Professional growth in the military requires intentional effort. Reading strengthens judgment, broadens perspective, and reinforces the habits of disciplined thinking that effective leaders rely upon. DODReads was established to support that development by providing book reviews, executive summaries, author interviews, and curated recommendations tailored to servicemembers, veterans, and defense professionals.
The question “What are you reading?” reflects a culture of intellectual readiness and continuous improvement that signals a commitment to understanding history, strategy, leadership, and the ideas that shape our profession. DODReads makes that commitment practical by connecting readers with works that enhance decision-making and sustain long-term professional growth.
Join the ongoing pursuit of reading, leadership, and development and share what you are reading!
Official Military Reading Lists from all services include the FBI, DIA, CIA, and DAU. If you are a military leader start with the books on these lists first.
Authors Interviews. Top military and leadership authors discuss their writing process, the value they place on reading, and lessons for a junior leader.
Care to Lead? If you are in the military, leadership is not just part of the job description, it is THE job description.
Back Page Notes summarizes the best military books. Frustrated reading a book and then forgetting what you read 6 months later? Then click here.
Military Books By Military Reviewers. Before picking up a book check out our reviews.
If you would like to write for DODReads, reviews are the best place to start.
Memoirs from leaders. Military leaders coming off successful command tours share their best day in command, worst day in command and the lessons they learned along the way.
If you are a XO, CO, or Commodore in the USN, USCG, or USMC join the leadership team in the LinkedIn Commanders Group. We also have one for Air Force and Army Commanders
Stories from transitioning Military. What did you wish you learned when moving from the Military to the Civilian World?
Commanders Business – Resources, tools and Guidance for Military Commanding Officers.
A collection of tools, PDFs, and freebees designed for the Professional Naval Officer. If you need a tool that is not here, let us know and we would be happy to build it.
DODReads Podcast
