Professional reading is critical

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. John Howard
  • 572nd Global Mobility Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In 1996, Gen. Ronald Fogleman created the Air Force Chief of Staff Professional Reading Program. Professional reading is an excellent method by which Airmen at all levels can improve themselves in three key areas: greater understanding of historical operations, exposure to different leadership models and expanding cultural perspectives. 

Critically reading accounts of historical operations better prepares Airmen for today's combat environment. These accounts provide important lessons. For example, Dec. 7, 1941 is "a date which will live in infamy" due to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. 

However, if one were to read The Tide at Sunrise; A History of the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905 by Dennis and Peggy Warner, history reveals that perhaps the United States Navy shouldn't have been so surprised. The Japanese had conducted a similar surprise attack on the Russian naval base at Port Author 37 years earlier during their conflict over control of north-east Asia. Previous counter-insurgency operations also provide historical lessons. 

After reading David Galula's Counter-Insurgency Warfare; Theory and Practice, Airmen will realize the lessons the French learned during their counter-insurgency warfare with the Algerians in the 1950s have a direct connection to our current U.S. operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. Airmen familiar with the concepts and lessons to be gleaned from reading historical accounts of military operations can leverage this information to achieve a strategic advantage in future operations. 

Exposure to different leadership techniques is another benefit of professional reading. I suggest broadening your leadership repertoire to include examples from other services. A good example is Samuel Elliot's The Battle of Leyte Gulf 23-26 October 1944. This book provides an excellent example of the importance of a clear Command and Control structure and how by knowing your enemy you can develop ingenious operations. 

Lessons in leadership are not just limited to military leaders. I just recently finished reading Jack Welch's Winning and it gave me numerous leadership ideas. 

Contemplating different leaders' experiences enables Airmen to maximize their leadership aptitude and potential. 

Professional reading can also help Airmen broaden their cultural perspectives. Prior to traveling to Afghanistan, I read Martin Ewans' Afghanistan: A Short History of its People and Politics. This book provided a background on Afghanistan's history and her people's unique viewpoint. Professional reading isn't limited to brushing up on the history and cultures pertaining to your next deployed location. While stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, I read as much as I could about the history of the beautiful Pacific island chain. Airmen present a positive image and fit in more effectively when they are knowledgeable on local customs, courtesies and culture, which in turn enhances military and community relations. 

Professional reading is critical for Airmen to succeed. Airmen are better prepared to face the challenges of the future by embracing history's lessons, studying a variety of leadership models and exploring different facets of other culture. 

An Air Force News article on Oct. 13, 2006 quoted Gen. T. Michael Moseley's opinion on professional reading: He noted, "We must understand the historical and political contexts that framed the debates of the past and color people's thinking today." Professional reading is clearly the key to future success.