Culture.Mil - Commandant’s Professional Reading List

Written by Jenifer Chrisman on April 10, 2017.

 “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”

– George R.R. Martin, author of A Song of Ice and Fire

Beginning in 1989, General Al Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, put into effect the first Commandant’s Professional Reading List. He believed mental preparation as important as occupational knowledge or physical conditioning. The list serves to challenge Marines of every rank to develop professional and personal character, as well as preparing for the future in their profession, particularly in the area of combat.

General Jim Amos, 35th Commandant, revised the reading list and its structure in January of 2013. Now divided into five levels based on rank (enlisted and officer), in accordance with ALMAR 009-16, all active-duty and reserve Marines are required to read a minimum of three books per year based on their level.

ALMAR 009-16 Guidance

Commandant’s Choice books are required reading for all Marines. Each Marine shall read a minimum of three books from the Commandant’s Choice or Grade Level sections each year.

Completion of the CPRL reading requirement shall be noted in the individual Marine’s fitness report or taken into account when assigning Proficiency/Conduct (Pro/Con) marks per references a, b, and c. How a Marine demonstrates completion of the annual requirement is at the discretion of the Commander.

The books are adjusted accordingly and are selected for their pertinence to professional development and critical thinking. They range from Ender’s Game (by Orson Scott Card) to The Art of War (by Sun-Tzu). The Marine Corps has made every effort to ensure the books are easily accessible. And although some can only be obtained in print, most can be found in ebook or audiobook format. The Navy General Library Program (https://navy.libraryreserve.com/10/50/en/Default.htm), which is free to Marines, provides the majority of them.

The Commandant’s Professional Reading List offers an excellent opportunity for Marines to not only study military history, but to learn from the experiences of those who have already faced many of the challenges individual Marines may face in the future. In the words of General Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, “I want Marines to read beyond the list, too, especially paying attention to current events, science and technology, and what our potential adversaries are up to around the world.”

MARINE CORPS COMMANDANT’S 2016 PROFESSIONAL READING LIST

ENTRY LEVEL
Recruits-Poolees/OCS Candidates-Midshipmen

PRIMARY LEVEL
Private-Corporal/WO-1st Lieutenant

CAREER LEVEL
Sergeant-Staff Sergeant/CWO 2-Captain

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Gunnery Sergeant-First Sergeant/CWO 4-Lieutenant Colonel

SENIOR LEVEL
Master Gunnery Sergeant-Sergeant Major/Colonel-General

For the complete list with descriptions and book location availability, visit http://www.gafblibrary.org/Files/USMCReadingList2016.pdf

Sources:

• http://guides.grc.usmcu.edu/usmcreadinglist
• http://www.kickassfacts.com/25-kickass-and-interesting-facts-about-marines/
• http://www.gafblibrary.org/Files/USMCReadingList2016.pdf
• http://marineparents.com/marinecorps/commandantsreadinglist.asp
• https://www.usmcofficer.com/marine-corps-knowledge/commandants-reading-list/
• http://guides.grc.usmcu.edu/content.php?pid=408059&sid=3340953
• https://navy.libraryreserve.com/10/50/en/Default.htm

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