1. On Mar 14 2010 Tom Copeland (USCG) read It's Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Michael Abrashoff and commented:

    A quick read and a good one. The things he talked about reminded me of my USCG experience and areas where I fell short. But the same principles still apply when working with folks outside the military. Great stuff!

  2. On Mar 09 2010 lennisaw read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and commented:

    First sci-fi I ever read. Orson Scott Card did a great job with this!

  3. On Mar 09 2010 lennisaw read We Were Soldiers Once...and Young: Ia Drang - the Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam by Harold G. Moore and commented:

    An incredible book! One that is rereadable.

  4. On Mar 09 2010 lennisaw read Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden and commented:

    To me, this is a chapter of the military bible. An incredible work of art. My favorite book on modern warfare.

  5. On Mar 09 2010 lennisaw read D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose and commented:

    Very informational. Something I keep under my bathroom sink. One of my favorite World War II books.

  6. On Mar 08 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Soldier's Load and the Mobility of a Nation by S. L. A. Marshall and commented:

    A pretty brief book (two long essays). S.L.A. Marshall has something of a reputation nowadays (especially after Hackworth's "About Face" came out), but has produced some good stuff. This essay, on how weight can kill an assault and how staff tends to overburden the soldier makes some great points. And there are some very funny bits that every commander should read, especially the one about the one commander who put on everything that staff had dictated a common soldier should carry--and presented himself to the general of the unit (who obviously had no clue of what his soldiers were being asked to carry!).

  7. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Korean War by Max Hastings and commented:

    A great look at our "forgotten war".

  8. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden and commented:

    I can't count the number of times I've read this (or "read" it as an audiobook--alas, abridged) or seen the movie. Excellent study of what went right (how people fought for each other) or wrong (no tanks, leadership mistakes, not sticking to what should have been part of the equipment, etc.). Very highly recommended.

  9. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Art Of War by Sun Tzu and commented:

    I've read this several times (and have even "read" it as a audiobook). Be warned that there are multiple editions (and multiple translations). Most seem to prefer the edition by Sawyer, I'm still undecided. A classic work.

  10. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and commented:

    Had to read this for work one year. Some interesting stuff, but avoid all the "spin-offs" (Covey has run this horse into the ground.). Not everything in the book will work for all, but everybody should find something of use.

  11. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read D Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose and commented:

    My favorite book on D Day still remains the classic "The Longest Day", but this one by Ambrose (as well as works by Keegan and others) are good updates/expansions. Hopefully the third volume in Atkinson's "Liberation Trilogy" will be the capstone to this period of the war.

  12. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Innovator's Dilemma: The Revolutionary Book that Will Change the Way You Do Business by Clayton M. Christensen and commented:

    I read this during the dotcom bubble and even had the chance to see Christensen speak at a conference (and get my copy autographed). Good way of getting people to think "outside of the box" (which hasn't helped in herding the flock of cats that is my daughter's Odyssey of the Mind team! ;) )

  13. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian and commented:

    I've run through the O'Brian tales of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin several times now. They are among my favorites. Hint for new readers: M&C is somewhat slow to start, keep at it and you'll be rewarded handsomely!

    "What a fascinating modern age we live in." (J. Aubrey, RN)

    March 2010 Update: Just read it again.

  14. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell and commented:

    Fah. Couldn't get through this one. Too much fluff.

  15. On Mar 07 2010 Fred Kiesche (USA) read Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein and commented:

    One of the best military SF novels out there. How can I say that? Look at the number of author's who have followed in the footsteps (Joe Haldeman, John Scalzi, John Ringo, John Steakley and many others). Good mix of how to train, philosophy and morals, and great action. On the bounce!