Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, will announce a new reading selection to add to the CSA’s 21st Century Reading List on the 15th of each month.
JULY 15, 2021
FM 7-0
This month I recommend reading the new Field Manual 7-0. Warfighting is our business and leaders must invest time and resources to build cohesive teams which are highly trained, disciplined and fit, and ready to compete, fight and win.#21stCenturyCSAReadingList
JUNE 15, 2021
1776 by David McCullough
David McCullough’s book 1776 recounts the major battles, trials and tribulations of this singular year during the Revolutionary War. It is a very relevant read as we celebrate our Army’s 246th birthday. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
MAY 21, 2021
Ranger by Col. Ralph Puckett
Colonel Ralph Puckett’s Congressional Medal of Honor nomination for his actions on “Hill 205” at the Battle of the Chongchon River in 1950 is recognition of a great soldier. His book offers insights across his life and service in the @USArmy. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
Ranger. A Soldier’s Life includes how he formed and commanded the 8th Army Ranger Company during the Korean War. This led to a life long connection with the Ranger Regiment, including regularly inspiring Ranger candidates and encouraging Best Ranger competitors at @FortBenning.
Colonel Puckett was decorated with two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, three Legions of Merit, and five Purple Hearts. All from humble beginnings & following his parent’s example to “Always Do the Right Thing”. He represents the best of us.
APRIL 15, 2021
Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose
I have always enjoyed reading Band of Brothers. The story of Easy Company @101stAASLTDIV forging a cohesive team ready to fight and win on operations in Europe remains relevant today. The U.S. Army needs cohesive teams today. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
MARCH 12, 2021
It's My Country Too by Jerri Bell & Tracy Crow
For #WomensHistoryMonth I am recommending It's My Country Too. The collection of stories told by these women from the Civil War to Afghanistan is incredible and inspiring. Each reveals why and how they chose to serve their country #21stCenturyReadingList
FEBRUARY 15, 2021
One Woman's Army A Black Officer Remembers The WAC by Charity Adams Earley
The inspirational story of the first black woman commissioned in the @USArmy, LTC Charity Adams Earley, former commander of the storied 6888th Postal Battalion in Europe. She overcame so much to serve and lead; diversity and inclusion make us stronger! #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
DECEMBER 15, 2020
Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin
I have been reading Leadership in Turbulent Times by @DorisKGoodwin. Her study of four prominent leaders’ early lessons, resilience and visionary action is captivating and offers leadership insight for current times. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
NOVEMBER 15, 2020
House to House by Staff Sgt. David Bellavia
The first book is House to House by @BellaviaMoh. It is a raw and honest story about leading his platoon during some of the heaviest fighting in Fallujah, Iraq. #ArmyValues #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
NOVEMBER 15, 2020
Red Platoon by Staff Sgt. by Clint Romesha
The second book is Red Platoon by @ClintRomesha. This phenomenal story describes surviving through the 14-hour battle to defend and counterattack against Taliban forces assaulting inside one of the most remote bases in Afghanistan. #ArmyValues #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
NOVEMBER 15, 2020
8 Seconds of Courage by Flo Groberg
The final book is 8 Seconds of Courage by @FlorentGroberg. This book details the journey leading up to the incredible moment that saved many lives from a suicide bomber in Afghanistan, and personal recovery afterwards. #ArmyValues #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
OCTOBER 15, 2020
The Time is Now. The Future Is Faster Than You Think by @PeterDiamandis and @steven_kotler
Explains why our potential is unlocked by convergence. Understand transformation and the opportunities @USArmy has in the future. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
OCTOBER 15, 2020
The Social Dilemma
The @USArmy must build cohesive teams. I am recommending the social dilemma to understand the impact of smart devices on how people communicate and connect in the Information Age. It can be watched on Netflix currently. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. by Daniel Coyle
To master a craft you need "deep practice," passion and master coaching. This is how people across the @USArmy must think and act so we all become Masters of our Profession. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
AUGUST 15, 2020
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger
Tribe by Sebastian Junger has always given me good insights to the power of cohesion and belonging. Forging emotional connections with people to unite them in strong teams is vital. #ThisIsMySquad
JULY 15, 2020
Art of War by Sun Tzu
July’s classic title is Art of War. Sun Tzu would understand that Great Power Competition doesn’t have to mean great power conflict. To Sun Tzu, "the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." #21stCenturyCSAReadingList #WinningMatters
JULY 15, 2020
Like War: The Weaponization of Social Media by P.W. Singer and Emerson T. Brooking
July’s contemporary title is P.W. Singer & Emerson T. Brooking's #LikeWar. We live in the information age and we all must understand the power of social media and its impacts. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
JUNE 15, 2020
Fighting Talk: Forty Maxims on War, Peace, and Strategy by Colin Gray
For a classic, I want to pay tribute to a legend whom we lost earlier this year: Colin Gray. I encourage strategic thinkers of all ranks and specialties to read his 2009 Fighting Talk: 40 Maxims on War, Peace, and Strategy. #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
JUNE 15, 2020
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
For a contemporary title, I recommend Simon Sinek’s The Infinite Game. Great power competition doesn’t end. Today’s conflicts don’t end with treaty signings on battleships. It's important to play the long game & define what winning means. #WinningMatters #21stCenturyCSAReadingList
MAY 15, 2020
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
CSA 35 personally recommended David Epstein’s Range to me. I really enjoyed this book, because it reminds us that a broad range of interests gives us the flexibility to win in today’s complex environments. #WinningMatters
MAY 15, 2020
Once An Eagle by Anton Myrer
This book is a classic. Its lessons are timeless and have left a deep impression on me throughout my career. We should all strive to be Sam Damon. Put #PeopleFirst and everything else will follow.
Social Sharing