thedrifter
06-16-07, 06:33 AM
Conway names new 'marquee title' on reading list
By Kimberly Johnson - kjohnson@militarytimes.com
Posted : June 18, 2007
Commandant Gen. James Conway has thrown a new book on top of every leatherneck's reading pile, saying retired Lt. Gen. Victor Krulak's "First to Fight" underscores his planning guidance and illustrates the challenges facing the Corps.
Conway announced that Krulak's book, which spans the Corps' history from World War II to Vietnam, is the "marquee title" for his new reading list, according to an All-Marine message released June 5. The reading list was last updated in February 2005 and previously listed "First to Fight" as required reading for master gunnery sergeants to sergeants major.
"This book depicts an elite, economical force that relies on adaptability, innovation and esprit to succeed," Conway wrote in the message. "It describes our Corps, and I want every Marine to understand who we are and what we are about."
The book's message of the service's adaptability is crucial, its top officer said.
"With the nature of the fight in these first battles of the 'Long War,' it's easy to get focused on counterinsurgency operations," Conway said in a subsequent statement provided by his spokesman. "Our development into a very capable counterinsurgency force is indicative of our Corps' adaptability. It's another arrow in our quiver, not necessarily the future of the Marine Corps."
He added: "'First to Fight' harkens Marines to be prepared for full-spectrum operations. It's a timeless book that illustrates our Corps' history of innovation, flexibility and resolve."
While Conway's directive instructs all leathernecks to read the book, the mandate does not give a deadline or enforcement guidelines for commanders.
Highlighting a book is standard practice with the commandant's reading list. For example, former Commandant Gen. Alfred Gray chose "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
History has always been the school of service members, one retired Marine commander said.
"No one knows the future. The only way to attempt to understand the future is through the historical context," retired Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper said. "As counterintuitive as it might seem, you look backward to understand the future."
Krulak makes the central point that while the nation doesn't need a Marine Corps, it wants one, Van Riper said.
"What he said was that if any of the services had significant failure, the nation would rebuild the force. But if the Marine Corps ever stumbled badly, folks might look around and question if we need it," he said.
The book is also a reminder to Marines that if they don't perform at their highest levels, the organization as a whole could be threatened, he said.
Van Riper, who was closely involved with the selection of books for Gray's reading list, said lists of titles are aimed at specific paygrades and meant to be read during the course of their rank.
Besides the marquee title, the program includes recommended titles based on paygrade, and a broader list based on region and topics. That part of the list has not changed from the 2005 list.
By Kimberly Johnson - kjohnson@militarytimes.com
Posted : June 18, 2007
Commandant Gen. James Conway has thrown a new book on top of every leatherneck's reading pile, saying retired Lt. Gen. Victor Krulak's "First to Fight" underscores his planning guidance and illustrates the challenges facing the Corps.
Conway announced that Krulak's book, which spans the Corps' history from World War II to Vietnam, is the "marquee title" for his new reading list, according to an All-Marine message released June 5. The reading list was last updated in February 2005 and previously listed "First to Fight" as required reading for master gunnery sergeants to sergeants major.
"This book depicts an elite, economical force that relies on adaptability, innovation and esprit to succeed," Conway wrote in the message. "It describes our Corps, and I want every Marine to understand who we are and what we are about."
The book's message of the service's adaptability is crucial, its top officer said.
"With the nature of the fight in these first battles of the 'Long War,' it's easy to get focused on counterinsurgency operations," Conway said in a subsequent statement provided by his spokesman. "Our development into a very capable counterinsurgency force is indicative of our Corps' adaptability. It's another arrow in our quiver, not necessarily the future of the Marine Corps."
He added: "'First to Fight' harkens Marines to be prepared for full-spectrum operations. It's a timeless book that illustrates our Corps' history of innovation, flexibility and resolve."
While Conway's directive instructs all leathernecks to read the book, the mandate does not give a deadline or enforcement guidelines for commanders.
Highlighting a book is standard practice with the commandant's reading list. For example, former Commandant Gen. Alfred Gray chose "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
History has always been the school of service members, one retired Marine commander said.
"No one knows the future. The only way to attempt to understand the future is through the historical context," retired Lt. Gen. Paul Van Riper said. "As counterintuitive as it might seem, you look backward to understand the future."
Krulak makes the central point that while the nation doesn't need a Marine Corps, it wants one, Van Riper said.
"What he said was that if any of the services had significant failure, the nation would rebuild the force. But if the Marine Corps ever stumbled badly, folks might look around and question if we need it," he said.
The book is also a reminder to Marines that if they don't perform at their highest levels, the organization as a whole could be threatened, he said.
Van Riper, who was closely involved with the selection of books for Gray's reading list, said lists of titles are aimed at specific paygrades and meant to be read during the course of their rank.
Besides the marquee title, the program includes recommended titles based on paygrade, and a broader list based on region and topics. That part of the list has not changed from the 2005 list.