Commandant's Reading List 2024 Pdf

The Commandant's Reading List is a collection of books and articles recommended by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to promote professional development and critical thinking among Marines. The list is updated annually to reflect the Commandant's priorities and the evolving nature of modern warfare. The 2024 list is expected to include a diverse range of topics, from military history and strategy to leadership and personal development.
Introduction to the Commandant’s Reading List

The Commandant’s Reading List has been a staple of Marine Corps professional development for decades. The list is designed to provide Marines with a foundational understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin military strategy and operations. The books and articles on the list are chosen for their relevance to the Marine Corps’ core values and their ability to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key Themes and Topics
The 2024 Commandant’s Reading List is likely to include books and articles on a range of topics, including:
- Military history and strategy
- Leadership and personal development
- International relations and global security
- Emerging technologies and their impact on warfare
- Cultural competence and diversity
Some of the key themes and topics on the list may include:
- The evolution of warfare and the role of the Marine Corps in modern conflict
- The importance of leadership and mentorship in achieving strategic objectives
- The impact of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and cyber warfare, on military operations
- The need for cultural competence and diversity in a rapidly changing global environment
Recommended Books and Articles

The 2024 Commandant's Reading List is expected to include a range of books and articles that reflect the Commandant's priorities and the evolving nature of modern warfare. Some of the recommended books and articles may include:
- "The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World" by Rupert Smith
- "The Future of War: A New History of the 21st Century" by Lawrence Freedman
- "Leaders: Myth and Reality" by Stan McChrystal
- "The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life" by David Brooks
- "The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power" by Shoshana Zuboff
These books and articles are likely to provide Marines with a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin military strategy and operations, as well as the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment.
Implementing the Commandant’s Reading List
Implementing the Commandant’s Reading List requires a commitment to professional development and a willingness to engage with complex and challenging ideas. Marines are encouraged to read the books and articles on the list and to think critically about the principles and concepts they present.
Some ways to implement the Commandant's Reading List include:
- Creating a reading plan and setting aside dedicated time to read and reflect on the books and articles on the list
- Joining a reading group or discussion forum to engage with other Marines and share perspectives and insights
- Applying the principles and concepts presented in the books and articles to real-world problems and challenges
- Seeking out additional resources and information to deepen understanding and knowledge
Key Points
- The Commandant's Reading List is a collection of books and articles recommended by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to promote professional development and critical thinking among Marines.
- The list is updated annually to reflect the Commandant's priorities and the evolving nature of modern warfare.
- The 2024 list is expected to include a diverse range of topics, from military history and strategy to leadership and personal development.
- Marines are encouraged to read the books and articles on the list and to think critically about the principles and concepts they present.
- Implementing the Commandant's Reading List requires a commitment to professional development and a willingness to engage with complex and challenging ideas.
The Commandant's Reading List is an important tool for promoting professional development and critical thinking among Marines. By engaging with the books and articles on the list, Marines can deepen their understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin military strategy and operations, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing global environment.
Category | Book Title | Author |
---|---|---|
Military History | The Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World | Rupert Smith |
Leadership | Leaders: Myth and Reality | Stan McChrystal |
International Relations | The Future of War: A New History of the 21st Century | Lawrence Freedman |
Personal Development | The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life | David Brooks |
Technology | The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power | Shoshana Zuboff |

By engaging with the books and articles on the list, Marines can develop a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin military strategy and operations, and apply this knowledge to real-world problems and challenges. The Commandant's Reading List is an important tool for promoting professional development and critical thinking among Marines, and is an essential resource for anyone looking to succeed in the Marine Corps.
What is the Commandant’s Reading List?
+The Commandant’s Reading List is a collection of books and articles recommended by the Commandant of the Marine Corps to promote professional development and critical thinking among Marines.
Why is the Commandant’s Reading List important?
+The Commandant’s Reading List is important because it provides Marines with a foundational understanding of the principles and concepts that underpin military strategy and operations, and helps to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
How can I implement the Commandant’s Reading List?
+To implement the Commandant’s Reading List, create a reading plan and set aside dedicated time to read and reflect on the books and articles on the list. You can also join a reading group or discussion forum to engage with other Marines and share perspectives and insights.