What are you reading now...?

[BlackDragon0311]

The titles itself says it, just fill us all in on what your reading, as its good suggestion for what you might find others might enjoy, currently i'm reading...

~Star Wars Republic Commando: Order 66 (hey, its actually pretty damn good, think of it as a special ops story in the future :P)

~Because They Hate (Brigitte Gabriel is a excellent and well informed author).

~Politically InCorrect Guide to Islam (says it in its title).

Just finished reading....

~Ghost: Confessions of a Counter-Terrorist Agent

~Lone Survivor



~JohnnyBoy

[Froggy]

Now: Imperial Grunts / Kaplan

Next: Hot, Flat and Crowded / Friedman

Recently completed:
-Masters of Chaos / Robinson
-Dipomacy / Kissinger

[pheepster]

Currently working my way through Haruki Murakami’s novels. Though I’m reading translations, there’s just something about the writing that keeps me interested.

[Dozer523]

A Woman at War, The other side of the People's War by Thad Gaebelein. Thad was the recent Commandant at Valley Forge, he has been a USMA Instructor and he and I go way back to our early days in the Army. It is about Nguyen Thi Dinh "Sister Ba" a Senior General in the Viet Mihn / Cong. I was very surprised to find that women played an extensive role in Vietnam. I'd be interested in recollections from the soldiers of that time frame regarding the combat role women had on the other side.

World War Z an Oral History of the Zombie Wars Max Brooks. Picked it up on a whim and couldn't put it down. I'm a teacher and I think it is one of the best examples of "voice". It has the advantage that High School students will actually read it! Plus once you "accept" that there are Zombies the stories are great.

The Canon by Natalie Angier. It is a wonderfully simple introduction to science -- Scientific Process, Statistics, Probability, Physics, Chemistry, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology Geology and Astronomy.

Moby Dick. The fifteen year (and counting) slog through that book continues. I hated it in 1993 and I still hate it, only now I have about 6 copies.

[Penn]

America’s Caesar by William Manchester

[TOMAHAWK9521]

Now: Jonah Goldberg's "Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left from Mussolini to the Politics of Meaning"

Next: Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Tiger" and Robert Spencer's "The Truth About Muhammed"

[BlackDragon0311]

I read world war z awhile ago, and had read the zombie survival guide too, max brooks is a outstanding author. Heard that brad pitt's productions company bought the movie rights to make world war z a movie, cant wait to see that! remember, everyone should read these books, because its not the terrorists we should worry about, zombies are our greatest threat :P

~JohnnyBoy

[The Reaper]

I read world war z awhile ago, and had read the zombie survival guide too, max brooks is a outstanding author. Heard that brad pitt's productions company bought the movie rights to make world war z a movie, cant wait to see that! remember, everyone should read these books, because its not the terrorists we should worry about, zombies are our greatest threat :P

~JohnnyBoy

If I aspired to be a SF soldier, I might consider stepping up from the Star Wars and zombie survival guides to something a bit more cerebral and useful in the current wars we are fighting.

The books you have listed tend toward the sensational/political, rather than the solid historical and analytical material that will serve you well in understanding the subjects you will need to for a UW/FID career in SF.

You can read the trash for entertainment, but until I had mastered the basics, I would not mention it here.

You might look through the Library threads to see what serious people are reading.

Best of luck.

TR

[anythingrandom]

Written by Kenneth Pollack, the author of The Threatening Storm - The Case for Invading Iraq - this book is phenomenal. It begins with a history of Middle Eastern conflict, then examines the socioeconomic issues that have led to the current woes in the ME, continues on to explore WHY America (and our allies) should be present in the region, and discusses the challenges we face. I think it is a must-read for anyone interested in these politics.

Also currently reading two books, Jihad and Taliban, by Ahmed Rashid - a Paki journalist with almost 30 years covering the regional conflicts. Both are very informative.

A Path out of the Desert - A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East is not to be confused with A Path out of the Dessert - One Man's Struggle with Chocolate Addiction.

[AMP]

Just picked this up yesterday at the library.

Boots on the Ground by Dusk My Tribute to Pat Tillman

by Mary Tillman and Narda Zacchino

[greenberetTFS]

American paratroopers become forced laborers for the Nazis. It's written by Claire E. Swedberg. It's a story about American prisoners mostly paratroopers from the 101st and 82nd Airborne who were captured,sent to Stalag XII-A, the massive prison compound in Linburg,Germany. They were treated extremely harshly by there Nazi guards and it tells how proud members of these elite fighting units managed to survive until the end of the war.......Good read, if your interested I can send it to anyone who may want to read it.

[Dozer523]

Maybe I'm not getting this, but didn't the thread begin “What are you reading now...?" Not what are you reading to impress the others on this site.

Now, as a “certificated” teacher I read lots of stuff because I am always on the lookout for books that will help me teach what our students need to know. In the art (not science) of writing a big component is called voice.
“Voice shows the writer's personality.
The writing has a sound that is different from everyone else's.
It contains feelings and emotions so that it does not sound like an encyclopedia article.
The reader should be able to sense the sincerity and honesty of the writer. The writer should be writing from the heart.
The language should bring the topic to life for the reader.
The voice should be appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience of the paper.” (Cited from kimskorner4teachertalk.com).

World War Z meets all these Points of Performance admirably! It is a book many high school and college students will read. (You gotta get them to read it to get them to learn it!)
FOR EXAMPLE -- The story of the female C-130 driver’s E and E will appeal to a 17 year old girl, (and a SERE Instructor). The reflections of the Infantry Sergeant on the initial battle when the “Fulda F**k-tard” Generals tried to fight a conventional war against an enemy “incapable of fear” might be illuminating when one faces Religious extremists. Plus any grunt who has had to do something because “The Generals” said too, will smile.

Next, I read lots of stuff. I have a pretty beatup copy of Dufffer's Drift I pull out and sometimes I just leaf through my autographed copy of Five Years to Freedom just to think about a great soldier. I’ve read everything I can lay my hands on about Afghanistan. Some of it very solid (Charlie Wilson’s War and the CIA Country Study) some a little softer (The Kite Runner) and the books by that interesting English guy who walked from Heart to Kabul -- Can’t remember cuz I give a lot of my books away, sorry. -- I learn as much from the fiction. I’ll be reading Three Cups of Tea soon. Do you understand the significance of the third cup?


Finally, I’m not an aspiring SF soldier I am one.
I served on active duty (It’s in my profile). And now I’m back in the Guard. I’m lucky enough to be able to share my SF and Conventional experience with a new generation (Literally – I have Privates who were born when I was 32 years old) My Long Tab, that I beat them on the APFT run and because I served a tour in Afghanistan give me some “street cred”. I don't expect to be "dis'd" here.

In conclusion, Lets remember that SF has always been about being the “right cut of cloth” not being the right set of clothes”. We are all entitled to walk our own paths as long as we make the objective within the time on target.

[Defender968]

Che Guevara Guerrilla Warfare with Introduction by Marc Becker

The Art of War By Mao Tse-Tung

on deck: An Enormous Crime by Bill Hendon

[HQ6]

Principles of Everyday Behavior Analysis
Educational Psychology
Behavior Modification Principles and Procedures
Behavior Disorders of Childhood

Am I a party animal or what?

[greenberetTFS]

The House of Purple Hearts,by Paul Solotaroff...Stories of Vietnam Vets who find their way back. When I went over to "Nam I was just a kid,a baby. But a year later, when I came back home,I was a very old man,and only these guys know what that felt like.
- from The House of Purple Hearts.

[PSM]

“Low Level Hell” by LTC Hugh Mills (ret). It’s an account of his days as an OH-6A (Loach) pilot for the 1ID in Viet Nam.

I ordered it because a Google search revealed that a friend is mentioned in the book as being the PL of the Lift Platoon (aka: the Four Horsemen). He and I got our Private Pilot’s licenses at the same time, but my eyesight disqualified me from the Army’s Flight School.

Pat

[Longstreet]

Not too long ago I read the book "The Unexpected War : Canada in Kandahar". Obviously it is about Canada's role in Aghansitan, but it deals more with the political side of the event rather than actual fighting. It gives reasoning as to how and why Canada is involved in Afghanistan. Ironically it appears we got involved just to keep the Americans happy . . .

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have discussed it with several coworkers. I now understand much more why we are there, and I support our decision even more. I plan on posting on this site a 'book talk/post' when I have the chance.

The book I just started reading is non-military, but is still turning out to be a good read. It is called "The Exhausted School: The First National Grassroots Speakout on the Right to School Choice". Since I am only on page ten, I will borrow a synopsis on this book from Amazon.

"Gatto, a New York state teacher of the year, and seven other speakers who are founders of successful, established programs. The speeches, which deal with the right to school choice and challenge the present school system, were presented at Carnegie Hall in 1991. The contributors propose several ideal school programs that may operate on less than one third of the budgets of contemporary public schools. They also demand free market choices in education, a topic that drew considerable attention during the recent U.S. presidential campaign.".

Again it is still too early to make any comment on this book, but so far it has been enlightening.

[echoes]

"What am I reading now?"...

Hmmm.

Old posts from The Reaper, Team Sergenat, NDD...(A.K.A. The Founding Fathers of PS.com.)

and learning!:lifter

Holly:munchin

[Atomsk]

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore- I found this by accident in a library, and it's pretty funny. It's about this guy who become Death (well more like the Grim Reapers little helper) and tries to balance that power with the fact that his life is pretty average.

Che Guevara Guerilla Warfare (intro by Mark Becker) I picked this up a few years ago from the minimall on Bragg, and i've been reading it over and over for a while now. It's pretty informative, though that's just my civilian opinion.

Machiavelli's The Prince- Great book, i've picked up a different outlook on society and life since i've read it. I think everyone should read it.

The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer - I actually bought this because it kept popping up in this show I was watching, but it's turned out to be a major learning exp. Taken from the back cover: "...describes our ancestors' primitive methods of worship, sex practices, rituals and festivals."

