CALL SIGN CHAOS: LEARNING TO LEAD

by Jim Mattis and Bing West

Memoir of a life of warfighting and lifelong learning to lead, and a story about how Mattis, through constant study and action, developed a unique leadership philosophy. Mattis distills lessons learned into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership.

WHITE DONKEY: TERMINAL LANCE

by Maximilian Uriarte

This is a story about a Marine, written and illustrated by a Marine, and is the first graphic novel about the war in Iraq from a veteran. The White Donkey explores the experience of being a Marine, as well as the challenges that veterans face upon their return home.

THE YOMPERS: WITH 45 COMMANDO IN THE FALKLANDS WAR

by Ian Gardiner

The first story to be written by a company commander in the Falklands War, the book gives a compelling, vivid description of the ‘yomp’ and infantry fighting, and it also offers penetrating insights into the realities of war at higher levels.

YOU ARE WORTH IT: BUILDING A LIFE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

by Kyle Carpenter and Don Yaeger

You Are Worth It is a memoir about the war in Afghanistan and a lance corporal’s heroics, and it is also a manual for living. The author encourages us to become our best selves in the time we’ve been given on earth, regardless of the hurdles that may block our way.

Make Your Bed

by Admiral William H. McRaven

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life—lessons that would help change themselves—and the world—for the better.

Admiral McRaven’s original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life’s darkest moments.

On Killing

by LtCol Dave Grossman

In World War II, only 15 to 20 percent of combat infantry were willing to fire their rifles. In Korea, about 50 percent. In Vietnam, the figure rose to more than 90 percent.

The good news is that most soldiers are loath to kill. But armies have developed sophisticated ways sophisticated ways of overcoming that instinctive aversion. The psychological cost for soldiers, as evidenced by the increase in post-traumatic stress, is devastating. This landmark study brilliantly illuminates the techniques the military uses to help soldiers kill and raises vital questions about the implications of escalating violence in our society.