The commandant just added these 3 new titles to Marines' reading list

The commandant has updated his reading list to include books by a Marine father-son team known for innovative approaches to leadership.

Gen. Robert Neller on Wednesday placed three titles on “The Commandant’s Choice.”


•The U.S. Constitution
•"First to Fight: An Inside View of the U.S. Marine Corps," by retired Lt. Gen. Victor Krulak
•"Sustaining the Transformation," a 1999 Marine Corps production

Krulak’s book examines the foundation on which the Marine Corps is built. It examines a Marine's experience from three wars in which the Navy Cross recipient participated — World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
"Sustaining the Transformation" was completed while Krulak’s son, retired Gen. Charles Krulak, served as the 31st commandant. It takes an in-depth look at how the service prepares Marines for the intellect, skill and solid moral foundation needed to wins the nation’s battles — especially in the increasingly chaotic battlespace of the 21st century.

Neller told Marine Corps Times that education is "one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain and improve the professionalism of our entire force."

"I want Marines to read beyond the list, too, especially paying attention to current events, science and technology, and what our potential adversaries are up to around the world," the commandant said.
Electronic versions of the readings can be found here. The site also includes other materials to enhance units' professional military education, as well as links to other reading lists from the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, other services and the Marine Corps University.

The Commandant's Professional Reading List was launched in 1988 and includes the books each commandant deems most pertinent for professional development and critical thinking at each rank.

The reading list is arranged into three sections: commandant’s choice, grade levels and professional categories. Commandant’s choice books are required reading for all Marines, as are books listed at each grade level for Marines in those respective ranks.

Every Marine is required to read a minimum of three books from the commandant’s choice or grade level sections annually. Completion is noted in the Marine’s fitness report and taken into account when assigning proficiency/conduct marks.

Professional categories includes recommended readings to expand understanding in specific areas like aviation, counterinsurgency, leadership, logistics, regional and cultural studies, roots of maneuver warfare, strategic thinking, cyber warfare and wounded warrior/resiliency.