And a book on programming in C++

[BlackDragon0311]

just a reading off the ones i've read this past year and would highly recommend...edited this post as i'm a bit tired and had posted some other things in haste...anyway, here's the list...

*Sniper One
*Dance with the Devil by Robert Baer, former CIA on our relations with Saudi Arabia.
*See No Evil by Robert Baer, covering his career in counter-terrorism while with the CIA.
*Not a Good Day to Die, the Untold story of operation Anaconda, by Sean Naylor
*Because They Hate, by Bridgiett Gabriel
*HOGS In the Shadows, USMC Snipers in Iraq by Milo S. Afong
*Masters of Chaos by Linda Robinson
*Hunting al Qaeda : A Take-No-Prisoners Account of Terror, Adventure, and Disillusionment by Anonymous, Gerald Schumacher
*Lone Survivor : The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of Seal Team 10 by Marcus Luttrell, Patrick Robinson, Patrick Robinson
*Roughneck Nine One : The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-Team at War by Hans Halberstadt
*Brotherhood of Warriors by Aaron Cohen, Douglas Century
*We Were One : Shoulder to Shoulder with the Marines Who Took Fallujah by Patrick K. O'Donnell
*No True Glory : A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah by Bing West
*Generation Kill by Evan Wright

Those are the ones I can name off the top of my head, lol, and ones i've just read in the past year...think i'm doin ok for myself.

~JohnnyBoy

[Team Sergeant]

Maybe I'm not getting this, but didn't the thread begin “What are you reading now...?" Not what are you reading to impress the others on this site.

Now, as a “certificated” teacher I read lots of stuff because I am always on the lookout for books that will help me teach what our students need to know. In the art (not science) of writing a big component is called voice.
“Voice shows the writer's personality.
The writing has a sound that is different from everyone else's.
It contains feelings and emotions so that it does not sound like an encyclopedia article.
The reader should be able to sense the sincerity and honesty of the writer. The writer should be writing from the heart.
The language should bring the topic to life for the reader.
The voice should be appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience of the paper.” (Cited from kimskorner4teachertalk.com).

World War Z meets all these Points of Performance admirably! It is a book many high school and college students will read. (You gotta get them to read it to get them to learn it!)
FOR EXAMPLE -- The story of the female C-130 driver’s E and E will appeal to a 17 year old girl, (and a SERE Instructor). The reflections of the Infantry Sergeant on the initial battle when the “Fulda F**k-tard” Generals tried to fight a conventional war against an enemy “incapable of fear” might be illuminating when one faces Religious extremists. Plus any grunt who has had to do something because “The Generals” said too, will smile.

Next, I read lots of stuff. I have a pretty beatup copy of Dufffer's Drift I pull out and sometimes I just leaf through my autographed copy of Five Years to Freedom just to think about a great soldier. I’ve read everything I can lay my hands on about Afghanistan. Some of it very solid (Charlie Wilson’s War and the CIA Country Study) some a little softer (The Kite Runner) and the books by that interesting English guy who walked from Heart to Kabul -- Can’t remember cuz I give a lot of my books away, sorry. -- I learn as much from the fiction. I’ll be reading Three Cups of Tea soon. Do you understand the significance of the third cup?


Finally, I’m not an aspiring SF soldier I am one.
I served on active duty (It’s in my profile). And now I’m back in the Guard. I’m lucky enough to be able to share my SF and Conventional experience with a new generation (Literally – I have Privates who were born when I was 32 years old) My Long Tab, that I beat them on the APFT run and because I served a tour in Afghanistan give me some “street cred”. I don't expect to be "dis'd" here.

In conclusion, Lets remember that SF has always been about being the “right cut of cloth” not being the right set of clothes”. We are all entitled to walk our own paths as long as we make the objective within the time on target.

I think you're missing the point of The Reapers post, it's aimed at one individual and one only. It's free advice for one that desires "to attempt" to become a Special Forces soldier. That's how I read it anyway.

Team Sergeant
(ODA-514 at Bragg and Ft Campbell, KY.)

[BlackDragon0311]

if anyone is also interested, at the end of this month Robert Baer's new book, "The Devil We Know" about the growing crisis with Iran is comming out at the end of this month, highly recommend any and all of his books.

~JohnnyBoy

[Team Sergeant]

perhaps, and I sincerely mean it when I say i'm not trying to start a pissing contest with anyone on here, just started this post to know what others are reading, and to better help anyone in suggestion to good military or otherwise related books is all :)

While you may be the subject of the issue you are not considered a participant.;)

Now go do PT.

TS

[The Reaper]

I think you're missing the point of The Reapers post, it's aimed at one individual and one only. It's free advice for one that desires "to attempt" to become a Special Forces soldier. That's how I read it anyway.

Team Sergeant
(ODA-514 at Bragg and Ft Campbell, KY.)

Correct.

perhaps, and I sincerely mean it when I say i'm not trying to start a pissing contest with anyone on here, just started this post to know what others are reading, and to better help anyone in suggestion to good military or otherwise related books is all

There are a lot of good threads here discussing what people are reading. We recommend that newer members not start threads unless they are sure the topic has not already been covered.

Glad to see the serious material in your library as well.

Pissing contests here are normally short.

Enjoy your visit, best of luck.

TR

[BlackDragon0311]

game, set, and match sir. your serve? :P

anyone read ghost wars yet? I read a bit in the local library and was impressed with the bit I read, but wanted to know if anyone had a full on review they wished to share?

~JohnnyBoy

[BryanK]

Just finished Chosen Soldier, before that Secret Commandos.

Just started (don't laugh) Become A Better You by Joel Osteen.

I plan to read in between this book, On Killing.

[The Reaper]

game, set, and match sir. your serve? :P

anyone read ghost wars yet? I read a bit in the local library and was impressed with the bit I read, but wanted to know if anyone had a full on review they wished to share?

~JohnnyBoy

Johnny:

So you are going to absolutely refuse to use the Search button?

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6999&highlight=ghost+wars

TR

[BlackDragon0311]

I just prefer to get the opinions of those that are actively reading this page.

[The Reaper]

I just prefer to get the opinions of those that are actively reading this page.

You might want to do some more reading first.

Don't be lazy, do your homework.

If you want to ask about a subject that has already been covered (and you will know that if you search before asking), put a post up in that thread after reading the existing thread.

Johnny, let me be blunt. We need good troops who are strong, smart, stable, and self-motivated. No one else is going to doing your work in SFAS and the SFQC. An ODA is a small unit, without any room for people who refuse to follow instructions or pull their weight. You are not yet a member of the Brotherhood, you are a guest here. Please follow the rules, and think before posting.

TR

[Razor]

"Intermediate Financial Management", by Eugene Brigham & Philip Daves. :(

[Jack Moroney (RIP)]

"Intermediate Financial Management", by Eugene Brigham & Philip Daves. :(

Is that with or without aspirin?:D

[PSM]

Is that with or without aspirin?:D

D'oh! I was thinking Preparation-H. :D

Pat

[2 Block Secured]

I was always impressed that younger soldiers were actually reading, not what they were reading. Books are to the mind what weights are to the muscles.

TR has a point. I waited 21 years before I broadened my horizon to the classics and other material that had nothing to do with the military/politics.

Currently: Constitutional Law and the Criminal Justice System (text book)

Just finished: Scandalmongers by William Safire (you think MSM is bad now, they were brutal back in the Jefferson, Hamilton, Burr days)

On the lighter side, remember when a reading list was an appendix in the ODA SOP? It was about the same time when reading the newspaper in the team room was considered f---ing off. (you can read that current events stuff on your off time)

[dinatius]

The Warrior Elite: The Forging of SEAL Class 228
-Dick Couch

[Dozer523]

Pissing contests here are normally short.

TR

TR, that wasn't a pissing contest. Think of it as my way of making sure my name is pronounced correctly . . . I've reviewed your many, many posts --nothing seems to get by you -- Vigilance. I am delighted to be in the home of one of the brotherhood who makes this forum possible.

Final bona fide . . . that "girl" having the snit with the Library of Congress He was my B Det CO at the same time the former LTG was my Bn CO. I am staggered by both! Now will someone change that "asset" to QP?!!!:D

[ZonieDiver]

Finished "The Pentagon" by Steve Vogel - the story of the building of the Pentagon and its history since.

Working my way through David Halberstam's "The Coldest Winter" - about the Korean War - excellent so far.

Both were birthday gifts from my daughter.

[Pete S]

We Were One: Shoulder to Shoulder with the Marines Who Took Fallujah by Patrick O'Donnel.
Just started reading it last night.

[Sweetbriar]

News from Tartary by Peter Fleming, a travel classic from 1935. I'm four chapters in and, oh my golly, what an adventure this will be! Amazon has the first chapter on "look inside". That little amuse bouche should rouse your appetite and I really think many here would enjoy a trip thru that part of the world. Even in that era it has much to say about things today.

Also reading Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh. I remember the beauty and depth of the 80's series well, and thought I should at least read the book once in my life before I go to the upcoming movie version. Like any truly great novel, I'm identifying with more than I anticipated, so I have to read a chapter, then meditate for awhile. I've also got A Tale of Two Cities running in the same manner. I never could go this slow in my youth, but now that I have no goal whatsoever other than my own pleasure the rewards seem to be even greater.

I've got For Whom the Bell Tolls up next in honor of John McCain, and Love in the Time of Cholera just for the discipline of raking my soul over the coals - I fear my heart has grown cold.

[The Reaper]

TR, that wasn't a pissing contest. Think of it as my way of making sure my name is pronounced correctly . . .

Wasn't directed at you, it was underneath the quote by Black Dragon and was for him.

TR

[msgec]

.

[-=Reign=-]

For leisure:
Watchmen, and Generation Kill.

