23:46-04:00

"Little America" by Rajiv Chandrasekaran

mentions the failures by America 50 years ago trying to teach afghans and provide them with a power plant in the Helmand province and goes in to the failure that were made in some of command decisions involving the Helmand province. Also mention part of my brigade deployment in the book as well.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 1:18 PM

2014-03-21T13:18:37-04:00

The Mission, The Men & Me by Pete Blabber
On Killing by Col. David Grossman
On Combat by Col. David Grossman
Histories by Herodotus
On War by Carl Von Clausewitz
Masters of War by Michael Handel
The Challenge of Command by Colonel Roger Nye

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 5:45 PM

2014-04-01T17:45:09-04:00

In order to read, I often listen to audio books while in the car or doing things that do not require me to engage in conversation with others. Here is one of the sites I frequent to pick my next read. http://militaryprofessionalreadinglists.com/map

Military Professional Reading Lists

Military Professional Reading Lists: The nation that will insist upon drawing a broad line of distinction between the fighting man and the thinking man is liable to find its fighting done by fools and...

Response by MSG Jose Colon made Apr 1 at 2014 8:41 PM

2014-04-01T20:41:39-04:00

"Achilles in Vietnam". As a Soldier, NCO or officer, you will deal with someone with PTSD sooner or later, or you might have it yourself. This book will help you understand PTSD using the return of Achilles from the Trojan war as a metaphore.

Awesome book.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 11:07 AM

2014-04-03T11:07:54-04:00

The Art of War- Sun Tzu

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 7 at 2014 11:11 PM

2014-04-07T23:11:03-04:00

When I was a Senior Network Operations Specialist for Sprint, I had the route map of every SONET Fiber Optic Ring in the Country Also the tech manual for every piece of end term equipment, ADM, REGEN, Telemetry DWDM. Still in my library is a book with the technical specs of a lot of ships and pictures, Since I am a CDR in the VFW I have a couple encyclopedia collections on Vietnam and Korean War. Of course being a Retired Spook I have, Falcon and the Snowman, Blind Mans Bluff, Puzzle Palace, Body of Secrets, Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Adak: Rescue of Alfa Foxtrot 586 and Deception Point.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 13 at 2014 1:00 PM

2014-04-13T13:00:01-04:00

The Desiderata and Invictus.

One for balance, one for drive.

It doesn't hurt that they are both short. Though they could use more pictures. /Tanker!

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 13 at 2014 1:34 PM

2014-04-13T13:34:10-04:00

The best leaders know how to treat their people. Therefore, I recommend "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 13 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-04-13T15:26:37-04:00

while you all list great books, both the Bible and the Quran will teach you more about being a leader and a good person, than any other text.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 6:12 PM

2014-05-04T18:12:58-04:00

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Hands down one of the greatest leadership books I've ever read.

The "Fred" Factor. Awesome book.

A Message to Garcia. Good essay on getting the job done.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 4 at 2014 6:49 PM

2014-05-04T18:49:13-04:00

ADP 6-22 (Army Leadership) and ADRP 6-22 (Army Leadership)

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 6:54 PM

2014-05-04T18:54:41-04:00

I'm not the most avid reader but I will definitely look into some of these titles. Thanks for the recommendations everyone!

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made May 4 at 2014 7:17 PM

2014-05-04T19:17:34-04:00

Fail Safe - not usually on the list, but there are a great many lessons about leadership and consequences in there that it's phenomenal.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jun 15 at 2014 1:51 PM

2014-06-15T13:51:04-04:00

Physical and within arm's reach without getting up:
Sun Tzu's The Art of War (Griffith translation in hardcopy)
The Prince and Other Works
The Constitution of the United States: Its Sources and its Applications (1960 edition)
Common Sense
On Bullshit - Harry Frankfurt (very short, very highly recommended)
SMCT level 1 and levels 2-4
On War, Clausewitz
Imperial Grunts
We Were Soldiers
Ranger Handbook (multiple editions, the best is June, 1988)
Supreme Command - Cohen
FM 3-13 (printed PDF of most recent edition)
Complete set of ADPs (as of Sept 2012)
The collection of Lightning Press Smartbooks
The Soldier's Handbook (2001 edition)
Jomini's The Art of War
Twice the Citizen
Oxford Companion to American Military History
The Roots of Blitzkrieg - Corum
Decision Points
Obama's War
Bureaucracy - Wilson
Leading Change
(and a few things due to Army War College curriculum that I haven't read yet - Several items above are also on the AWC curriculum, but I had already owned and read them, so I give myself credit!)

