Top 3 All-Time Favorite Military/Strategy/History/Other Books

[Heatherg21]

It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever read. Leave room for grief, anger, everything…

Will do. Gates of Fire was that for me. I was emotionally and physically wrought after finishing it. It was given to my then plebe when he was in the ghost company of plebe summer 2024. More days of quarantine and iso than plebe summer. A detailer got it for him. He asked me to read it in concert. I was devastated and spellbound and permanently affected.

 

[Supersix00]

Will do. Gates of Fire was that for me. I was emotionally and physically wrought after finishing it. It was given to my then plebe when he was in the ghost company of plebe summer 2024. More days of quarantine and iso than plebe summer. A detailer got it for him. He asked me to read it in concert. I was devastated and spellbound and permanently affected.

Adding to my list now…

 

[Heatherg21]

Adding to my list now…

I believe it is on the Marine reading list.

 

[MidCakePa]

I already submitted my three above, but may I have a bonus suggestion? “The Long Gray Line” by Rick Atkinson is absolutely outstanding. It follows members of West Point’s Class of 1966, from their plebe year until beyond their retirements from the Army (or up to their deaths while on active duty). It’s enlightening, gratifying and heartbreaking. And no doubt their experiences transcend eras and academies.

 

[Heatherg21]

I already submitted my three above, but may I have a bonus suggestion? “The Long Gray Line” by Rick Atkinson is absolutely outstanding. It follows members of West Point’s Class of 1966, from their plebe year until beyond their retirements from the Army (or up to their deaths while on active duty). It’s enlightening, gratifying and heartbreaking. And no doubt their experiences transcend eras and academies.

You just hit on a favorite I had forgotten. That is a haunting book as well. I’ve often thought some of these books should be required reading prior to turning 18. And the enlistments and voting options that come with that magic number.
The group that survived the Long Grey Line was I believe the group of alumnus that were the impetus behind the Vietnam Memorial.

 

[emwvmi01]

As a battalion commander I suggest the following to new lieutenants in my organization

Leadership
Caine Mutiny by Wouk
Black Hearts by Frederick
Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
Words for Warriors by Ralph Puckett


Warfighting
This Kind of War by Fehrenbach
Platoon Leader by James McDonough
We Were Soldiers by Moore and Galloway
Common Sense Training by Collins

 

[CTParent]

Descent into Darkness: Pearl Harbor, 1941 - A Navy Diver's Memoir - Edward Raymer

Ender's Game -by Orson Scott Card (Required reading for Marine Corps - read the book)

Rogue Heros - Ben MacIntyre

 

[Day-Tripper]

DS just finished reading D-Day by Steven Ambrose for the second time. He started it over Christmas leave and finished it during the ROM period. His observation was that the US Navy role in D-Day is very underplayed in most re-telling of that famous battle. I quickly agreed as when I think US Navy in WW2, I immediately think of the Pac Theatre. When I think of D-Day, I think of the infantry beach landings and airborne assaults' elements completely disregarding the Seabees and landing craft elements. Heck even the ships providing cover fire to the beach were exposed to enemy fire.

I told him he needs to start work on a book that highlights the USN involvement in D-Day.

Most readers of Ambrose would find it hard to believe the Royal Navy had more vessels at D-Day than did the Americans. Or that the Canadians represented 10% of the invasion force. Or that Free French and Polish forces were involved at all.

I have my issues with Stephen Ambrose. Good story-teller. Historian?

 

[Day-Tripper]

During my DS’s first meeting with his ALO, he was asked what books he was currently reading. He answered with a few required readings from his classes, although it was clear he wasn’t that passionate about them. The ALO seemed to sense this and encouraged my DS to read a few titles that he found fulfilling. I’m still impressed with the coaching that took place in that moment.

Therefore, appreciating the wealth of experience / knowledge / wisdom associated with this site, I would like to extend the question: What are your all-time favorite book recommendations for 18 year olds (and their parents) as they set out to pursue a career in Military Service?

"Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant." His autobiography. Written shortly before his death to raise money for his family, but a fine book. Reads well today, 145 years later. Perhaps America's greatest battlefield leader.

"Influence of Sea Power Upon History". Alfred T Mahan. Highly influential in it's time and today. I'm sure that Putin & Xi have read it.

 

[JCSDVM1]

"River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey" by Candice Millard. Teddy Roosevelt's true store of his journey through the Amazon. It has been one of our favorites.

"On Killing" The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman , my hubs thinks every young man should read this. Grossman is a former army Ranger, paratrooper and psychology professor at West Point. I would like to read it to get an understanding of what my DS is going to be prepared for psychologically. It's lengthy.

And then, read something fun like Treasure Island .

River of Doubt... loved it read it twice!!

 

[Supersix00]

Will do. Gates of Fire was that for me. I was emotionally and physically wrought after finishing it. It was given to my then plebe when he was in the ghost company of plebe summer 2024. More days of quarantine and iso than plebe summer. A detailer got it for him. He asked me to read it in concert. I was devastated and spellbound and permanently affected.

Heather... Finished it on the plane home yesterday. Holy. Freaking. Cow. What an ending. Can’t stop thinking about it. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[Allectus]

I second this, people should read topics that they enjoy - be it Nordic Noir or the classics, or Le Carre.
I'd also suggest reading more so in order to keep abreast of current events. Since most kids are more into digital than print, you could subscribe to the websites of the Economist, NYT, WSJ, Financial Times. Plus, on the free side, there are excellent websites on military-related matters.
But, keep in mind that, one, not everyone reads - adults and kids. His ALO might find reading a great hobby (I do), but not everybody feels the same.
And, two, some of our kids are doing a lot of reading in school and the last they want to do with free time is read a book.
Having said though, I'd recommend Graham Greene's The Quiet American, McMaster's Dereliction of Duty, or Max Boot's The Road Not Taken.

I second The Quiet American. I was astounded that it was was written in 1955 and seemed to foretell America’s misadventures in Vietnam. I kept asking myself, “Didn’t anybody in American policy and leadership read this book”.

 

[Heatherg21]

Heather... Finished it on the plane home yesterday. Holy. Freaking. Cow. What an ending. Can’t stop thinking about it. Thanks for the recommendation.

I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I have read it for a second time now. Still impressed.