[Go Devil]

Alas Babylon, and Captured by the Indians/15 first hand accounts, 1750-1870.

[Sigaba]

James Holloway III, Aircraft Carriers at War: A Personal Retrospective of Korea, Vietnam, and the Soviet Confrontation

F. J. (Bing) West and Ray Smith, The March Up: Taking Baghdad with the United States Marines

John D. Sherwood, Black Sailor, White Navy: Racial Unrest in the Fleet during the Vietnam War Era

James Stavridis, Destroyer Captain: Lessons of a First Command

[Roguish Lawyer]

Now that I am finished with the ENTIRE Harry Potter series, which my kids MADE me read, I can get back to serious stuff. LOL

[Richard]

"Easy Company Soldier" SGT Don Malarkey
"A Tale of Two Subs" Jonathan McCullough
"Stupid History" Leland Gregory
"How To Win A Fight With A Liberal" Daniel Kurtzman My SUV Can Beat Up Your Prius!

Richard :munchin

[brewmonkey]

We Are Soldiers Still, A Journey Back To The Battlefields Of Vietnam-LTG(R) Hal Moore & Joe Galloway

Warrior King, The Triumph And Betrayal Of An American Commander In Iraq-LTC(R) Nathan Sassaman

The 7th Infantry Regiment Combat, In An Age Of Terror Korea Through The Present-John C. McManus

I just joined the Military Book club and ended up buying 10 books right off the bat.

[Pete]

The Diaries of Parker Pasha - Edited by H.V.F. Winstone

Fills in a lot around the exploits of Ol' Lawrence.

And Parker Pasha was.....

[Shans84]

Rogue Warrior by Richard Marcinko

Unleashing The Warrior Within by Richard J. Machowicz

[dennisw]

Two books I'm wading my way through are War and Decision by Douglas Feith and Terror and Consent by Philip Bobbitt. Both are good. I have to keep a dictionary handy for the one by Bobbitt.

[coolshock1]

Currently 3/4 through:

Trigger Men: Shadow Team, Spider-Man, the Magnificent Bastards, and the American Combat Sniper
by Hans Halberstadt

Next on my list and on my dresser waiting is:

House to House: A Soldier's Memoir
by David Bellavia (Author), John Bruning (Contributor)

[Stras]

Just finished up Four Hours in My Lai by Michael Bilton. very disturbing.

Finally found a copy of the Devil's Guard by George Elford. It was reprinted in 1985 by Dell and is available in used copies on Amazon for a decent price. Unless you want to pay $300 for an original copy.

[Richard]

"America" Bob Schieffer
"Big Man on Campus" GWU President Emeritus Stephen Trachtenberg speaks out on higher ed

Richard :munchin

[Books]

End of Faith by Sam Harris. A rationalist attack on the religious fundmentalists and their suicide vests. So far pretty good.

Before that, The Game by Neil Strauss. A book about the pick-up artist sub culture by an investigative journalist who spent 2 years becoming the love guru. You might learn something in it at the expense of your soul.

There were some other books, but I can not seem to remember them. . .

[afchic]

Just finished Rumsfeld's War and The Assasins Gate. The first is a very interesting read if you ever get the chance. Written by Dale Herspring who is a life long republican, and his thoughts on Rumsfeld. I would have expected his viewpoint from a democrat, but from a fellow republican, it is pretty scathing.

Currently reading The Ugly American, Fiasco, and Power Terror Peace and War (by Walter Russell) which is interesting to read while reading Fiasco at the same time. The authors come up with some very different conclusions on the Bush Administration.

Next Up The White Tigers and In the Midst of Wars.

[Sigaba]

William F. Buckley, Jr., The Reagan I Knew

This posthumously published work sketches Pup's friendship with Dutch.

Reagan is so easy to like, the fact that during the 1980s I didn't is a testament to how far up one's own butt an angst-ridden know it all teenager can put his own head.

[jbour13]

Again.....Bear Went over the Mountain: Soviet Combat Tactics in Afghanistan Lester Grau

And Again.....
The Other Side of the Mountain: Mujahideen Tactics in the Soviet-Afghan War Lester Grau and Ali Ahmad Jalali

For the President's Eyes Only: Secret Intelligence and the American Presidency from Washington to Bush Christopher Andrew

Koran, Kalashnikov, and Laptop: The Neo-Taliban Insurgency in Afghanistan
Antonio Giustozzi

And see attached: Good for any staffers such as myself!!

[MVS2]

The Tunnels of Cu Chi
Men's Health

[ryno]

I'm currently reading FM 7-22.7 and The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. The latter was sent to me by my wife who was insistent I read it. It's not a bad book so far.

[msgec]

.

[MAB32]

"The Cases That Haunt Us" By John Douglas & Mark Olshaker. "The Anatomy of Motive" By John Douglas & Mark Olshaker is on deck. John Douglas is a retired FBI agent and was part of the FBI's elite profiling group. By the way, the Zodiak Killer was Arthur Leigh Allen according to Mr. Douglas.

[JumpinJoe1010]

I picked up my copy of An Enormous Crime. It gets me fired up, and I am only to Part II.

The second book I picked up is the Day of Battle. It is the second book in the trilogy series by Rick Atkinson. The first book, Army at Dawn, was an excellent accounting of World War II starting with Operation Torch and Husky. It gave accounts from Privates to Generals, and the difficulties they had with their operation and the need for gaining experience. It was also the first time I learned of the fatal fratricide incident involving the 82nd Airborne and our Air Defense.

[tacops]

Read:
Various books on training
Wilderness Survival
Wilderness Living
Get Selected!
SAS Guide to Tracking

Soon to be read:
Starship Troopers
Gates of Fire
On Killing
On Combat
Book of 5 Rings (+2 other "Samurai" books)
Man's Search for Meaning
Inside Delta Force

On deck:
Leadership and Training for the Fight: A Few Thoughts on Leadership and Training from a Former Special Operations Soldier
Sharpening the Warriors Edge: The Psychology & Science of Training

[The Reaper]

tacops:

You need to reread the board rules and stickies and comply before posting again.

TR

[JSE]

Let's see... right now, I'm re-reading Nick Brokhausen's We Few because I absolutely love his writing style and it gives me tons of inspiration to finish my own book. I'm also trying to finish Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts; big, thick book right there. After that, I'll probably start on Spies & Commandos or The Secret War Against Hanoi.

[AngelsSix]

I am currently reading Secrets and Lies by Gordon Thomas. Interesting so far. Funny that both Cheney and Rumsfeld are in the book, which centers around the search for torture and mind control techniques.

[Pulsar]

Currently reading "Being and Time" by Martin Heidegger, "The Republic" by Plato, and "A Rulebook for Arguments" by Anthony Weston. Finished reading "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. Planning on getting "Get Selected! for Special Forces" by Major Joseph J. Martin next week.

[bravo22b]

Currently reading:

The Coldest Winter; David Halberstam - a great book, I highly recommend it.
The Nature and Art of Workmanship; David Pye
FM 23-10
FM 3-05.222

Recently read:

House to House; David Bellavia
Jawbreaker; Gary Berntsen
Imperial Hubris; Michael Scheuer
Atlas Shrugged; Ayn Rand
Masters of Chaos; Linda Robinson
Manual of Traditional Wood Carving; Paul N. Hasluck
War of the Worlds; Niall Ferguson

[MtnGoat]

I am currently reading Seven Troop by Andy McNab's. Interesting so far.

[MVS2]

Immediate Action, Andy McNab

[Gypsy]

One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick

[freerider04]

I'm in the middle of a Calculus textbook. Online classes didn't hold my attention, so I self teach things that interest me. I'm glad my sister is an engineer, since I need help every so often.

As far as normal reading, Moon Shot by Deke Slayton and Alan Shepard. Excellent book, especially if you are a space nerd like me.

[jbour13]

I am currently reading Seven Troop by Andy McNab's. Interesting so far.

You would read that!! I'll send you some books....better yet, any objections to me bringing some??

Didn't think so. :D

[Sigaba]

One Bullet Away by Nathaniel Fick

Gypsy,

I'm interested to learn what you think of Frick's memoir. I found it interesting and, at one point in particular, astounding. No spoiler here.

[SF_BHT]

Richards Post from Doctrine and History Post....

I am a simple man.:p:munchin

[Gypsy]

Gypsy,

I'm interested to learn what you think of Frick's memoir. I found it interesting and, at one point in particular, astounding. No spoiler here.

I've just begun reading it, so once finished I'll come back and answer...

[The antihero]

I'm in the middle of a reading spree myself. Since 10/15/2008 I have read:

The Martial Tao Te Ching - Wang Chen (edited by Ralph D. Sawyer)
The Enterprise of Law - Bruce L. Benson
One Bullet Away - Nathaniel Flick
House to House - David Bellavia
Making a Killing - James Ashcroft
The Sheriff of Ramadi - Dick Couch
Brave New War - John Robb
I Compagni del Fuoco - Ernesto Aloia (this is an Italian novel I wish you could read. The author is a personal friend of mine. The novel gives you the real picture of the european anti-war movement against GWOT)

Started today: Ender's Game - Orson Scott card

Next:

Empire Made Me - Robert Bickers
Policing Shanghai - Frederic Wakeman
The Shanghai Badlands - Frederick Wakeman

[ksgbobo]

For my Modern War class the last book we are reading is Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam by John A. Nagl. Plus I am reading I dont know how many books about the Spanish conquest of Mexico by Hernan Cortes and the Tlaxcalas.

[Richard]

Just picked up a copy of Kill Bin Laden for $6.98 at a used book store. :p

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[Sigaba]

Just picked up a copy of Kill Bin Laden for $6.98 at a used book store. :p

Richard's $.02 :munchin

I got it soon after it came out. I made it through the first forty or so pages and then had to put it down. I found the introduction defensive (but ineffective). The tone is condescending (he holds his readers in contempt). In my opinion, he seems not to respect the dignity of his soldiers. The writing is, at best, terrible.

