[August 08, 2014] A good friend and military veteran passed along a book reference he thought I might like. Most of the books on senior leaders I’ve read or at least heard about but this one somehow got pass me. The book by Edgar Puryear is about four famous generals: Eisenhower, Bradley, Marshall, and Patton. I have not… Read More »
[July 26, 2014] The war on terror that the United States has fought since the shocking events of September 11, 2001 has been directed at al Qaeda and its many affiliates throughout the world. But, the war began before America even knew it was at war. Today’s reading list choice is about one of those attacks pre-dating the… Read More »
[July 13, 2014] While attending an advanced officer course in the mid 1980s, I had the pleasure of meeting a friendly Ukrainian doctor. He was “as old as Methuselah” but was taking his time ensuring all the Army captains were in sound physical health. When my turn came to speak with him, I asked about his origins. He… Read More »
[July 11, 2014] The reading and study of military history is one of the pillars in a well-rounded education for military professionals. This includes both officers and enlisted personnel. This concept applies to any leader in any organization. While magazines from professional associations are helpful to see the most recent topics at hand, they also allow us a… Read More »
[June 20, 2014] Looking back at the books I read as a junior officer, I came upon one of my favorites. This one is a serious handbook for aspiring leaders who can learn how to achieve seemingly impossible goals. It made a difference for me and I remember it well. If you look at book reviews on-line, you… Read More »
[June 19, 2014] As I buckled myself into the helicopter’s backseat, I joked with the young Blackhawk pilot that I probably had more hours flying in his US-60 aircraft than he did. We were flying low and fast over the city of Baghdad. That tactic got us to our destination faster and helped avoid anti-aircraft missiles. Most people… Read More »
[June 07, 2014] Another good book for today. This one is about President Abraham Lincoln and his development of leadership skills during the U.S. Civil War. What I like about the book is it shows how Lincoln’s search for an effective commander of Union military forces, helped changed him during his Presidency. The book demonstrates that leadership is… Read More »
[May 24, 2014] Today the two books that I am highlighting, both are on senior military leadership and character development. What is different in these books are that they focus on almost exclusively on what made our greatest American military flag officers who they are. Neither is a new book, but nonetheless, they are both worth reading …… Read More »
[May 21, 2014] I spoke today to a group of military veterans and college staff about why so many military members fail at making a successful transition from active duty to the college environment. I’ve also written about this transition (see link here). In the past I proposed three key ingredients for a successful transition. Passion – the… Read More »
[May 14, 2014] Only one book on my recommended reading list today but one that I received as a gift and am eternally grateful to my son who gave it to me for this past Christmas. Just turning the pages to see the grand works is a pleasure in itself. Both artistically and historically, this book is exceptional.… Read More »