Shipmates,
The United States Navy is and must remain, the most formidable maritime fighting force the world has ever known. Our ability to deter, fight, and win depends not just on ships and aircraft, but on the sharpness of our minds, the strength of our character, and the resilience of our bodies.
Reading is a force multiplier. It equips us with the knowledge, perspective, and critical thinking necessary to lead, to innovate, and to prevail in the unforgiving crucible of combat. This list is not political, not trendy, and not designed to check a box. It is chosen deliberately to sharpen everyone in the Navy, from the halls of the Pentagon to the forward deployed deckplates.
These are books I’ve found usefull in my development as a Sailor and a Leader to encourage critical thinking, professional development, and discussion. The views expressed in the recommended books are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of War, or the U.S. Government.
I have organized the books into categories aligned with my priorities: Foundry, Fleet, Fight-and added Total Sailor, which encompasses character, competence, decision-making, nutrition, and the whole person. Each category links to who we are, how we prepare, and how we fight.
This is a professional reading list-but it is also a call to reflection, discussion, and growth. Use these books in your wardrooms, your Chiefs’ Messes, and with your civilian teams. Ask tough questions. Challenge assumptions. Expand your thinking as a life-long learner.
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To Dare and to Conquer by Derek Liebhart
Cochrane by David Cordingly