[vsvo]

Liberty's Blueprint: How Madison and Hamilton Wrote the Federalist Papers, Defined the Constitution, and Made Democracy Safe for the World by Michael I. Meyerson

Chosen Soldier: The Making of a Special Forces Warrior by Dick Couch

Kill Bin Laden: A Delta Force Commander's Account of the Hunt for the World's Most Wanted Man by Dalton Fury

[optactical]

Just finished "The World is Flat" and "The Pentagon's New Map" started "Piercing the Reich" yesterday.

So far all very good reads, PTR was written in '78 and is all about the OSS.

[Jgood]

How to read a person like a book by Nierenberg and Calero

Discusses body language and its meaning, so far pretty good read.

[Go Devil]

For Whom the Bell Toll's

[Plutarch]

I am re-reading The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes.

[ZonieDiver]

Just finished "The World is Flat" and "The Pentagon's New Map" started "Piercing the Reich" yesterday.

So far all very good reads, PTR was written in '78 and is all about the OSS.

I bought and read Piercing the Reich when it came out in '78. I, too, highly recommend it!

[12B4S]

A few weeks ago, while still living in FL and waiting to get on the computer, I picked up a book by Tom Clancy and John Grisham titled Special Forces. Early in the book, Clancy is doing an interview with General Shelton and asks him which guys stood out more to him of those he served with. He mentioned Doc Simpson on page 38. Served with him when he was assigned to SOG- Project Delta. In the brief description, he very accurately describe Doc. Doc was my Team Daddy at Flint. However, I got the guy to smile at times. Didn't want to mess with Doc. :D

[zauber1]

I'm reading Flashman and the Great Game by George MacDonald Frasier for the 15th time.

[Richard]

General Shelton...assigned to SOG- Project Delta.

FWIW - GEN--then CPT--Shelton was in B52 (Delta) which was not under SOG. B56 (Sigma) and B57 (Gamma) were when they moved to SOG 5/68 and were absorbed into CCS and CCC.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[12B4S]

FWIW - GEN--then CPT--Shelton was in B52 (Delta) which was not under SOG. B56 (Sigma) and B57 (Gamma) were when they moved to SOG 5/68 and were absorbed into CCS and CCC.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Yep... that's right. He did say he was assigned to B52. Read the passage some 3 to 4 weeks ago. There were several guys on the Team who served in SOG. Normally back then, it was referred to as CC. The only reason, I knew any had served in CC was some of the others on the Team, who hadn't knew who did. The guys that did never mentioned it. Thinking back, Flint had many that served with SOG. Could tell, because any given Friday or Saturday night at the NCO club. One would lose track of how many tongues were stuck in your ear. :D

[ZonieDiver]

FWIW - GEN--then CPT--Shelton was in B52 (Delta) which was not under SOG. B56 (Sigma) and B57 (Gamma) were when they moved to SOG 5/68 and were absorbed into CCS and CCC.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Never forget that it was the actions of B-57 in regard to "Chuyen" that led to the "Green Beret Affair" and the reaction of Gen Abrams to Col Rheault and the handling of said "affair" that eventually resulted in the slaughter of SF in the early 70's when Abrams ascended to Chief of Staff in '72! Several people, such as CPT B. Williams were forever "branded" for actions that, IMHO, were in the best interests of the nation.

[Puertoland]

Finished "Chosen Soldier" by Dick Couch, absorbed that book in a week, and enjoyed it.

Am now reading "Masters of Chaos", not a bad book at all.

I'll be ordering "Get Selected" next.

[dr. mabuse]

Re-reading "The Sword and the Shield" and "The World was Going Our Way" by Vasili Mitrokhin.

[SF_BHT]

Reading - Vietnam Studies, U.S. Army Special Forces, 1961-1971
Good info from a historical standpoint.


You can read it on the web at:
http://www.history.army.mil/books/Vietnam/90-23/90-23C.htm

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

Always reading something and have a stack to read.. Presently finishing "The Haj" by Leon Uriss. The most outstanding of books to read and help understand the Arab mentate.
This book should be mandatory readinf for every team member before deployment to the Sand box.
I'm finishing also "Understanding Firearm Ballistics" by Robert A. Rinker. It's dry but very informative.
I see many books here I'll have to try. Blitz

[ZonieDiver]

Re-reading "The Raid" by Benjamin Schemmer.

[Richard]

Re-reading "The Raid" by Benjamin Schemmer.

This is supposed to be a good book according to some friends on the raid--an updated version written by the pilot of Cherry-One (the lead MC-130E).

SECRET and DANGEROUS: Night of the Son Tay P.O.W. Raid
William A. Guenon, Jr.

http://www.sontayraid.com/#top

I haven't read it yet but it's on my Xmas wish list. :)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[Penn]

Mongols influence on bread making, yeast fermentations, while mounted and on the move from 8th century infantry records of the Chinese Tang emperors, through the resurfacing in the 11th century under Genghis Khan.

[ZonieDiver]

This is supposed to be a good book according to some friends on the raid--an updated version written by the pilot of Cherry-One (the lead MC-130E).

SECRET and DANGEROUS: Night of the Son Tay P.O.W. Raid
William A. Guenon, Jr.

http://www.sontayraid.com/#top

I haven't read it yet but it's on my Xmas wish list. :)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

Looks like a great book, Richard. That'll be next. Thanks for sharing!

[morolen]

Getting back to some hard sci-fi, Red Mars and The Forever War as well as Armor by John Steakly, course that is not all that "hard" per say, but a good tale nevertheless.

[zuluzerosix]

Manchild in the Promised Land, Claude Brown

I found this book in a garbage can at Champion Main ( back in 1990) near Al Jubayl, Saudi Arabia. I have read it many, many times. I just can't seem to get rid of it. I started reading it again last week.

The Truth About Managing People, Stephen P. Robbins
(Don't waste your money on this one; so far there is one good chapter in the book about matching personalities and jobs. Other than that, a waste of time.)

[Red Flag 1]

The Life of Senna.

The biography of Ayrton Senna by Tom Rubython.


RF 1

[gl092180]

http://www.military.com/entertainment/books/book-reviews/military-bookshelf-leadership-lessons

[The Reaper]

http://www.military.com/entertainment/books/book-reviews/military-bookshelf-leadership-lessons

You need to reread your registration message and comply with the rules for this board before posting again.

TR

[ksgbobo]

Reading We Were Soldiers Once...and Young, Lt. Gen Harold Moore and Josephy Galloway.

[cornelyj]

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=tOHB1tAQVF4C&dq=shooter+a+davis&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=BI9GRj2DjK&sig=Fb7M2MPF6zeo4IAzdBY6cfDxj2c&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPP1,M1
Similar story to Generation Kill... good read so far. About the events that took place from the view of 29 stumps grunts prior to 9/11 and the aspect of the run and gun distance shooter aka sniper. Wonder what the QP's have to say about this aspect of the battlefield.

[Ret10Echo]

1794: America, Its Army, and the Birth of a Nation
Dave R. Palmer

A very interesting read on the time between the Treaty of Paris and through the Constitutional Convention and how very close things came to being quite different.

[Warrior-Mentor]

The Mission, The Men & Me by Pete Blaber.

Pretty good read...one of those books I wish was around when I was a 2LT....

[VVVV]

Bud Wilkinson, An Intimate Portrait of an American of an American Legend by Jay Wilkinson

I just started it yesterday...Boomer Sooner!

Colt Terry, Green Beret by Charles D Patton

Will be starting this ASAP.

2LT Terry was in Class # 2 of the SFQC (1952) and deployed to Germany in '53 with the 10th.

[Blackthorne]

Currently reading "One Bullet Away" by Nate Fick and "Warrior Soul: The Memoir of a Navy Seal" by Chuck Pfarrer



Coming up I would like to re-read "On Killing" and "On Combat" by Col. Dave Grossman as I have a differnet perspective now than I did when I first read them.

I am also trying to secure a Regimental copy of "The Bullet Proof Mind" books and DVD also by Grossman. I have heard great things about them.

[ZonieDiver]

This is supposed to be a good book according to some friends on the raid--an updated version written by the pilot of Cherry-One (the lead MC-130E).

SECRET and DANGEROUS: Night of the Son Tay P.O.W. Raid
William A. Guenon, Jr.

http://www.sontayraid.com/#top

I haven't read it yet but it's on my Xmas wish list. :)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

I ordered this book online today (I never could wait for Christmas!) and got a nice email from the author. He seems like a great guy, except for saying that "Dalton Fury's" book would be a "good read"! (But he's a FOG like me.):o

[jbour13]

Marching Towards Hell: America and Islam After Iraq.
Michael F. Scheuer

Human Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and National Leadership
Gary Berntsen

[SRGross]

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield very good
Not a Good Day to Die, Naylor, forgot the first name
The Bible

[gl092180]

Highly recommend it, he's the same guy that was featured in Not a good day to die. His take on what really happened during operation Anaconda is much clearer than Sean Naylor's, and much more dynamic. The lessons in the book are what set it apart, (Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq, terrorist planning, John Walker Lindy) all fascinating story's. I'm out now, but the lessons are just as valuable for life as they are combat.

[Gypsy]

Not a Good Day to Die, Naylor, forgot the first name


Sean.


