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                                                         Vietnam                                      Military Reading Lists

The Chief of Staff of the United States Army has designated this professional reading list as a list for leaders -- and a pillar for his leadership development efforts. We can never spend too much time thinking about our profession. There is no better way to develop the sure knowledge and confidence required of our calling than a disciplined, focused commitment to a personal course of reading and study. Our profession is unique and , as General MacArthur said, predicated on "the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory. That if you fail, the nation will be destroyed." We must all do our utmost to prepare for the heavy responsibilities of military leadership.
The books included in this list are designed to provoke critical thinking concerning the profession of soldiering and the unique role of landpower. There are works here that address issues and challenges relevant to each of us, from private to general. This list includes books that examine the past and those that consider the future. These readings deepen our understanding of the timeless constants of the Army's values and traditions, the enduring dynamics of the human face of battle, and the future's potential to transform the profession of arms in the 21st Century.
The Chief of Staff challenges all leaders to make reading an important part of their professional development.

DAMH-ZA (870)  1 June 2000
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Chief of Staff of the Army's Professional Reading List
1. Purpose: To promulgate information and guidance relating to the Chief of Staff’s Professional Reading List.
2. In coordination with the Army’s 225th Birthday, 14 June 2000, the Chief of Staff will promulgate the Professional Reading List at Enclosure 1. It represents his personal commitment to self-study as a critical aspect of professional development, and captures titles he personally believes would be of most use in that process.
3. Historically, one of the most important, distinguishing characteristics of outstanding soldiers has been a challenging personal professional development program largely based upon reading. The Army school system, as magnificent it is, cannot cover every aspect of a soldier’s intellectual growth and development. The years between formal schooling provide further opportunities for self-development through the reading and discussion with colleagues of thought-provoking books.
4. The enclosed reading list is intended to provide material for just such an individual professional development program. Books have been selected with five principles in mind.
a. That they be hierarchical, presenting sublists of books appropriate to varying levels of experience and responsibility. Sublist 1 is appropriate for cadets, soldiers, and junior NCO’s; Sublist 2 is appropriate for company grade officers and company cadre NCO’s; Sublist 3 is appropriate for field grade officers and senior NCO’s; and Sublist 4 is appropriate for senior leaders at levels of responsibility above brigade.
b. That they be progressive, helping their intended audiences to prepare not only for present responsibilities, but also for responsibilities at the next higher level.
c. That they be synchronized, complementing each other and materials read in the course of instruction in the Army educational system. Reading and reflecting on these books will help bridge the intervals between formal study at Army educational institutions.
d. That they be diverse, collectively representing the entirety of our military heritage and encouraging reflection upon a variety of issues and circumstances.
e. That they be challenging, calling upon the soldier to read at a level that is within his capacity but stretches his intellect.
5. The lists are intended to be supportive of officer and NCO professional development, and to be particularly useful in generating group discussion. Appended to the sublists you will find summaries of each of the books, identifying their main points, their utility for the military profession, and topics for further discussion. The Chief of Staff, Army has not prescribed a specific timeline or priority for reading these books. Commanders are encouraged to incorporate them into their own professional development programs as they see fit; moreover, they are also free to promulgate reading lists of their own that more precisely fit the nature of their commands. This is not a mandatory reading list; it is a recommended reading list. If each officer and NCO reads and thoughtfully reflects upon a few good books in a year, the Chief of Staff’s intent will have been achieved.
6. These books are now in print and available through commercial sources. Arrangements are being made to have them stocked and featured at AAFES bookstands and at post libraries. Doughty’s Evolution of Tactical Doctrine, Greenfield’s Command Decisions, and MacDonald’s Three Battles: Arnaville, Altuzzo, and Schmidt are Government Printing Office (GPO) publications and will also be distributed in appropriate numbers through the major command historians by the Center of Military History.
7. Hogan’s 225 Years of Service: The United States Army, 1775-2000 is a special case. This small "cargo pocket" size booklet is being published in association with the Army Birthday. Initial distribution of the first print run will be through major subordinate command historians in accordance with the scheme at Enclosure 2. This initial distribution is intended to support Army Birthday commemorative activities. Subsequent print runs will increase inventories to the numbers desired by major commands. The booklet is intended to be particularly useful in troop instruction and command information programs. If commanders wish to sponsor a print run with their own logo on the booklet, contact the Chief of Military History at 202-685-2704/6.
8. The Army Staff point of contact for this project is Brigadier General John S. Brown, The Chief of Military History, 202-685-2704/6.

                                                                                                                                             JOHN M. PICKLER
                                                                                                                                             Lieutenant General, U.S. Army
                                                                                                                                             Director of the Army Staff