Military Literature Essentials: Top Five Strategists Whose Works Every Military Expert Needs to Explore
Article Title: Five Army Commanders Worth Studying: A Guide for Military Professionals
In the world of military strategy and leadership, there are few figures as influential as General George Washington, General Ulysses S. Grant, Major General Fox Conner, General George S. Patton, and General Donn Starry. These commanders have left an indelible mark on the United States Army, and their stories are worth delving into for anyone seeking to understand the roots of successful military leadership.
General George Washington
As the first commander-in-chief of the United States Army, Washington's leadership during the American Revolution is legendary. Ron Chernow's comprehensive biography, "Washington: A Life," offers a deeply researched account of Washington's life, from his early days as a self-taught general to his strategic decisions that shaped the new nation.
General Ulysses S. Grant
A man who began his career as an average officer, Grant made his mark during the US Civil War. His leadership, strategy, and eventual victory over General Robert E. Lee are detailed in Ron Chernow's award-winning biography, "Grant." This book provides valuable insights into Grant's leadership style and the decisions that led to his triumphs.
Major General Fox Conner
Conner's influence on several key Army leaders, including Patton and Eisenhower, is explored in Russell D. Ramsey's "The Story of Fox Conner." This book offers a unique perspective on Conner's mentorship and the impact he had on shaping the future of the US Army.
General George S. Patton
Patton's aggressive nature as a field commander was shaped by a disciplined effort of reading and self-study. Carlo D'Este's "Patton: A Genius for War" is considered a definitive biography, capturing Patton’s leadership during World War II. For a more in-depth analysis of Patton's genius, Roger Nye's "The Patton Mind" examines the roots of Patton's strategies by analyzing all of the books he read and his notes on them.
General Donn Starry
Starry commanded the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Vietnam and later served as the commander of the Armor School, V Corps in Germany, and Training and Doctrine Command. His work on transforming U.S. Army doctrine, particularly the development of the AirLand Battle Doctrine in the early 1980s, is detailed in his own book, "The Evolution of AirLand Battle."
Lieutenant Colonel Joe Byerly recommends studying these five commanders for their insights into leadership development. While specific title recommendations on these leaders from Byerly were not found, his writings and leadership discussions often reflect these figures as significant influences throughout his military career. For the most relevant material directly tied to Byerly’s views, exploring the biographies and doctrinal works on these leaders will align well with his inspirations.
For those interested in learning more about Patton's self-study habits, J. Furman Daniel III's book, "21 Century Patton," is a published selection of Patton's articles and speeches, along with great commentary by Daniel. Additionally, Carlo D'Este's "Patton: A Genius for War" provides insights into Patton's use of the margins of books, notebooks, and notecards to capture his thoughts and reflections.
To learn more about Washington's commitment to self-development, readers are encouraged to read "A Powerful Mind: The Self-Education of George Washington" by Adrienne Harrison, "George Washington and the American Military Tradition" by Don Higginbotham, and "Washington's Crossing" by David Hackett Fischer.
For those interested in Grant's leadership, readers should first seek out "The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant" and the recently published "Grant" by Ron Chernow for insights into Grant's strategies and decisions. Grant led the Union Army to victories at the Battle of Shiloh and in the Vicksburg Campaign, and eventually defeated Gen. Robert E. Lee.
Under Starry's leadership, the Army developed the AirLand Battle Doctrine in the early 1980s. Starry wrote about everything from strategy, logistics, leadership, and training to noncommissioned officer development, the role of the command sergeant major in organizations, values, and more. The Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth has published Starry's most important speeches, articles, and memorandums in an excellent two-volume series titled Press On!.
In conclusion, studying these five Army leaders can provide valuable insights into military leadership and strategy. By examining their lives, decisions, and strategies, military professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the principles that have shaped the US Army and continue to inspire leaders today.
- General George Washington's strategic decisions that shaped the new nation are detailed in Ron Chernow's biography, "Washington: A Life," which offers insights for those seeking to understand the roots of successful military leadership.
- Reading Carlo D'Este's "Patton: A Genius for War" can provide valuable insights into General George S. Patton's leadership during World War II, particularly his self-study habits.
- For those interested in General Ulysses S. Grant's strategies and decisions, his personal memoirs and Ron Chernow's biography, "Grant," offer valuable insights.
- General Donn Starry's work, particularly the development of the AirLand Battle Doctrine in the early 1980s, is detailed in his book, "The Evolution of AirLand Battle," and the Combat Studies Institute at Fort Leavenworth has published his most important speeches, articles, and memorandums in the two-volume series titled Press On!. These resources can provide insights into military strategy and leadership for military professionals.