Anyone read Mission: Blacklist #1 yet?

http://www.amazon.com/Mission-Hussein-As-Soldier-Masterminded-Capture/dp/006171447X

From Publishers Weekly
In 2003, Staff Sgt. Maddox was an army interrogation specialist on his first field assignment in Iraq gathering information on bad guys. The unexpectedly rapid collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime made that category a broad one. Sent to Tikrit, Saddams home town, Maddox found no system for screening detainees to identify priority targets. That began to change with one of Saddams bodyguards, Maddoxs first serious interrogation and the first step to Saddams capture. With freelance writer Seay (coauthor, Hello Charlie) providing the polish, Maddox takes readers through an intense multilevel series of question-and-answer games that led slowly, with many false starts and sidetracks, to Saddams hideout. Maddox makes no secret of his mistakes: losing his temper, failing to control interrogations, seeking information rather than cultivating insight. We weren't in the United States and my job wasn't to hand down justice, he writes. His account is a welcome corrective to lurid accounts of interrogation techniques, frequently secondhand. The capture of Saddam Hussein, like all good intelligence work, was 5% insight and 95% patience. Brutality, Maddox makes clear, was not merely counterproductive but unnecessary. 8 pages of color photos. (Dec. 13)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

[eric ford]

Finished
Never Surrender by LTG William "Jerry" Boykin (ret)

Currently
The Mission, The Men, And Me by Peter Blaber

Next
Kill Bin Ladin by "Dalton Fury"
How To Break A Terrorist by Matthew Alexander

[anythingrandom]

To anyone that has read the Rober Baer books on the CIA....

I recently finished "The CIA at War" by Ronald Kessler, which has a short segment about RB's behavior. I have read all of RB's works, enjoyed them all, but forgot my grain of salt and took them all as fact.

Kessler really puts emphasis on exactly how difficult of a job the CIA has, and how their successes are measured against their shortcomings. I found it an excellent rebuttal to much of Baer's work.

I'm reading currently "The Craft of Intelligence" by Dulles, and have found it very interesting. As it is published in 1963, a lot of the information is now outdated, but it is very neat to see how many things he correctly predicted about the future of intel.

At one point in the book, he talks about a "machine" that can sort through applicants looking for someone who is fluent in Swahili and French, over 35yo, not married, and under 5' 8''. It only took 40 seconds for his machine to complete the search! Blazing speed!

Also, intelligence operations from the Bible, middle ages, and early American history are discussed, providing excellent lines between how much and how little intelligence has changed. Although much of the book is spent talking about how to counter the Soviet threat, the lessons are easily applied to today's conflicts.

[SRGross]

Finished
Never Surrender by LTG William "Jerry" Boykin (ret), got it signed

Gates Of Fire, also finished really enjoyed it

Reflections of a Warrior, By MoH CSM Frank Miller, another good read

Started

Two Wars, Nate Self US Army Ranger

Black hawk Down, Mark Bowen

On Killing, Lt Col Dav Grossman, I heard good things about this one

[jbour13]

Kill Bin Ladin by
Dalton Fury

The Mission, The Men, And Me
Pete Blaber

Finished On Killing by Grossman and read the article that was posted not long ago http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20849
Have to agree with TR, really close to the same.

I've a copy of On Combat that I'm starting next week.

[SRGross]

I've a copy of On Combat that I'm starting next week
I was thinking of picking it up, post your thoughts on it when you finish

[Richard]

Rereading The Ugly American after some 38 years. I'd forgotten what a good book it really is...especially for QPs.

Guy--you should read it; you'll identify many of the book's 'characters' among those with whom you currently have to mingle. ;)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[jbour13]

I've a copy of On Combat that I'm starting next week
I was thinking of picking it up, post your thoughts on it when you finish

It'll be some time since I'm focused on a few other more important issues. I will most likely finish it mid-month January.

I believe a few here have read it already.

http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15843&highlight=Grossman

Seems like a minor amount has been discussed, some may chime in for a book review.

[kawika]

I'm reading eastern approaches by Fitzroy Maclean. Really awesome book so far, true adventure story about a person who goes from being a consulate in russia, to exploring all of asia, afghanistan, and joins the army. Great true story.

[alright4u]

If I aspired to be a SF soldier, I might consider stepping up from the Star Wars and zombie survival guides to something a bit more cerebral and useful in the current wars we are fighting.

The books you have listed tend toward the sensational/political, rather than the solid historical and analytical material that will serve you well in understanding the subjects you will need to for a UW/FID career in SF.

You can read the trash for entertainment, but until I had mastered the basics, I would not mention it here.

You might look through the Library threads to see what serious people are reading.

Best of luck.

TR

I do not read Plaster or anyone. I knew Harve Saal. I knew Bolen was the best.

[Honor2Serve]

Currently reading The Arab Mind By Raphael Patai.

Gives good insight into the Arab mentality. Taking a while to get through it though, as I have found it is more effective than counting sheep could ever be.


H2S

[perdurabo]

World War Z by Max Brooks - Zombie post-apocalypse as told by fictional accounts by survivors. Only a couple chapters in, but entertaining and good food for thought for pandemics.

http://www.amazon.com/World-War-Z-History-Zombie/dp/0307346617/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230311222&sr=8-1

Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed by Ben R. Rich and Leo Janos. Excellent book, RIP Ben Rich

http://www.amazon.com/Skunk-Works-Personal-Memoir-Lockheed/dp/0316743003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230311156&sr=8-1

And as always, I continue to hammer on Atlas Shrugged, which will probably take me years to read. I can't bear to read one book at a time.

[lksteve]

I am bogged down right now with the Revised Statutes that pertain to land surveying in Colorado and Wyoming...and of course, I am reading the recent revisions to the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission's handbook....a real page turner...:rolleyes:

[echoes]

I am bogged down right now with the Revised Statutes that pertain to land surveying in Colorado and Wyoming...and of course, I am reading the recent revisions to the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission's handbook....a real page turner...:rolleyes:

Real quick...as I am not reading anything remotely interesting...i.e. Was given John Grisham novels for Christmas.

"They" (friends) keep telling me also to go to law school. We'll see.:lifter

Be safe lksteve Sir!

Holly

[lksteve]

"They" (friends) keep telling me also to go to law school. We'll see.That's sorta like a subscription to the book-a-day club, isn't it...?:eek:

[stickey]

I searched the forum, not hits...but has anyone read "Hunting the Jackal" by Billy Waugh? I'm about to start the last chapter and am interested on anyone elses take on it?

Got the paperback a few days ago at the exchange thinking it was going to be a good read considering that Mr. Waugh was SF, then CIA*, and hunting Osama at the age of 70+. Maybe it was the way it was written, but I now have fluctuating opinions.

Anyone else?


*contractor

[The Reaper]

I searched the forum, not hits...but has anyone read "Hunting the Jackal" by Billy Waugh? I'm about to start the last chapter and am interested on anyone elses take on it?

Got the paperback a few days ago at the exchange thinking it was going to be a good read considering that Mr. Waugh was SF, then CIA*, and hunting Osama at the age of 70+. Maybe it was the way it was written, but I now have fluctuating opinions.

Anyone else?


*contractor

Your Search skills are weak.

TR

[stickey]

Your Search skills are weak.

TR

I stand corrected. I searched under "this thread" for "hunting the jackal", "Waugh", and "Billy Waugh".

Went back and searched under the entire library section. Some questions answered through the search. Thanks. No need to reply to my original question.

Search skill getting stronger.

[Doc 1/69]

Just finished
Grossman's: On Killing (Razor's view of Grossman seemed right on point to me http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15843&highlight=Grossman)
McCullough 's: John Adams
Couch's: Chosen Solider (GREAT Read - sent it on to my parents for their education)

Reading Now
Pharmaceutical Calcualtions "Textbook" - Correspondence Course
The Koran (Got tired of hearing all the conflicting opinions out there, and decided to make my own)

[Monsoon65]

My wife got me, "When hell breaks loose" by Cody Lundin. It's a survival guide that reminded her about the "Be Prepared" thread we have going on here.

So far, so good.

[The antihero]

Civilization and its Enemies by Lee Harris. Very interesting. A lot of food for thought.

Next: The Suicide of Reason also by Lee Harris.

[Richard]

...true adventure story about a person who goes from being a consulate in russia...

How does one go about 'being a consulate'??? :confused:

Consulates (buildings and organizations) are subordinate diplomatic missions under the control of the embassy and staffed by 'consular officers' (people) and headed by a 'Consul General' (person). For example, the AmEmbassy in Germany is located in Berlin but has consulates in Hamburg, Munchen, Leipzig, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt...each headed by a 'Consul General.'

Richard's $.02

[Go Devil]

Through Russia

"In this Russia of ours none of us really knows why he has come into existence.
True, each of us knows that he was born, and that he is alive, and that one day he will die: but which of us knows the reason why all of that is so?"

Maxim Gorky

[Razor]

My wife got me, "When hell breaks loose" by Cody Lundin. It's a survival guide that reminded her about the "Be Prepared" thread we have going on here.

So far, so good.

His "98.6" was pretty good; I'll add his new one to the list.

[KW9598]

The Lost Boys of Sudan
Mark Bixler.

(DVD under the same title and God Grew Tired of Us, also great doc's)

[kellyeod]

It's interesting. Thank god I didn't buy it though. A friend thought well enough of me to give it as a gift.

[crash]

Just finished "hope they serve beer in hell" the other day, hysterical. Now Reading Roberts Ridge.

[turboprop]

Just finished The Mission, The Men, and Me by Pete Blaber as well. The book was excellent. Other than being interesting, the is a primer for initiating the kind of problem solving mentality that is the key to success. His repetition of key ideas drives the lessons home. Officer and NCO alike can learn from from his experience. Come to think of it, now is probably a great time to reread Leadership and Training for the Fight (Paul Howe).

"There is always a way!" Pete Blaber

[SRGross]

The Mission, The Men, and Me , I am going to have to put it on the top of mt book list.

[mswilliams]

Reading:
1. American Lion: The Andrew Jackson Whitehouse - Jon Meacham
2. 7 Pillars of Wisdom: A triumph - T.E. Lawrence (this is a real chore to get through)
3. Fire from the Forest: SAS in WWII - Roger Ford

Just Finished:
1. The Few - Alex Kershaw (American Pilots in the RAF during the Battle of Britain)
2. Ivan's War: Life and Death in the Red Army: 1939 - 1945 - Catherine Merridale

On Deck:
1. Future Jihad - Walid Phares
2. From Pusan to Panmunjom - Gen Paik Sun Yup (the guy autographed it for me the least I could do is read it)

[Monsoon65]

His "98.6" was pretty good; I'll add his new one to the list.


