Part 2 - 2024 CNO Reading List

Warfighting - Deliver Decisive Combat Power (Part 2)

"It is critically important for our Navy to be a learning organization – one whose people always read, critically think, and seek professional and warfighting excellence in everything they do – so we can remain the world’s premier warfighting force."

~ Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations

Part 2 of our post covering the CNO’s Reading List continues the theme of "Warfighting - Deliver Decisive Combat Power." The reading list titles offer a mix of historical insight, technological analysis, and critical lessons for today’s Navy. Army of None by Paul Scharre addresses the transformative impact of autonomous weapons on the future of warfare. The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer recounts the incredible heroism of U.S. sailors during the Battle off Samar in World War II. This Kind of War by T. R. Fehrenbach provides a history of the Korean War, exploring the harsh realities of combat and the need for military readiness. Together, these books offer valuable perspectives that illuminate the past, present, and future challenges shaping naval strategy.

• Army of None - Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War by Paul Scharre

• The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors - The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour by James D. Hornfischer

• This Kind of War - The Classic Military History of the Korean War by T.R. Fehrenbach

---

Army of None - Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War

by Paul Scharre

Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War by Paul Scharre explores the complex and evolving world of autonomous weapons and their impact on the future of warfare. The book discusses the ethical, strategic, and technological implications of using machines capable of making life-and-death decisions on the battlefield without human intervention.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Insight into the Rise of Autonomous Weapon Systems: Scharre offers a deep dive into the development of autonomous weapons, from early prototypes to cutting-edge AI-driven systems. He discusses the potential advantages these technologies bring, such as faster decision-making, reduced human risk, and the profound challenges they present.

• Ethical and Legal Implications: The book tackles critical questions about accountability, legality, and morality. Scharre examines the potential consequences of relinquishing control to machines, including the risks of unintended escalation and the ethical dilemma of machines making lethal decisions.

• Expert Perspectives and Real-World Examples: Drawing from his experience as a former Pentagon official and a leading voice in defense innovation, Scharre combines expert analysis with compelling real-world scenarios, shedding light on the promises and pitfalls of autonomous weapons in modern conflict.

Key Takeaways:

• The Growing Influence of AI in Warfare: Scharre highlights how artificial intelligence and automation are transforming military strategies, creating both new opportunities and unforeseen risks.

• Balancing Innovation with Human Oversight: The book emphasizes the need for maintaining human control and oversight in using autonomous systems to prevent unintended consequences and maintain ethical standards.

• The Global Arms Race in AI-Driven Weapons: Scharre provides an in-depth look at how different nations are racing to develop autonomous capabilities, potentially leading to a new kind of arms race with significant implications for global security.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company

• Pages: 448

• Release Date: April 24, 2018

If you’re interested in the intersection of technology and warfare and the ethical dilemmas posed by the rise of autonomous systems, Army of None offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the future of military conflict.

You may also be interested in our review of Kill Chain: Defending America in the Future of High-Tech Warfare.

---

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors - The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour

by James D. Hornfischer

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors: The Extraordinary World War II Story of the U.S. Navy’s Finest Hour by James D. Hornfischer delivers a gripping account of the Battle off Samar, part of the larger Battle of Leyte Gulf during World War II. The book highlights the heroic actions of a small group of U.S. destroyers and destroyer escorts, known as "Tin Can Sailors," who faced off against a vastly superior Japanese fleet in a desperate fight for survival.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• Heroic and Unforgettable Naval Combat: Hornfischer masterfully recounts one of the most incredible David-and-Goliath battles in naval history. Despite being heavily outgunned, the American sailors displayed unmatched bravery, taking on Japanese battleships and cruisers with nothing but torpedoes, light guns, and sheer resolve.

• Deeply Personal and Human Storytelling: The book goes beyond the strategic and tactical elements of the battle, offering a vivid portrayal of the men who fought it. Hornfischer’s narrative brings the sailors’ experiences to life, making readers feel the intensity of the battle, the fear, and the remarkable courage of the crew members.

• Meticulous Research and Historical Insight: Drawing from extensive research, firsthand accounts, and official records, Hornfischer provides a detailed and well-rounded look at the Battle off Samar. He paints a clear picture of the broader strategic context and the critical role this battle played in the Allied campaign in the Pacific.

Key Takeaways:

• An Underdog Story of Epic Proportions: The book captures the spirit of the outgunned U.S. sailors who, against overwhelming odds, managed to disrupt the Japanese advance and change the course of the battle.

• The Power of Leadership and Sacrifice: Hornfischer highlights the incredible leadership and selflessness displayed by the officers and crew, showcasing the Navy’s core values in action.

• A Turning Point in the Pacific War: The engagement underscored the strategic importance of air power and the vulnerability of battleships, signaling a shift in naval warfare that would influence future conflicts.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Bantam Books

• Pages: 499

• Release Date: March 2005 (Reprint)

If you’re fascinated by naval history, tales of heroism, or World War II combat, The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors is an inspiring and unforgettable read that captures the bravery and sacrifice of the U.S. Navy’s finest hour.

---

This Kind of War - The Classic Military History of the Korean War

by T.R. Fehrenbach

This Kind of War: The Classic Korean War History by T. R. Fehrenbach provides a comprehensive and unflinching account of the Korean War, capturing both the strategic and human elements of the conflict. The book is considered a seminal work on the Korean War, offering deep insights into the nature of combat and the challenges faced by American forces in an unexpected and grueling conflict.

Why You Should Consider Reading It:

• In-Depth Analysis of the Korean War: Fehrenbach delivers a detailed narrative of the Korean War, from the initial North Korean invasion to the bitter fighting that took place along the 38th parallel. The book explores the political, military, and cultural dynamics that shaped the conflict, providing a thorough understanding of why the war unfolded as it did.

• Timeless Lessons on War and Military Leadership: The author examines broader themes of military history, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, the harsh realities of combat, and the role of strong leadership. Fehrenbach's insights into the nature of war have resonated with military leaders and historians for decades.

• A Ground-Level Perspective: Fehrenbach not only covers the strategic aspects of the war but also offers a ground-level view of the fighting. His vivid descriptions of the hardships faced by soldiers, combined with accounts of heroism and sacrifice, bring the experiences of those who fought in Korea to life.

Key Takeaways:

• The Consequences of Military Unpreparedness: The book underscores how unprepared American forces were for the kind of intense and brutal combat they encountered in Korea, highlighting the importance of readiness and adaptability.

• Understanding Limited Warfare: Fehrenbach explores the concept of limited war, a conflict without the total mobilization seen in World War II, showing how this new kind of warfare shaped U.S. military strategy and tactics.

• Timeless Observations on Human Nature and Combat: Fehrenbach's commentary on the nature of soldiers, leadership, and the brutal reality of war remains relevant to contemporary military thinking, making this book a staple on military reading lists.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: Open Road Media; 50th Anniversary edition

• Pages: 540

• Release Date: First published in 1963, with lots of reprints and updates available.

If you want to gain a deeper understanding of the Korean War and its enduring lessons, This Kind of War is an essential read that offers a timeless examination of military strategy, leadership, and the human experience of conflict.

Tags: Reading Lists

Our simple request:

• If you liked this post, and wish to see more like it, click the heart below.

• If you have personal experience or have an idea or opinion to share, we would love your comment.

• If you have an idea to improve it, please let us know in a comment.