I thought it'd be a good thing to compile a list of books of what I learned from the books I read for research. Each of them has given me some little bits, and the next guy to stumble over them might appreciate the prior insight. So here goes the first, no particular order - feel free to add "The mission, the men, and me", by Peter Blaber Background: Delta, Afghanistan Plus: Priorities of unit leaders and how to set them. How to think outside of the box. How to identify critical pieces of information. An account of how it is to direct missions from behind the lines. How to deal with even higher-ups in the process. What all can go wrong fast, by miscommunication, the break down of communication, and tension within high command. Memorable phrases: Don't get tread by a chihuahua (I particularly like that one ). Listen to the guy on the ground. Create a shared reality.
"Feeding Mars." By John A. Lynn A phenomenal book on a phenomenal subject, Lynn outlines the complexities of logistics and supply that many generals fail to remember, and the modern era seems to have forgotten. While not the most detailed work on the subject, Lynn covers many campaigns throughout western history, from the importance of castles as supply posts more than fortifications, to Napoleon's use of the 'magazine system' to simplify his army's logistics. A slow, careful counter-read to the glam and glory of modern military writing.
"The heart and the fist", by Eric Greitens Background: SEALs. Very briefly Afghanistan, Iraq. Mostly humanitarian aid Plus: The best account of SEAL qualification training I've read (even if that's just a brief part of the book). The impact of military presence on civilians and civilian authorities.
"Fire Strike 7/9", by Paul Grahame Background: British army, JTAC, Afghanistan Plus: An introduction on how JTACs work together with their units. The challenges they face, the capabilities they have (or conversely, what limits them). For this alone the book was priceless.
"The Circuit", by Bob Sheperd Background: ex-SAS, CP, embeds, networked reporters Plus: An invaluable introduction to CP in war zones, mostly focused on protecting reporters. How embeds work, what they show (or don't show), how to herd cats (eh reporters) who don't think that they'll get hit. How to keep a low profile in a country where any Westerner sticks out. The difference between proactive and reactive.
"Red One", by Kevin Ivison Background: ATO (British), Al Amarah I've now read a real stack, from different service branches, but the key scene here is something I won't ever forget. This book is raw. Usually I never give too much for the catch-phrase on the cover, but for this book, it's the perfect, true line. 'How many times can a man face death before he breaks?'
"A Long Way Gone", by Ishmael Beah Background: Child soldiers in Sierra Leone The author describes his growing up in a tribal village. Customs, how the country looks like. Plays among boys and friends. A warm, loving family. And it all goes down when his village gets attacked. The bulk of the book consists of the time growing up in this village, and the rehabilitation process after UNICEF decides to try to repatriate child soldiers. This book is about being alone, finding 'family', and the way the mind separates trust from the solitude of memories.
