“I’ve all the time been a reader and, after all, I spent a lot time aboard ship. For instance, I’d take a footlocker stuffed with books with me to the Mediterranean and the Mideast and browse in regards to the nations in that area and the affect of their spiritual historical past and tradition. It’s essential to take a look at folks by means of their eyes, not simply our eyes. You identify it, I learn it.”
These phrases from former Commandant Common Al Grey spotlight why studying issues for Marines. Common Grey handed away at 95 in 2024, however his dedication to skilled improvement continues on.
The Commandant’s Skilled Studying Program was began by Common Grey in 1989. It serves as a cornerstone {of professional} improvement for Marines. This system fosters important considering, management, and a deeper understanding of navy historical past and doctrine. By encouraging a tradition of steady studying, this system enhances decision-making abilities and prepares Marines to face complicated challenges in dynamic environments. Finally, this system cultivates well-rounded leaders who embody the mental and ethical rigor required to uphold the mission of the Marine Corps. Marines in any respect grades should interact in skilled self-study by means of the studying listing.
This FY26 replace, issued by way of ALMAR 024/25, refined the listing in recognition of the Corps’ latest 250th anniversary. It highlights heritage, innovation, and enduring ethos. The listing gives titles that honor the previous and put together Marines for the long run struggle. This replace consists of quite a few new titles, damaged down into Commandant’s Selection, Heritage, Innovation, Management, and Technique. The only entry for Commandant’s Selection, As soon as an Eagle by Anton Myrer, unchanged from final yr and stays a should learn for these within the occupation of arms. The next 15 alternatives are a sampling of the brand new additions to this yr’s studying listing.
Heritage
- Semper Fidelis: 250 Years of U.S. Marine Corps Honor, Braveness, and Dedication by Marine Corps Historical past Division – This publication traces the Corps from 1775 to the current, reinforcing core values.
- Delivering Destruction: American Firepower and Amphibious Assault from Tarawa to Iwo Jima by Chris Okay. Hemler – This research examines American triphibious firepower coordination within the Pacific Battle.
- On Contested Shores: The Evolving Function of Amphibious Operations within the Historical past of Warfare (Vols. I & II) edited by Timothy Heck, B.A. Friedman, and Walker D. Mills – This work explores strategic, operational, and technological components in amphibious warfare historical past.
Innovation
- 7 Seconds to Die: A Army Evaluation of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh Battle and the Way forward for Warfighting by John F. Antal – This evaluation covers the primary struggle received primarily by unmanned methods, leading to Azerbaijan’s victory.
- Generative AI for Leaders by Amir Husain – This information helps leaders combine AI, addressing rising tech in operations.
- Evolution on Demand: The Altering Roles of the U.S. Marine Corps in Twenty-first Century Conflicts and Past by Joanna Siekiera – This guide explores challenges and alternatives forward for the Marine Corps.
- The Arms of the Future: Expertise and Shut Fight within the twenty first Century by Jack Watling – This examination unpacks operational challenges new weapons pose in floor warfare.
Management
- Generals and Admirals, Criminals and Crooks by Jeffrey Matthews – This exploration particulars failings of U.S. navy leaders, together with struggle crimes and corruption.
- The Best U.S. Marine Corps Tales Ever Advised by Iain C. Martin – This assortment gathers marines’ true tales of service and sacrifice.
- Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam Battle by Karl Marlantes – This novel follows an organization of Marines who construct, abandon, and retake an outpost in Vietnam.
- Knowledge of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven – This guide supplies classes on management from a 40-year profession.
Technique
- The Closing of the American Thoughts by Allan Bloom – This critique examines failures in increased schooling to foster a democratic ethos.
- The Infinite Sport by Simon Sinek – This work explores finite versus infinite video games, urging leaders to construct resilient organizations.
- On Grand Technique by John Lewis Gaddis – This evaluation covers grand strategic concept from the traditional world by means of World Battle II.
- The Generals’ Battle: The Inside Story of the Battle within the Gulf by Michael Gordon and Bernard Trainor – This account analyzes the planning and execution of the Gulf Battle.
The entire FY26 listing consists of further titles, podcasts, and assets. For background, see Army.com’s protection of earlier studying listing modifications.
Studying sharpens particular person abilities and builds unit cohesion. Marines who learn achieve higher decision-making talents. Units that debate books foster stronger groups. This apply strengthens readiness and satisfaction in service. There isn’t a higher time to start out studying than now – pleased studying in 2026!