I was checking "98.6" and I think that might be the next one I buy.

[Hillbilly1]

Currently:
"The Doors of Perception" by Aldous Huxley
"Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature" by Richard Rorty

[LR27]

The Devil We Know. Robert Baer.

[Slade]

1. See No Evil - Robert Baer (Longrange27, curious to know what you think of his new one)
2. The Mission, The Men, and Me - Pete Blaber
3. Two Nations Under God: Why you should care about Israel - Tom Doyle

[afo417]

Got a few books for Christmas, The one by Blaber (sorry I don't know the rank he left the Army with).

I am currently reading "American Lion" about Presidnert Jackson, a little on the difficult side... but I have learned the more things staty the same... moral / ethical / fiancial scandals and special interests

And I just started the book by LTG Boykin "Never Surrender".

Before these I reread "Leadership and Training for the Fight" by MSG Howe.

Before joining I read some controversy over some of the SFOD-D and SF types writing books, but I have to say, in my opinion, that everyone involved in militay / LE / corrections training should read it.

On the other hand I am also open to being "enlightened" by those with more experience.

I was also looking for 'JTF2: Canadas Secret Commandos ' Has anyone read it?

[LR27]

1. See No Evil - Robert Baer (Longrange27, curious to know what you think of his new one)
2. The Mission, The Men, and Me - Pete Blaber
3. Two Nations Under God: Why you should care about Israel - Tom Doyle
I read See No Evil about 5 years ago. I liked it, especially the chapters in Lebanon and Iraq. The film 'Syriana' is loosely based on the book, with Clooney playing Baer.

His new book, The Devil We Know, is particularly interesting to me because I am borderline obsessed with the Iran issue. If there is any author who I would consider a SME on Iran, its Baer. I've seen some interviews with him, and he's a bit of a lib, but he has seen a ton of things I haven't, so he might have proper cause to be. The Clinton administration, particularly the NSC, screwed him and the Kurds big time in Iraq. The book addresses the power play in the Middle East, and how Iran is attempting to create another Vietnam for us in Iraq. There is no question that Iran is the most powerful and dangerous country in the Middle East, and Baer discusses what he thinks be done about it. Great read so far, I recommend it.

[Gypsy]

Just started reading My Detachment by Tracy Kidder.

On deck:

Ronald Reagan, How an Ordinary Man became an Extraordinary Leader by Dinesh D'Souza

One Soldier's Story by Bob Dole

Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts by Robert D. Kaplan


All picked up for $1.50 ea at the new resale shop across from my apartment. :lifter

[True Believer]

Just finished Chosen Soldier; Dick Couch.

Now Unlimited Power; Anthony Robbins. Thanks WM

[MAB32]

Reading Plaster's book again. I am also reading the Bible. Up on deck is "Soldiers's Heart" By Lee Burkins.

[JSE]

Up on deck is "Soldier's Heart" By Lee Burkins.

Very powerful stuff; Lee's a hell of a guy, too.

I just finished Kill bin Laden and I am well aware of what many QPs think of this book, but I will say that I enjoyed reading it.

[LR27]

Just finished The Mission, the Men, and Me.

It was very well written. His thoughts on leadership, strategy, and the military decision making process were very insightful. 'Always listen to the guy on the ground.' Great read.

[IRONRKSNS]

I just started "The mission, The Men, and Me" maybe IOBC can add this to their "must-read" list.

[BryanK]

Currently reading the new FM 21-76 in preparation for camping season. Just read On Killing. I found it to be a bit monotonous.

[afchic]

Is anyone going to think less of me if I tell you my last read was the book "Twilight"?:o My 11 year old wants to read it, and I felt I needed to read it first to see if it was appropriate. Not too bad if you are into that kind of stuff.

[Monsoon65]

Is anyone going to think less of me if I tell you my last read was the book "Twilight"?:o My 11 year old wants to read it, and I felt I needed to read it first to see if it was appropriate. Not too bad if you are into that kind of stuff.

My niece is 15 and loves that series of books.

[ryno]

I finished "Five Years to Freedom," by James N. Rowe a couple of weeks ago. Talk about a book that rips your heart out only to fill you with elation in the end. Unfortunately, I'm now so buried in reading for my college courses that I have little time for recreational reading. I do, however, have a copy of "Leadership and Training for the Fight," by Paul Howe on standby for when I get some free time.

[HQ6]

I started the MA program for Criminal Justice this semester... so here is the latest reading list (LEO's out there might find some of these interesting):

A Thesis Resource Guide for Criminology and Criminal Justice by McShane & Williams
History and Crime by Godfrey, Lawrence, & Williams
Fundamentals of Research in Criminology and Criminal Justice by Bachman & Schutt
Crime and Punishment: A History of the Criminal Justice System by Roth
Criminological Theory: Essential Readings by Cullen & Agnew
Criminological Theory Williams & McShane

Also:
Fitness Theory and Practice and another textbook for Personal Training Certification from AFAA

Life is one big PAR-TAY! :D

[airbn5]

Currently finishing up The book of five rings, by Mushashi Miyamoto; reading Leadership and training for the fight, by MSG Paul Howe for the second time(thanks Cric); and The Book of Luke from the Bible.

[einherjar]

... Just read On Killing. I found it to be a bit monotonous.

I am also trying to get through "On Killing" by LT. COL. Dave Grossman. Interesting, but very dense so far. The most enjoyable part for me so far has been the Dedication. It was a poem written by John Masefield called "A Consecration."

Not of the princes and prelates with periwigged charioteers
Riding triumphantly laurelled to lap the fat of the years,--
Rather the scorned -- the rejected -- the men hemmed in with the spears;

The men of the tattered battalion which fights till it dies,
Dazed with the dust of the battle, the din and the cries,
The men with the broken heads and the blood running into their eyes.

Not the be-medalled Commander, beloved of the throne,
Riding cock-horse to parade when the bugles are blown,
But the lads who carried the koppie and cannot be known.

Not the ruler for me, but the ranker, the tramp of the road,
The slave with the sack on his shoulders pricked on with the goad,
The man with too weighty a burden, too weary a load.

The sailor, the stoker of steamers, the man with the clout,
The chantyman bent at the halliards putting a tune to the shout,
The drowsy man at the wheel and the tired lookout.

Others may sing of the wine and the wealth and the mirth,
The portly presence of potentates goodly in girth;--
Mine be the dirt and the dross, the dust and scum of the earth!

THEIRs be the music, the colour, the glory, the gold;
Mine be a handful of ashes, a mouthful of mould.
Of the maimed, of the halt and the blind in the rain and the cold --
Of these shall my songs be fashioned, my tales be told.

AMEN.

A Consecration

John Masefield

I also have "On Combat" another by Grossman, which I'll take a stab at once I finish the first one.

[Defender968]

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

[Foots]

The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable

[Guy]

THE Myth OF Multitasking

HOW "DOING IT ALL" GETS NOTHING DONE

Stay safe.

[Richard]

Just finished rereading Mein Kampf (last time I read it was in German for an MA course for German speakers at IU) and it's just as awkward a read in English. Now rereading The Hobbit after not having read it in several decades...and am enjoying it immensely. I am now at Boern's lodge just West of Mirkwood. :)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[Horse]

Just started "Stonehenge" by Bernard Cornwell. Nerver read anything by him that I didnt like.

[Gypsy]

Just started Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts by Robert D. Kaplan, but today I just received my copy of Out of Captivity, Surviving 1,967 days in the Colombian Jungle by Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell and Tom Howes with Gary Brozek so I'll put down the former to start this one tonight.

[Saoirse]

Just started "Honduras to Haiti, Five Years in the Life of a Special Force Sergeant" by Ronald W. Johnson. I met the author a couple weeks ago at a local QP hang-out that I bartend at parttime. It's autographed! :cool:

[rocknrolla]

I read primarily for pleasure. That being said, I have read and highly recommend all of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp series of books. Additionaly, I enjoy Brad Thor, Tom Clancy, and Andrew Britton.

Currently Reading:

The Last Jihad by Rosenberg

On Deck:

The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson

[doctom54]

I just finished a "Canticle for Liebowitz" by Warren M. Miller Jr.
This is of the "On the Beach" and "Alas Babylon" genre of late 50s early 60s post atomic war apocalypse.
It is very well written. The guy was a true wordsmith. A dictionary is very useful :). It is interesting in that the story covers centuries with individual stories all linked together by a monastery in Utah.

[Kosta]

Just finished: The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove. A fascinating alternate-history read that will appeal to anyone interested in the Civil War. My only quibble is the fairly rapid character evolution of Lee (in pages, not in-character years), but I'll concede that in light of the excellence of the book and its already weighty length.

Currently: Understanding Terror Networks by Marc Sageman. I believe there's a thread about it.

On deck: A Path Out of the Desert by Kenneth M. Pollack. Again, I believe there's a thread.

[AllAmerican]

Just finished The Mission, The Men, and Me by Pete Blaber. Outstanding. So many lessons to be learned from this book. About to start Shadow Warriors by Tom Clancy.

[sonofabreach]

They don't make picture books for grown up folks do they?

Didn't think so...Instead I'm reading "On Combat, The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace" by LT COL Dave Grossman (Ranger) and Loren Chirstensen (LEO). Excellent book if your lifer in this business...
Anybody else ever poop themselves upon engagement, and not the marital type...

[mojaveman]

I'm getting close to finishing "The IRA" by Tim Pat Coogan. If you have ever wanted to know the entire story about the Irish Republican Army then this is the book to read. It covers the entire span from their beginings in the 19th Century to their activities in the present. Reading it so far has given me a better appreciation of my Irish heritage.

