Books to Read?

cc.cg

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Dec 7, 2017
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Hello, I was wondering if there are any books recommended to read or will be helpful for application to USCGA?
 
That's a movie that's about the Coast Guard as much as "Top Gun" is about The Navy.
If you don't already know that Rescue Swimmers are all kinds of awesome, it's a good movie to see though.
Just not so much about the USCGA, at all. :)
 
Neither movies are about the Academy. But you will get inspired by Guardian for Coast Guard and see the Limelight side of Navy with Top Gun. But Top Gun is about Naval Aviator not about being a ship driver. I would start with Guardian as it teaches you about discipline duty and service. Top Gun is more drama and TOM Cruise as a Naval Aviator. Enjoy the movies.
 
"Yours Mine and Ours" (the newer version) is "the Coast Guard Academy" and while they filmed a little at CGA, I don't think it made it into the film.

"The Guardian" is a decent example.

"Finest Hours" is a recent movie about a 1952 rescue. My wife and I were able to watch them film a scene (friend at Disney hooked us up). It's a great story (also is a book).

Some other good Coast Guard scenes in non-CG movies, "Bad Boys II," "Perfect Storm," and "Clear and Present Danger."

Also..... "Man of Steel".... aka, Superman.
 
I just realized this wasn't about movies....

"Rescue Warriors" is a good book, which I think rings true.

"Deadliest Sea" is VERY well done. It's a true story and very well written.
 
That's a movie that's about the Coast Guard as much as "Top Gun" is about The Navy.
If you don't already know that Rescue Swimmers are all kinds of awesome, it's a good movie to see though.
Just not so much about the USCGA, at all. :)
I'm interested in the Navy as well so this will be very helpful, thank you!
 
Neither movies are about the Academy. But you will get inspired by Guardian for Coast Guard and see the Limelight side of Navy with Top Gun. But Top Gun is about Naval Aviator not about being a ship driver. I would start with Guardian as it teaches you about discipline duty and service. Top Gun is more drama and TOM Cruise as a Naval Aviator. Enjoy the movies.
Im so excited to be enlightened by these movies! Thank you very much for your help!
 
I just realized this wasn't about movies....

"Rescue Warriors" is a good book, which I think rings true.

"Deadliest Sea" is VERY well done. It's a true story and very well written.
Thanks so much I will be sure to look into both the books and movies you suggested!
 
These are all Navy specific but highlight war and survival at sea.

“Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors”

“Neptune’s Inferno”

“The Men of the Gambier Bay”

“Halsey’s Typhoon”

Any book about the USS Indianapolis....
 
"The Caine Mutiny" is a must read for any aspiring Naval Officer (or Officer from any branch, really). The movie is okay, but nowhere near on the level of the book. I've read it a few times: as a Midshipman, as a 2ndLt, and as a Captain, and have a different perspective every time. It's long, but an easy and entertaining read. Also, every person in the book is 100% a person you will meet in the military.

"Finest Hours" (movie) is okay, the book is pretty good. I'll second "The Perfect Storm" (again, the book is better).

For Navy movies, "The Bridges at Toko-Ri" is the quintessential Naval Aviation movie. "Top Gun" is goofy as anything, but the aerial scenes are excellent.
I'll second every book nomination from NTWLF1.
 
Navy Reading Lists are varied. You can try to take a look at the recommended Professional Reading lists from each service. They all have one. They have a “cannon” that forms the basics for strategy - probably WAY too dry and detailed for a potential Midshipman or Cadet. But these at least contain a frame of reference. They also have recommended fiction and history books that are great.
http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/CNO-ReadingProgram/azlist.html

For great Navy fiction - I recommend nearly anything by David Poyer- a 1971 USNA grad and Navy captain. He also has a great book - which while it is a fiction novel and exaggeration- provides some ideas about life at the Academy - “The Return Of Philo T. McGiffin”. It’s a very entertaining read.
 
"Sense of Honor" is a short read, but a fascinating book about the life of a plebe at USNA. All academy parents will find it hard to put down.
 
Markham Starr did a great "photographic documentary" book on CGA/Swab Summer a few years ago. I know it's available in our Exchange, but can probably be found online as well.
 
Navy Reading Lists are varied. You can try to take a look at the recommended Professional Reading lists from each service. They all have one. They have a “cannon” that forms the basics for strategy - probably WAY too dry and detailed for a potential Midshipman or Cadet. But these at least contain a frame of reference. They also have recommended fiction and history books that are great.
http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/CNO-ReadingProgram/azlist.html

I Looked briefly at the list and can recommend Sea Power by Adm James Stravidis. Very engaging writer and I liked how he broke it up with history and his own personal experience.
 
I dislike suggested reading lists from leadership and flag officers.... It's the same thing every time.....
 
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