Fiction

Once an Eagle

Anton Myrer

Summary: A military epic that spans decades and multiple conflicts from the perspectives to two U.S. Army officers. These officers are juxtaposed in their approach to leadership with one honorable, selfless, loyal and soldier-oriented, while the other is ambitious, manipulative, politically savvy, and superior officer-oriented.

Reasons to Read: A cornerstone of professional military education that reinforces ethical leadership and character. Helps Joint Force leaders evaluate personal motivations and understand long-term impacts of leadership decisions.

Ghost Fleet: A Novel of the Next World War

August Cole and P. W. Singer

Summary: A fictional story which imagines a future war fought with cutting-edge technologies between the U.S. and China. Blending fiction with real-world trends the story is build around current and emerging technologies, geopolitical trends, and military capabilities.

Reasons to Read: The books futurist narrative is a vivid description of why we need a sense of urgency in ensuring the Joint Force is properly armed, globally integrated, and ready to fight. It blends cutting-edge technology, emerging threats, and geopolitical tension into a plausible scenario for future war. It’s a vivid prompt for leaders to consider how readiness, adaptation, and innovation determine advantage in high-stakes conflict.

Killer Angels

Michael Shaara

Summary: Portrays the Battle of Gettysburg through multiple perspectives, highlighting leadership, strategy, and moral conflict on both Union and Confederate sides. The novel humanizes historical figures such as Lee and Chamberlain, illustrating how decisions, courage, and uncertainty shaped one of the Civil War’s decisive battles.

Reasons to Read: Provides valuable lessons in command decision-making, initiative, and risk management under uncertainty—core components of operational art in Joint Force planning.

Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae

Steven Pressfield

Summary: A fictional and descriptive retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of a Spartan warrior. It explores discipline, sacrifice, and the realities of close combat.

Reasons to Read: Reinforces warrior ethos and the importance of unit cohesion and discipline. Offers timeless insights into leadership under extreme conditions relevant to Joint Force readiness.