Ray Odierno’s Reading List

General Ray Odierno, the 38th Army Chief of Staff, prepared the following professional reading list (pdf here) with this introduction:

This reading list is an important element in the professional development of all leaders in the Army. We can never spend too much time reading and thinking about the Army profession and its interaction with the world at large. These readings will deepen our understanding of the history of armies, the critical role of leadership in combat, and the strategic environment of today and the future. There is simply no better way to prepare for the future than a disciplined, focused commitment to a personal course of reading, study, thought, and reflection. I challenge each of you to tackle these books and improve your power of critical thinking and understanding of the profession of arms.

The Army Profession

The Force of Decisive Action

Broadening Leaders

The Strategic Environment