The United States has a population of over 300 million but less than 1% of the population has served in the military. In fact, many civilians have little to no knowledge of life in the military. From basic training, to life overseas, to actual combat, the average American knows little about the life of a military veteran.
To learn more about the brave men who enlisted to defend this country, check out the following books.
1) American Sniper
Book: “American Sniper” by Chris Kyle
Pages: 448
For: People interested in learning about the life of the most lethal sniper in U.S. history
Lesson: Learn the life story of one of the most celebrated war heroes of our time
Many people have seen the film, “American Sniper” but there is a lot more to Chris in his memoir. He talks about his childhood and how life events shaped his path to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. Chris also has a great sense of humor and tells a joke every now and then throughout the book. He also talks about the challenges of maintaining a relationship and family while spending the majority of his time overseas and the difficulties of returning to a civilian life. This is a book worth reading.
2) The Red Circle
Book: “The Red Circle” by Brandon Webb
Pages: 496
For: People interested in learning about the life of a U.S. Navy SEAL from basic training to combat overseas to working as a sniper instructor.
Lesson: Learn what it takes to become a US Navy SEAL and how the author rebuilt the sniper training program for the military and helped train, Chris Kyle & Marcus Luttrell
Brandon Webb tells his life story and his journey to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He describes the grit and mindset needed to get through the infamous BUDS training, as well as SERE and sniper school. He also talks about events that occurred overseas and his many near death situations. Webb would go on to redesign the sniper training course and mentor both Chris Kyle and Marcus Luttrell.
3) American Heroes in Special Operations
Book: “American Heroes in Special Operations” by Oliver North
Pages: 300
For: People interested in the different special forces in the U.S. military
Lesson: Learn the stories of courageous men and women in the military and the type of operations performed by elite military forces
The author, Oliver North, is a combat-decorated Marine and a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star for valor and two Purple Hearts. He’s also a New York Times best-selling author. His book covers stories about the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of the U.S. Special Operations Command as they undertake missions in some of the most difficult and dangerous places on the planet.
BONUS:
Book: “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
Pages: 322
For: Business managers, leaders, people interested in military tactics and improving their leadership skills
Lesson: The leadership lessons from life-and-death combat can be applied to the business world to make your team and company successful
The same strategies that are successful in battle can often be translated to business. Two thousand years ago, the war strategist Sun Tzu wrote “The Art of War” which became widely read by both military generals and business leaders.
The same can be said about the book “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. These two U.S. Navy Seals officers led the most highly decorated special operation unit of the Iraq war. They now run a leadership consulting firm that teaches people how to apply powerful leadership principles from the battlefield to business and life.
