* Veterans & Military

General Ronald Fogleman created the CSAF Professional Reading Program in 1996 to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members -- officers, enlisted, and civilians -- to help each of us become better, more effective advocates of air and space power. Each CSAF since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program.

Our Army operates in a complex strategic environment that demands each of us improve our knowledge of not only military affairs, but economics, politics, and international affairs. We must know how to train for new types of missions, how to deploy forces rapidly to distant regions around the world, and how to pursue innovation and change while preserving the Army's core capabilities in an era of fiscal constraint. The books on this list can sharpen our understanding of strategic landpower as an instrument of national power, the indispensable role of ethical leadership, and the extraordinary demands of land combat.

As the Coast Guard continues to support national efforts combatting COVID-19, the social distancing required to preserve readiness presents a prime opportunity to grow personally and professionally. The 2020 Coast Guard Professional Development List is based on recommendations from the more junior members of the workforce and provides some great suggestions for continual learning and growth. This year’s list covers a wide array of topics that have direct links to today’s Coast Guard including mental and physical health, military leadership, financial wellness, Coast Guard history, and many more thought-providing subjects. Their recommendations also highlight the outstanding talent we have throughout our ranks and the tremendous value of everyone’s unique perspectives and interests.

To ensure the Commandant's Professional Reading Program (CPRP) remains relevant, current, and promotes professional discussions amongst all Marines. The Commandant's Professional Reading List (CPRL) has removed the rank distinction and consolidated the list of publications into five categories.
The CPRL is arranged into five categories: Commandant's Choice, Profession of Arms, Innovation, Leadership, and Strategy. Each year, Marines shall read a minimum of five books from the CPRL.

Nearly 200 years ago, the Navy ordered its ships be outfitted with a reading list of 37 books in order to help train and educate Sailors. The Navy’s leaders knew then what is still the case today: to outthink our competitors we must study and apply lessons we’ve learned from our past. Furthermore, it is critically important for our Navy to be a learning organization. And one of the very best ways to do that is to foster an environment where every Sailor deepens their level of understanding and learning.

That is why we are launching an updated Chief of Naval Operations Professional Reading Program (CNO-PRP) reading list, with a motto of “Read Well to Lead Well.”