Understanding Professional Growth: Launching Your Career Path via Literature
Recommended Reading List for Army Leaders Unveiled
In a bid to inspire and help shape the thinking of junior leaders in the Army, a curated reading list has been compiled by Tom Dull, an infantry officer at West Point. The list, while not officially published, is renowned for its influence on the profession of arms.
One of the books on the list is "Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics" by Tim Marshall. This book offers insights into how geographic and human terrain influence global politics and war.
Another notable inclusion is "Infantry Attacks" by Irwin Rommel. This book delves into small-unit tactics in large-scale combat operations, providing valuable lessons on good reconnaissance, exploiting the enemy, digging in, and quickly laying a base of fire on the enemy.
"Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest" by Steven Ambrose also features on the list. In this book, readers can learn about cohesion, heroism, tactics, good and bad leadership, and infantry leadership.
The reading list also includes foundational military literature such as "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz, and "Leadership in War" by Andrew Roberts. Army Doctrinal Publications, like ADP 6-22 on Leadership, and biographies of leaders like George Marshall, Patton, or Eisenhower are also part of the list.
For those seeking a more contemporary perspective, "One Bullet Away" by Nathaniel Fick is a must-read. This book depicts the pressure on a junior officer in training, preparation, and combat, and the importance of critical and creative thinking.
Communication is another key aspect in leadership, and "Brief" by Joseph McCormack is a helpful guide in communicating clearly and concisely in the profession.
The book "Legacy: What the All Blacks Can Teach Us About the Business of Life" by James Kerr is also included. This book offers insights into how leaders build teams to succeed.
Retired General James Mattis, in his emphasis on reading for professional development in the Army, would likely approve of this list. It is aimed at young leaders and newly commissioned officers, and is intended to help them pursue excellence and continue to learn and lead.
Tom Dull, the curator of this list, instructs West Point cadets in the Character Growth Seminar and is currently the executive officer for the Character Integration Advisory Group at West Point.
The article was printed, and the image credit is Master Sgt. Mark Burrell, US Army. However, it was neither shared on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, nor sent by email.
For a precise list curated or endorsed by Tom Dull, consulting official West Point leadership development resources, the USMA library, or contacting the academy directly would be necessary.
- The reading list for Army leaders, curated by Tom Dull, includes "Prisoners of Geography" which offers insights into geographic and human terrain's impact on global politics and war.
- "Infantry Attacks" by Irwin Rommel, found on the list, provides valuable lessons on good reconnaissance, exploiting the enemy, digging in, and laying a base of fire on the enemy in large-scale combat operations.
- "Band of Brothers" by Steven Ambrose, included in the list, portrays cohesion, heroism, tactics, leadership, and infantry leadership experiences.
- In the reading list, contemporary perspectives are offered by "One Bullet Away," a book that depicts the importance of critical and creative thinking for junior officers in training, preparation, and combat.
