What should be the very first book that a 2LT should read?

2015-02-08T15:44:20-05:00

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-02-08T15:51:32-05:00

Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 8 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-02-08T15:54:04-05:00

That would depend on your branch. Aviation PL's a copy of "Chickenhawk" from me as their PSG. Great Vietnam book that is a great mix of courage, maintenance, and leadership. Tankers and Mech Infantry need Rommel's "Infantry Attacks" on their shelf as well.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Feb 8 at 2015 3:59 PM

2015-02-08T15:59:17-05:00

Whatever Platoon Leader field manual applies to your Branch. Twice.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:01 PM

2015-02-08T16:01:13-05:00

The Bible by various. Learning to lead by putting others first is one of many ways to earn respect from your troops.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-02-08T16:02:51-05:00

"Lincoln on Leadership", Donald T. Phillips
"Band of Brothers", Stephen Ambrose

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 8 at 2015 4:13 PM

2015-02-08T16:13:24-05:00

Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People".

Response by COL Dan Fuhr made Feb 8 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-02-08T17:05:48-05:00

Platoon Leader by James R. McDonough and / or Common Sense Training by Arthur S. Collins. Two classics that apply regardless of your branch.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Feb 8 at 2015 5:12 PM

2015-02-08T17:12:26-05:00

Where's Waldo. ?
Seriously, I think CW2 Evans is on to something with Dale Carnegie. I made my civilian job staff read - and report on - it, much to their surprise.

Also recommend Crucial Conversations, Getting Things Done, and Getting Things Done When You Are Not In Charge.

The recurring theme in all of these recommendations is to get really good at using expert (yes, even as a 2LT!!) and relationship authority in place of Role Power as often as possible. Role power should be used sparingly (but absolutely, when actually needed).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-02-08T18:00:17-05:00

The Lord of The Rings

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 8 at 2015 6:18 PM

2015-02-08T18:18:15-05:00

Anything by Dr Phil, or Lost in Space..............joking!

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 8 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-02-08T18:28:32-05:00

Seriously, I don't think there is any book that would be nearly as relative as just keep their lips closed, unless asking a valid question, and just listen and learn from those with experience be it senior NCO'S or other officers.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 8 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-02-08T18:37:28-05:00

Not a book per se. US Constitution. You're swearing an Oath to it, know it.

After that, it's really just a question of which book you should be reading next, not first.

I've plugged the Commandant's Reading List before. Others have mention 7 Habits, and How to win Friends..

I've heard Ayn Rand mentioned. I'm more of a Heinlein guy myself. But honestly ALL philosophy is good.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-02-08T19:03:46-05:00

You ask - the very first book - OK, here you go.

Response by LTC John Wilson made Feb 8 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-02-08T19:27:37-05:00

The Bible, it has many lessons of leadership, ethics, faith. Then there is putting it into action, not that easy to do. I found true leadership is showing you care about others before yourself!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 6:47 AM

2015-02-13T06:47:31-05:00

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 13 at 2015 6:55 AM

2015-02-13T06:55:11-05:00

One of John Maxwell's books was mentioned already, so I'd like to add to that list. You could pick these up in any order.

Everyone communicates: Few Connect: This one is pretty self explanatory. Everyone communicates, but if you want to be an effective leader, you need to connect with people. This book shows you how. This one also happens to be my favorite of his books. I know. That's a shocker. *grin*
The 360 Degree Leader: This book talks about how to be a leader when you're also a follower. This applies to easily 99% of the leaders in the world and all of the leaders in the military. You will be leading troops, but you will be following as well. This book is an excellent read.
The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: These laws pertain to leadership regardless of what you do, whether civilian or military.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-03-01T23:17:21-05:00

Map and compass, the complete guide to orienteering, maybe? From reading this site since September, apparently Army Lt's don't know how to navigate.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 11:24 PM

2015-03-01T23:24:16-05:00

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.....sorry, couldn't help myself there.

Cadet - There are many great books, many which have been listed below, there is no "first" or "last" book, and in some ways it doesn't matter which one you read first...it might do nothing for you even if it is a great book on leading, managing, listening, etc. Know your weaknesses, read books that give you different points of view so you can round yourself out.....

You're a leader and a manager....many of the books already listed are awesome (haven't read them all), but regardless of whatever situation you'll be faced with in a garrison, combat, or civilian environment, you have to know people....not just "your" people, because they will change in and out, but people in general. Research personality types, know your self, know what types of people you will encounter and have to work with, have a baseline on how to resolve conflict and motivate people. If you are unable to do that, none of the lessons from any of the other books will matter because you won't be able to apply them appropriately at the right time and place. Sorry for the longer non-specific answer.

Response by SSG Timothy McCoy made Sep 20 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-09-20T16:21:47-04:00

Run Spot, Run or any of the Dick and Jane books, which ever its ability can handle. Once it advances to a higher reading level 'We Were Soldiers Once...and Young'. Joe Galloway, should be near the top.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 23 at 2015 10:29 PM

2015-09-23T22:29:32-04:00

Forget books... listen to your NCOs they will help guide you

Response by Sgt Tom Cunnally made Sep 24 at 2015 2:52 AM

2015-09-24T02:52:05-04:00

Response by SGT William Howell made Sep 24 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-09-24T11:53:25-04:00

Land Nav for Dummies.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-09-26T21:39:44-04:00

Words for Warriors by COL Puckett covers the gamete of leadership strategy in the Army

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-10-26T13:49:22-04:00

Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel

Response by LTC John Wilson made Nov 19 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-11-19T18:19:53-05:00

Machiavelli, because those entering a new vocation with eyes closed will be the first ones to fall on their face. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, then you will rise above the petty wars and continue on as an experienced leader.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 20 at 2015 9:24 PM

2015-11-20T21:24:28-05:00

Your respective branch Platoon Leader book with TTPs.

Response by SSG Paul Forel made Nov 21 at 2015 5:24 AM

2015-11-21T05:24:59-05:00

Team Yankee by Harold Coyle.

Books by Col David Hackworth would be a good idea.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2015 7:28 AM

2015-11-21T07:28:12-05:00

Is there a movie we could watch instead? Books take so long to read!

Response by SGT Dana Williams made Nov 22 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-11-22T12:00:24-05:00

"Company Commander" by Charles B. McDonald

Response by 1SG James A. "Bud" Parker made Nov 22 at 2015 12:50 PM

2015-11-22T12:50:23-05:00

"On Combat"
By Lt. Col. Dave Grossman & Loren W. Christensen
Written by two warriors who have been there and done that, On Combat looks at what happens to the human body under the stresses of deadly battle — the impact on the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, memory - then discusses new research findings as to what measures warriors can take to prevent such debilitations so they can stay in the fight, survive, and win.

Response by 1SG James A. "Bud" Parker made Nov 22 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-11-22T12:53:59-05:00

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 establishments' attempt to understand and deal with the consequences of killing.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 22 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-11-22T14:05:40-05:00

Platoon Leaders Handbook on TTPs is much more appropriate then anything else at your time in the career.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2016 8:54 PM

2016-01-31T20:54:30-05:00

once an eagle