Street Without Joy Bernard Fall "The late Dr. Bernard Fall’s best work on Indochina. I carried this book in my pack in Vietnam to read and re-read and occasionally scare the crap out of myself when we would transit the pass where the Viet Minh ambushed Group Mobile 100 in last days of the French war." This Kind of War T.R. Fehrenbach "The best single volume history of the Korean War. Col. Fehrenbach’s work is unflinching and impeccable. I carried this fat volume in my pack in Vietnam as well!" Gates Of Fire Steven Pressfield "Mr. Pressfield tells the story of the 300 Spartans who held off thousands upon thousands of Persians at the pass….and tells it so vividly that by the end you are ready to sign on as a Spartan yourself!" The Praetorians, The Centurions Jean Larteguy "Two interlocking volumes that tell the story of the French paras captured at DienBienPhu and their trial by fire at hands of the Viet Minh. Those who survive return to fight in Algeria, using the torture tactics used against them on the Algerian rebels. Ultimately they drift into the plot to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle. Very well written stories in these two books. If they intrigue you see if you can find a lesser known Larteguy book titled Yellow Fever." Barrack Room Ballads
Rupyard Kipling "No reading list for warriors would be complete without a volume of Kipling. I love this one for a short dedication at the front in which Kipling celebrates his years covering the British Indian Army. Kipling’s words illustrate and illuminate my own years covering America’s soldiers and Marines at war: “I have eaten your bread and salt; Drunk your water and wine. The deaths you’ve died I watched beside, and the lives you’ve lived were mine.”" The March of Folly Barbara W. Tuchman In it, Tuchman examines Tuchman examines 4 major conflicts: The Trojan Horse, The Protestant Secession, The American Revolution, and The American War in Vietnam. Interestingly all had success or lack thereof because one side either grossly underestimated the opponent, became complacent or let their guard down. Eisenhower in War and Peace Jean Edward Smith An intriguing look at one of this nation's timeless leaders in very different world circumstances - not a dry or boring biography by any stretch. Leaders Richard Nixon A fantastic look at some of the most notable leaders of the 20th century - their differing styles, challenges and personalities, and interestingly, the author, President Nixon, knew each one of the leaders he writes about personally. The Years of Lyndon B. Johnson: The Passage of Power
Robert A. Caro It is a clear and real depiction of what happens at this country's highest levels in times of emergency and bewilderment.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Edmund Morris "An incredible story of growth from an incredible man." Lord Jim Joseph Conrad "The study of ethics and leadership…one of the Conrad’s best books, which is saying much." 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen Covey "I reread this once every couple of years" Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy "Currently reading. Fantastic example of fiction and the inner monologue we all think…Tolstoy articulates." 4 Hour Work Week
Timothy Ferriss "I hate to admit it but there are some powerful maxims in here. Ferris is not a man to model in many ways but his perspective on delegation and choices is important."
The Tragedy of Great Power Politics John J. Mearsheimer "Mearsheimer’s masterpiece about great power relations over time. Motivations, goals, strategies, and resources all factor in his theory about these relations. Realism trumps idealism in his view because in the end, a nation’s survival is what really matters." The German General Staff Walter Goerlitz "This book may be out of print but it covers the development of the German military staff system – and its generals — from its roots in Junker society in 1657 until Hitler destroyed it in 1945. A real gem for those who want to understand our own staff system." Defeat into Victory Field-Marshal Viscount William Slim "The best autobiography by any senior leader of WW II. He is refreshingly self-critical and frank." The Most Noble Adventure - The Marshall Plan and the Time When America Helped Save Europe Greg Behrman "The logical end of any war is the reestablishment of peace and Behrman masterfully tells the story of how the Marshall Plan was crafted and implemented to bring peace to Europe at a time when the Cold War was just beginning." Insurgencies and Terrorism
Bard O’Neill "O’Neill hits the target with his almost scientific analysis of insurgency, its various types, and supporting strategies. Had US leaders studied this before 2001 we would have fared far better in our subsequent campaigns." |