[True Believer]

The Green Beret in You; Living with Total Commitment to Family, Career, Sports and Life by John Giduck with Special Forces Sergeant Major John A. Anderson (RET.). Good read so far. Something I will definitely pass on to my son when he is old enough to understand.

[Electron]

Just finished "Five Years to Freedom" by Nick Rowe (2nd time reading it)

Reading some entertaining Mack Bolan books now.

[Rob_0811]

I'm currently reading "It Never Snows in September: The German View of Market-Garden and the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944".

Good book so far.

[MILON]

Just about done with "Mind Gym: An Athletes Guide to Inner Excellence" by Gary Mack. The book is reletively short, straight forward, and an easy read. One could easily finish it in less than a week. Mr. Mack lays out some simple methods the author uses with his clients to give them a mental edge. While reading, it was easy to see similarities between this book and and some of the tips given in "Get Selected", along with methods taught in Anthony Robbins books. Although Mack does not work directly with endurance athletes (the book uses mostly professional baseball, football, and golf atheltes as examples), it is easy to see how some of things would be useful to any athlete.

[Richard]

The Guns of August, Barbara Tuchman.

Richard

[Viking]

Starting The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz in about ten minutes.

[Richard]

Alternate Gettysburgs - What if the battle of Gettysburg resulted in a different victory? 12 original stories and 4 essays of what 'might have been' by authors like Harold Coyle.

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[Mitch]

I am reading the 400 page autobiography of my former commander in Berlin - Sidney Shacnow. I have to admit, that I jumped straight to page 350 and read his assessment of our little unit behind the wall. I was actually surprized that he mentioned it at all and even more surprized at some the mission related detail he put in it - but he is a retired Major General - better him than me.

For those who don't know, he is a holocaust survivor - came to the US after the war, grew up in Boston (got an accent there too). Elisted in the army; after a few years, went to OCS, and bit by bit found himself as the Commander of JFKSWSC and the Special Forces Command. He became a MG in spite of the fact that he spent over 30 years in SF or Sp Ops assignments.

I am now back at the front of the book - and going to work my way back to page 350.

[Mitch]

Just finished "Five Years to Freedom" by Nick Rowe (2nd time reading it)

Reading some entertaining Mack Bolan books now.

About 20 years ago, I bought 6 copies of this book - gave them to friends and family - I thought it was a story they should know - most read it and were in awe of the story told there.

[ZonieDiver]

Currently reading: "The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington" by Jennet Conant. So far, so good.

[Plutarch]

The 5000 Year Leap - W. Cleon Skousen

[Mitch]

Currently reading: "The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington" by Jennet Conant. So far, so good.

Never Realized Roald Dahl had any thing to do with the "Dark Side." All I ever knew about him was that he wrote quirky children's books and was married to Patricia Neal.

[RTK]

Two Wars, by Nate Self

Nate was the Ranger platoon leader on Robert's Ridge in March 2002. This is an amazing story of his platoon in battle and his personal battle in dealing with PTSD afterwards. It's a story of faith and his relationship with a loving wife, his Soldiers, and God.

Nate and I have worked on seperate items for both companycommand and platoonleader forums. He's an amazing individual and this is a great book.

Worth the read.

[ZonieDiver]

Never Realized Roald Dahl had any thing to do with the "Dark Side." All I ever knew about him was that he wrote quirky children's books and was married to Patricia Neal.

It was news to me, too! I used to read his stories to kids at my children's school (when they were little). I found them a bit "around the bend" at times - but the kids loved them. It is, so far, a very interesting book about a very interesting time.

[Bones25U]

"On Combat" is a great read. Almost got all the way through "On Killing", and I can tell you that "Combat" is MUCH better. Well written and makes good points. The section on school shootings is only going to prove itself more relevant, unfortunately.

[Mitch]

It was news to me, too! I used to read his stories to kids at my children's school (when they were little). I found them a bit "around the bend" at times - but the kids loved them. It is, so far, a very interesting book about a very interesting time.

Nothing to do with the book ZD, but I'll give you a nickle if you can guess the name of the instructor who signed off on my PADI Open Water Card?

[ZonieDiver]

Nothing to do with the book ZD, but I'll give you a nickle if you can guess the name of the instructor who signed off on my PADI Open Water Card?

Hmmmm. Well, I hope it wasn't me. If so, my case of CRS (or "Sometimer's Disease, as my nephews call it - Sometimes he remembers, sometimes he doesn't...) is worse than I thought.

Since you are in Texas, I'll guess Earl Weaver. 2nd guess - one of the PADI-Daddies - Cronin or Erickson????

[Mitch]

Hmmmm. Well, I hope it wasn't me. If so, my case of CRS (or "Sometimer's Disease, as my nephews call it - Sometimes he remembers, sometimes he doesn't...) is worse than I thought.

Since you are in Texas, I'll guess Earl Weaver. 2nd guess - one of the PADI-Daddies - Cronin or Erickson????


I made a mistake - the name I was thinking of was not on my OW card, its on my DIVEMASTER Card.

The Name is Mike Nelson. (actually Mike A. Nelson) - anyway - every time I took that card some place new - they thought it was a joke.

The card is dated 11/25/79 I have not made a dive in 20 years now - do these cards ever expire?

Mitch

[swpa19]

Re-reading Kiss the Boys Goodbye, by Monika Jensen Stevenson.

[Richard]

Mike A. Nelson

There's a name I hadn't thought about in years - he was A-12 (primary SCUBA Team) TMSGT in Bad Tolz when I was there. Two friends on that team went to the 'stockade' at the same time I opted for OCS - one spent a lot of time in LA (Boykin mentions him a lot) and one was pretty messed up on Eagle Claw. Just random memories. ;)

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[BryanK]

I have delved into a let's say "interesting" book called "The men who stare at goats" by Jon Ronson (it was checked out for me, I didn't do it :p). I thought it was going to be one to toss in the return box the next day, but it's actually an entertaining read.

[Sigaba]

I have delved into a let's say "interesting" book called "The men who stare at goats" by Jon Ronson (it was checked out for me, I didn't do it :p). I thought it was going to be one to toss in the return box the next day, but it's actually an entertaining read.

BryanK--

Sir, in some circles, "interesting" and "entertaining read" are ways of damning a book with faint praise ;). (Much the same way a tuna casserole is described as 'interesting'. Yet, somehow, I always get seconds while I mull over the connotations of 'interesting'.:D)

Would you recommend the work?:munchin

[BryanK]

BryanK--

Sir, in some circles, "interesting" and "entertaining read" are ways of damning a book with faint praise ;). (Much the same way a tuna casserole is described as 'interesting'. Yet, somehow, I always get seconds while I mull over the connotations of 'interesting'.:D)

Would you recommend the work?:munchin


Absolutely. It's the fact that it touches on a subject not often discussed. Abstract thought. A little too abstract for some I'm sure, but I am really enjoying it. Imagine a high ranking military official walking into your office and saying "Why can we not walk through walls?". I'm paraphrasing, but those are some of the subject matters in this book. :cool: Good read thus far.

[zuluzerosix]

I just started reading SERPICO, by Peter Maas. I love the book. So I did an online search and found this.

PACO's Blog (http://frankserpico.blogspot.com/)

:mad:

[Sigaba]

I just started reading SERPICO, by Peter Maas. I love the book. So I did an online search and found this.

PACO's Blog (http://frankserpico.blogspot.com/)

:mad:

Zuluzerosix--

Sir, for what my two cents are worth, I agree that Mr. Serpico's blog postings are hard to like.

That being said, based upon my understanding of the his experiences (drawn from the film Serpico and some on-line research), I empathize with the man no matter how reprehensible I find many of his political views.

(It would be great if Pacino were to revisit his performance in that movie. All the guy does now is yell.)

[gagners]

I know what's been said about it here, but I just finished "Kill Bin Laden" by "Dalton Fury". Not terribly impressed by anything, but was more interested in learning anything I could about the mountainous region in eastern AFG:D:D

Before KBL, I finished "The Bear went over the Mountain" and have just started "Afghanistan - in the words of the Mujahideen" - which is kind of the sister work to the Russian TBWOTM. Apparently, the TTPs and locales in these two books are being re-learnt today. Figured I'd study as much as possible.

[Pete S]

Just picked up "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand.
See you all in 8 months. :D

[MidwayFlanker]

"Get Selected!" Major Martin
"Warrior of the Light" Paulo Coelho
SH 21-76

[frostfire]

Danger Close by Mike Yon

Danger Close: Tactical Air Controllers om Afganistan and Iraq by Steve Call

[Richard]

Deadly Scenarios: A Military Futurist Explores War in the 21st Century, Andrew Krepinevich.


The Collapse of Pakistan
War Comes to America
Pandemic
Armageddon: The Assault on Israel
China's "Assassin's Mace"
Just Not-in-Time: The War on the Global Economy
Who Lost Iraq?

Richard's $.02 :munchin

[DinDinA-2]

Just finished General H. Norman Schwarzkoph, The Autobiography, It doesn't Take a Hero. I found it very interesting, as many of the units and a few names were familiar.

Now starting American Soldier by General Tommy Franks.

[Sigaba]

I'm rereading Nathaniel Frick's memoir, One Bullet Away.

I am also working through Grand Strategies in War and Peace (1991).

[29Tudor]

latest 3 knocked out:

-"Chosen Soldier" (Dick Couch) 3x reading it
-"Training in Christianity" (Soren Kierkegaard)
-"The Greatest American Speeches - the stories and transcripts of the words that changed our history" (Quercus Publishing)

[einherjar]

29Tudor,

I also found Chosen Soldier to be informative.

You may be interested in the author Dave Grossman. Although, I should warn you, his books are a little dense. I started reading On Killing and ended up stuck thigh deep in bog. I tried to back track and box around it; I started reading On Combat and ended up in worse shape than I was before!