This was a good reminder that I need to finish setting up my home office. 2/3 of my physical books are in the workout room (which used to double as my office), including a lot of historical military type stuff and almost all of my professional/business/financial stuff. I may update, if I remember, when I actually move my other bookcase in here....

Things on PDF - to numerous to mention.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 4:17 PM

2014-06-15T16:17:38-04:00

Management and Leadership
Soar with Your Strengths by Donald Clifton & Paula Nelson

Anything by John Maxwell
My favorites are:
Developing the Leader Within You

The 21 indispensable qualities of a leader

The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization

Military Psychology
On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace and On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by LtCol Dave Grossman

Organizational Behavior

Type Talk at Work by Kroeger

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 8:22 AM

2014-06-16T08:22:48-04:00

Honorable Treachery. It is a history of U.S Intelligence and related activities from the American Revolution to the creation of the CIA. I believe it to be a must read for any and all IC professionals.

Response by MAJ G. Brett Miller made Jun 16 at 2014 5:06 PM

2014-06-16T17:06:19-04:00

Here's my current reference shelf. Top picks - The Connected Company, Where Good Ideas Come From, and Hacking Work.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 9:37 PM

2014-06-17T21:37:57-04:00

http://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Pilot-Memoirs-Legendary-Robin/dp/ [login to see]

Amazon.com: Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds (9780312569518): Christina...

Amazon.com: Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds (9780312569518): Christina Olds, Ed Rasimus, Robin Olds: Books

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 7:30 PM

2014-07-10T19:30:11-04:00

Col Private RallyPoint Member I've not really any books per se, on leadership but I have done YouTube for the speeches of Ronald Reagan.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 19 at 2014 4:24 AM

2014-08-19T04:24:19-04:00

"Fact checking in the internet age"----by Abraham Lincoln. :)

Seriously....The Art Of War....just like everyone else.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2014 6:59 AM

2014-08-19T06:59:33-04:00

The First Sergeants..by CSM Richard Morgan
No Excuse Leadership, Brace Barber
The Mentors, Theodore Harris
American Warrior, John C. "Doc" Bahnsen Jr.
In the Company of Heroes, Michael J. Durant
Onward We Charge, H. Paul Jeffers
Be, Know Dom Richard Cavanagh
The Looming Tower, Lawrence Wright
Partners in Command, Mark Perry
In The Company of Soldiers, Rick Atkinson
Steven Ambrose - Band of Brothers, The Victors
Tonight We Die as Men, Ian Gardner
Decending from the Clouds, Spencer f. Wurst
Beyond the Band of Brothers, Dick Winters
Battle Cry of Freedom, James McPherson
Eyes on the Horizon, Richard B. Myers
A Soldiers Story, Omar Bradley

And the list goes on and on. Didn't even touch what I have read that is on my Kindle.

Great topic! I've written down a few titles I pulled off other lists this morning. Thanks
to All!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Aug 19 at 2014 8:02 AM

2014-08-19T08:02:01-04:00

For me as a history buff and as a former ChemO: "'48" by James Herbert.

It's basically about what might have happened if Hitler had been successful in his biological weapons program.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/'48_(novel)

Response by LTC Michael W. made Nov 16 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-11-16T07:11:15-05:00

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/ [login to see] /ref=redir_mdp_mobile/ [login to see] -8929734

Response by SSgt Nolan Hernandez made Nov 16 at 2014 10:59 AM

2014-11-16T10:59:23-05:00

Excellent book recommendations on this forum.

I would also add:

"Creative Problem-Solving" by Donald J. Noone, PhD
"Making the Most of Your Money" by Jane Bryant Quinn
"Crucial Conversations" by K. Patterson, J. Grenny, R. McMillan & A. Switzler

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Mar 16 at 2015 1:56 PM

2015-03-16T13:56:05-04:00

FAA books and manuals.

Army Regulations galore.

Leadership Psychology books. (Command Failure in War, Leading Minds: An anatomy of Leadership, Leaders and Their Followers in a Dangerous World: The Psychology of Political Behavior)

Human Interaction books. (The Kindness Diaries, Lonely Planet, Social Psychology: Goals in Interaction)

Lots of World History books.

Management and Process Improvement Books (Six Sigma, Carnegie, etc.)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 21 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-08-21T13:57:20-04:00

COIN so we can see our campaign plan.

Response by MAJ G. Brett Miller made Jan 27 at 2016 4:24 PM

2016-01-27T16:24:39-05:00

Easier to show than to tell, here's a small part of my personal / professional library. Should give an idea of the topics I find interesting and valuable.