"I have always been a reader and, of course, I spent so much time aboard ship. For example, I would take a footlocker full of books with me to the Mediterranean and the Mideast and read about the countries in that region and the impact of their religious history and culture. It’s important to look at people through their eyes, not just our eyes. You name it, I read it."
Those words from former Commandant General Al Gray highlight why reading matters for Marines. General Gray passed away at 95 in 2024, but his dedication to professional development continues on.
The Commandant's Professional Reading Program was started by General Gray in 1989. It serves as a cornerstone of professional development for Marines. The program fosters critical thinking, leadership, and a deeper understanding of military history and doctrine. By encouraging a culture of continuous learning, the program enhances decision-making skills and prepares Marines to face complex challenges in dynamic environments. Ultimately, the program cultivates well-rounded leaders who embody the intellectual and moral rigor required to uphold the mission of the Marine Corps. Marines at all grades must engage in professional self-study through the reading list.
This FY26 update, issued via ALMAR 024/25, refined the list in recognition of the Corps’ recent 250th anniversary. It highlights heritage, innovation, and enduring ethos. The list offers titles that honor the past and prepare Marines for the future fight. This update includes numerous new titles, broken down into Commandant's Choice, Heritage, Innovation, Leadership, and Strategy. The sole entry for Commandant’s Choice, Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer, unchanged from last year and remains a must read for those in the profession of arms. The following 15 selections are a sampling of the new additions to this year’s reading list.
Heritage
- Semper Fidelis: 250 Years of U.S. Marine Corps Honor, Courage, and Commitment by Marine Corps History Division - This publication traces the Corps from 1775 to the present, reinforcing core values.
- Delivering Destruction: American Firepower and Amphibious Assault from Tarawa to Iwo Jima by Chris K. Hemler - This study examines American triphibious firepower coordination in the Pacific War.
- On Contested Shores: The Evolving Role of Amphibious Operations in the History of Warfare (Vols. I & II) edited by Timothy Heck, B.A. Friedman, and Walker D. Mills - This work explores strategic, operational, and technological factors in amphibious warfare history.
Innovation
- 7 Seconds to Die: A Military Analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Future of Warfighting by John F. Antal - This analysis covers the first war won primarily by unmanned systems, resulting in Azerbaijan's victory.
- Generative AI for Leaders by Amir Husain - This guide helps leaders integrate AI, addressing emerging tech in operations.
- Evolution on Demand: The Changing Roles of the U.S. Marine Corps in Twenty-first Century Conflicts and Beyond by Joanna Siekiera - This book explores challenges and opportunities ahead for the Marine Corps.
- The Arms of the Future: Technology and Close Combat in the 21st Century by Jack Watling - This examination unpacks operational challenges new weapons pose in ground warfare.
Leadership
- Generals and Admirals, Criminals and Crooks by Jeffrey Matthews - This exploration details failings of U.S. military leaders, including war crimes and corruption.
- The Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told by Iain C. Martin - This collection gathers marines' true tales of service and sacrifice.
- Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes - This novel follows a company of Marines who build, abandon, and retake an outpost in Vietnam.
- Wisdom of the Bullfrog by Admiral William H. McRaven - This book provides lessons on leadership from a 40-year career.
Strategy
- The Closing of the American Mind by Allan Bloom - This critique examines failures in higher education to foster a democratic ethos.
- The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek - This work explores finite versus infinite games, urging leaders to build resilient organizations.
- On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis - This assessment covers grand strategic theory from the ancient world through World War II.
- The Generals’ War: The Inside Story of the Conflict in the Gulf by Michael Gordon and Bernard Trainor - This account analyzes the planning and execution of the Gulf War.
The complete FY26 list includes additional titles, podcasts, and resources. For background, see Military.com's coverage of previous reading list changes.
Reading sharpens individual skills and builds unit cohesion. Marines who read gain better decision-making abilities. Units that discuss books foster stronger teams. This practice strengthens readiness and pride in service. There is no better time to start reading than now – happy reading in 2026!