At the back of On Combat though, Grossman makes reference to a list of virtues distilled from Erasmus' work, Enchiridion Militis Christiani: A Guide for the Righteous Protector.

I really enjoyed the list of virtues. I would post them here but, that would probably constitute a hijacking. See link below.

Edit:
Erasmus' Principles in Training the Mind NousDefionsDoc
http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=258110 (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=258110)

[The Reaper]

You may be interested in the author Dave Grossman. Although, I should warn you, his books are a little dense. I started reading On Killing and ended up stuck thigh deep in bog. I tried to back track and box around it; I started reading "On Combat" and ended up in worse shape than I was before!

At the back of On Combat though, Grossman makes reference to a list of virtues distilled from Erasmus' work, Enchiridion Militis Christiani: A Guide for the Righteous Protector.

I really enjoyed the list of virtues. I would post them here but, that would probably constitute a hijacking. I do a search to see if some has already posted the list of virtues, if not I find an appropriate place to put it.

I find LTC Grossman's books pedantic and simultaneously overly-generalized.

If you are having trouble wading through his little books, you may want to consider whether SF is for you.

TR

[Monsoon65]

Almost finished with Endgame, 1945: The missing final chapter of World War Two.

Very interesting. Shows that the occupation of Europe after the war wasn't all wine and roses

[first&foreward]

Right now I'm reading the Bureau and the mole. It has it's ups and downs, but over all pretty good read about the biggest double agent in FBI history.

Does anybody have any good recommendations on readings regarding interacting politically with all the different Iraqi factions in a mass group?

[The Reaper]

Right now I'm reading the Bureau and the mole. It has it's ups and downs, but over all pretty good read about the biggest double agent in FBI history.

Does anybody have any good recommendations on readings regarding interacting politically with all the different Iraqi factions in a mass group?

First search, then ask.

TR

[NoRoadtrippin]

I am currently re-reading "Leadership and Training for the Fight" by Paul Howe.

Cric recommended this one to me last year while I was at IBOLC and its a hell of a read. Just good practical everyday things that can be applied. Its amazing how "profound" common sense can be at times.

I am having my SMP cadet read it as well for discussion and application next drill period. PSG might be next on the list for a copy.

[Gavin]

..."Let Every Breath: Secrets of the Russian Breath Masters" by Vladimir Vasiliev
and
"Military Fitness: A Manual of Special Physicial Training" by Nathanael J. Morrison

both excellent and I highly recommend them.:lifter

[2018commo]

Roughneck 91 and Jawbreaker, finished them on a campout a couple weeks ago.
Finally saw the name of folks I know, one in each book. Really enjoyed R91.
Atlas Shrugged on deck.

[greenberetTFS]

This book was given to me on Dec 13th 2004. My friend and besides my Father, the only true "Heros" that I personally know, Jim "Doc" Clopton, who is mentioned in the book time and time again is a recovering alcoholic with many years of sobriety now. When I get feelings of being sorry for myself,I refer back to what Jim has gone thru, and than whatever my issues are they seem so very small. Jim was a Corpsmen, HM2,USN who gave it his all trying to save so many in Vietnam.....................:(

GB TFS

[Vic]

-the minuteman, gary hart

interesting pre-911 take on military reform/history

[zuluzerosix]

..."Let Every Breath: Secrets of the Russian Breath Masters" by Vladimir Vasiliev

That guy has some good handgun disarms. I also like his video on fighting in confined spaces. I have been in that situation. An arsenal for closed in confined spaces is good to have. Wrist locks may not always be enough.

[ultrarunner]

I don't normally post (besides the intro), but I felt compelled to so that someone else might enjoy this book.

American Patriot: The Life and Wars of Colonel Bud Day by Robert Coram

very inspirational book!

[JimP]

Unintended Consequences by John Ross.

[The Reaper]

Unintended Consequences by John Ross.

Very interesting choice.

TR

[Gavin]

That guy has some good handgun disarms. I also like his video on fighting in confined spaces. I have been in that situation. An arsenal for closed in confined spaces is good to have. Wrist locks may not always be enough.

very true. and if an individual is very flexible, its easier to get out of wrist locks.
Systema is very relaxed, very efficient.

[wet dog]

Salt: A World History by Mark Kurlansky - (to be honest, for the second time). Great book!, a must read.

I also finished, (again), Guns, Germs and Steel / The Rise and Fall of Civilization, by, Jared Diamond. I like Mr. Diamonds writing style, although I tend to disagree with some of his theories. But it does make for great conversation, dialogue and debate.

[ZooKeeper]

While on vacation I finished up 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin (I thought it was a great book on survival/the importance of keeping your core temp regulated). I also read Spy by Ted Bell (I usually don't read much fiction, but like too when relaxing on vacation. I found this one to be worth reading). I'm now reading The Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek (This is not the easiest read for me, but definitely worth the lesson in today's political landscape).

[Retired W4]

"Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past." Reality control in Newspeak. Geroge Orwell's 1984

I dug out my old copy I bought in 1974.

[infantry181]

The Devil We Know- Robert Baer: Interesting perspective on US/Iranian relations, oil, terrorism, etc. If you read Sleeping with the Devil you would enjoy this.

Killing Pablo- Mark Bowden: Very interesting account of Pablo Escobar

currently reading The World's Most Dangerous Places- Robert Pelton: I'm sure a lot of you have already at least glanced at this one but it seems like a pretty decent guide for any travel to the locations in the book.

[wet dog]

First - The Party's Over; by Richard Heinberg -

This will polarize many who read it, but it will convince all your liberal friends that you know how to think.

Second - The Climb, by Anatoli Boukreev -

Lessons Learned, some good, some bad - all enlightning!

Third - The Jedburghs, by LTC Will Irwin (Ret.,) The Secret History of the Allied Special Forces, France 1944

[Knight]

-Invisible Resistance To Tyranny, by Jefferson Mack

On Deck:
-The Law, by Fredric Bastiat
-The Creature From Jeckyll Island, by G. Edward Griffin
And always an adventure novel in between.

[jw74]

Making Patriots by Walter Berns. So far, I recommend it. He is a conservative academic (a rare breed) who writes on patriotism and the intentions of the founding fathers.

[MidwayFlanker]

My roommarte along with myself have picked up a very good workout and training book:

Training For Warriors: The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Workout
by Martin Rooney

It has a 8 week breakdown of a training course for you to take, and it would be best to work with a partner since you have to do numerous excerises with another person. So far we are in the begining of week 4 and we are still breaking a sweat, just when you think you are use to the regiment of the week, the next week comes and knocks you down a peg.

[STR8SHTR]

The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander by Peter Blaber. So far it's a good read.

I know it stirred some commotion here but, I recently finished Kill Bin Laden. It was also a good read.

[noefexus]

I am reading a few, a little at a time

Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh- I've already read several times. Kind of keeps my head out of the 'rat race' of life.

The Book by Alan Watts

The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama- listening to it on audio actually

Awakening the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

[bosljeff]

"On Killing": Lt. Col. Dave Grossman...great book. His DVD series is awesome too. Seems like it would be great required reading...

[cback0220]

Just finished Killing Rommel by Steven Pressfield

Currently reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkings, it is definitely a interesting read so far!

[MARSOC0211]

Reading FM 3-24 for the second time

On Combat by LTC Grossman

On-Killing was an excellent book with an erudite perspective on the subject

[craigepo]

Just picked up "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand.
See you all in 8 months. :D

Pete,
I just finished "Atlas Shrugged". It was like a 1000 page reading endurance event. But, I believe that the book (or at least the cliff notes) should be required reading for all of us conservatives. Amazing that this is a 50-year-old book, but it so describes the looming socialism that we face today.

[Matt B]

Just finished reading "Force Recon Command" by Alex Lee. It was interesting to have another perspective to some of the events I read about in Force Recon Diary 1969 by Bruce Norton. Both good books, I'll look into getting Force Recon Diary 1970 now.

I also started a french book about Indochine war. The author is a lieutenant deployed in Vietnam in 1950 with the mission of training and leading locals to fight against Vietminhs.

[incarcerated]

The Book by Alan Watts


It will be worth your time to review a little biographical information on Alan Watts.

[Remington Raidr]

The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander by Peter Blaber.

Just finished it. I wish he had named the Deputy Commanding General. That man's name should be in some book, somewhere.:mad:

[Richard]

No Warriors, No Glory - Harold Coyle.

Richard

[BlackRob82]

Horse Soldiers

[29Tudor]

Just got my wisdom teeth yanked on Monday, after coming out of the drug daze I started on Horse Soldiers hope to knock it out in the next couple of days, great book so far.

[Pulsar]

Objective Knowledge: An Evolutionary Approach (http://www.amazon.com/Objective-Knowledge-Evolutionary-Karl-Popper/dp/0198750242) by Karl Popper and waiting for my order of Get Selected! for Special Forces (http://www.amazon.com/Get-Selected-Special-Forces-Successfully/dp/0975355279/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244042075&sr=1-1) to arrive this week.

[FrostyHunter]

The Great War for Civilization by Robert Fisk.

[Abu-Shakra]

Afghanistan & the Troubled Future of Unconventional Warfare by Hy Rothstein

[G]

The Accidental Guerilla - Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of a Big One, David Kilcullen

[BlackRob82]

Pygmy by Chuck Palahniuk..... im half way into it an just begining to figure out what its about

[OcdtADF]

THE BUSH WAR IN RHODESIA - The Extraordinary Combat Memoir of a Rhodesian Reconnaissance Specialist. By Dennis Croukamp

[Matt B]

The Originals: The Secret History of the Birth of the SAS in Their Own Words by Gordon Stevens

Very interesting book as it is told directly by the Originals. I sometime wished they got more into details about certain situations but the book had to cover a 3-year span so they were not able to develop everything without having a 500 pages book. I was very surprised to see how things turned out in their very first mission and the fact they were allowed ("allowed" may not be the best way to describe it) to keep on in spite of it. Good read.