Top Five Books
Ariel Sharon, Warrior
I find myself referencing this autobiography quite often when discussing the relationship between soldiers and civilians in politics and war.
Martin Blumenson, The Patton Papers 1885 – 1940
This book provides incredible insight into the events that shaped one of America’s most controversial generals.
Christopher R. Browning, Ordinary Men: Reserve Police Battalion 101 and the Final Solution in Poland
This is thee story of how a reserve battalion of “ordinary men” came to be active participants in the holocaust. This book should be mandatory reading as a cautionary tale for leaders of all types.
Richard Rhodes, The Making of the Atomic Bomb
A detailed telling of how the military and scientific community came together to develop the most destructive weapon in history. A great read for anyone who works as a leader in research and development or acquisition.
Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, My Year Inside Radical Islam: A Memoir
From the cover: “At twenty-three, I was a devout believer in radical Islam. I worked for a Saudi-funded charity in Ashland, Oregon, that was accused of funding al-Qaeda. Funny thing, I was born Jewish. At the time it all seemed pretty normal.”
The One That Shaped Me The Most
Antony Beevor, Stalingrad: The Fateful Siege 1942–1943
This book helped me understand leadership at the basic level. I learned what motivates soldiers to fight. It tells of the sacrifices men, women, and children will make to defend their home. It taught me that although modern American warriors endure many sacrifices as they serve, so much more could be required of society as a whole.