What Military Leaders Are Reading This January
From Vietnam Memoirs to Robotics in Warfare—discover books and resources to inspire your thinking
Welcome to the January edition of Military Journals! As we kick off a new year, we’re excited to bring you an inspiring selection of books and resources that offer fresh insights into military history, strategy, and leadership. This month’s collection spans diverse topics, from the challenges of counterinsurgency in Vietnam to the rapidly evolving landscape of modern robotics in warfare.
The Winter Issue of the U.S. Army Infantry Bulletin and Infantry Online sets the stage for discussions on adaptability and leadership in military operations. Complementing these resources, carefully curated book selections highlight the timeless lessons and contemporary innovations shaping the military profession—whether it’s navigating urban complexities or responding to global geopolitical threats.
This month’s featured reads include In the Mouth of the Dragon by John B. Haseman, a gripping memoir of counterinsurgency efforts in Vietnam; Small Armies, Big Cities, an analysis of urban warfare edited by Louis A. Turnchewics; and Warrior Leadership by JB Spisso, which delivers actionable guidance for leaders in any environment. We also spotlight The Boiling Moat by Matt Pottinger and The Achilles Trap by Steve Coll, offering critical perspectives on Taiwan’s defense and the origins of America’s invasion of Iraq. Dive into these works and more to explore how past lessons and modern challenges intersect.
U.S. Army Infantry Bulletin - Winter Issue
In the Mouth of the Dragon: Memoir of a District Advisor in the Mekong Delta, 1971-1973
By John B. Haseman, McFarland, 2022
In the Mouth of the Dragon is a compelling firsthand account by John B. Haseman, detailing his experiences as a district advisor in Vietnam's Mekong Delta during the tumultuous years of 1971-1973, offering insight into the challenges of counterinsurgency and rural pacification efforts
Small Armies, Big Cities: Rethinking Urban Warfare
Louis A. Turnchewics (Editor), Rienner Publishers, Inc., 2022
Small Armies, Big Cities explores the complexities of urban warfare, offering a critical analysis of how smaller military forces can effectively navigate and adapt to the challenges of fighting in densely populated urban environments.
Warrior Leadership: Steps to Success for Leaders on the Ground
By JB Spisso, JBS Leadership Consoltants, LLC, 2019
Warrior Leadership by JB Spisso provides practical guidance and actionable strategies for leaders to excel in high-pressure environments, drawing from military and organizational leadership principles.
Proceedings - U.S. Naval Institute Press
Proceedings Website (Membership Required after five article views - subscribe here: Join)
The Boiling Moat: Urgent Steps to Defend Taiwan
By Matt Pottinger (Editor), Hoover Institution Press, 2024
The Boiling Moat outlines critical strategies and urgent measures needed to strengthen Taiwan's defense against growing geopolitical threats, with insights from top experts curated by editor Matt Pottinger.
The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, The C.I.A., And The Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq
By Steve Coll, Penguin Press, 2024
The Achilles Trap by Steve Coll delves into the intricate and often covert interactions between Saddam Hussein, the CIA, and the events that set the stage for America’s invasion of Iraq, offering a detailed exploration of the decisions and missteps that shaped a pivotal conflict.
The War For Ukraine: Strategy And Adaptation Under Fire
By Mick Ryan, Naval Institute Press, 2024
Mick Ryan's The War for Ukraine examines the strategic decisions, military innovations, and adaptive tactics employed during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, offering critical insights into modern warfare and resilience under fire.
Mick Ryan also has a popular Substack that can be found here: Futura Doctrina
The Gouge!: How to Be Smarter Than the Situation You Are In
By Admiral Bob Harward, Post Hill Press, 2024
The Gouge! by Admiral Bob Harward delivers actionable insights and practical strategies for navigating complex situations with clarity and confidence, drawing on lessons from a distinguished military career.
The Marine Corps Gazette: Marine Corps Association
Marine Corps Gazette Website (Membership Required - subscribe here: Join)
Information Operations: Facts Fakes Conspiracists
By Dr. Steve Tatham
Information Operations: Facts, Fakes, Conspiracists by Dr. Steve Tatham explores the evolving landscape of information warfare, examining the tactics, strategies, and impacts of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories in modern conflict
The World War II Trilogy: From Here to Eternity, The Thin Red Line, and Whistle
By James Jones, Open Road Media, 2012
The World War II Trilogy by James Jones presents a profound exploration of the human experience during World War II, capturing the courage, struggles, and sacrifices of soldiers through the iconic novels From Here to Eternity, The Thin Red Line, and Whistle.
Air & Space Operations Review - Air University
ASOR Website (Subscription not required, but you can subscribe for updates)
Life and Death at Abbey Gate: The Fall of Afghanistan and the Mission to Rescue Our Allies
By Mikael Cook and Robert Conlin, Casemate, 2024
Life and Death at Abbey Gate by Mikael Cook and Robert Conlin recounts the harrowing events surrounding the fall of Afghanistan, focusing on the chaotic mission to rescue allies during the Abbey Gate bombing and its profound human and strategic consequences.
The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War
By Jim Sciutto, Dutton, 2024
The Return of Great Powers by Jim Sciutto examines the rising geopolitical tensions between Russia, China, and the West, exploring how their strategies and ambitions could shape the trajectory of global conflict in the modern era.
Warfare in the Robotics Age (Studies in Technology and Security: Innovation, Impact, and Governance)
By Ash Rossiter & Peter Layton, Rienner Publications, 2024
Ash Rossiter and Peter Layton's Warfare in the Robotics Age explores the transformative impact of robotics and autonomous systems on modern warfare, examining their implications for strategy, security, and governance in the evolving technological landscape
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My State Department posting in Vietnam was in Can Tho where as elsewhere the old Corps area HQ became a Consulate General, so the Mekong book will be of interest.