UNITED STATES NAVY - Essential Reading (Be Ready)

	by Thomas Cutler The winner of the 2006 U.S. Maritime Litera­ture Award, this highly readable book offers a fresh approach to naval history. Adopted by the U.S. Navy for issue to all new Sailors, A Sailors History vividly and excitingly brings to life the events that have shaped and inspired the Navy of today. Its perspective is thoroughly and decidedly democratic, high­lighting the role of all Sailorsfrom seaman to admiral. Rather than focus entirely on such naval icons as Jones, Decatur, and Nimitz, as most histories tend to do, author Thomas J. Cutler (a former gunners mate and retired lieutenant commander) brings to the fore­front the contributions of enlisted people, such as Quartermaster Peter Williams, who steered the ironclad Monitor into history, and Hospital Corpsman Tayinikia Campbell, who saved lives on the USS Cole after the terrorist attack in Yemen. The books struc­ture is unique; rather than a straightforward chronological arrangement, the work is grouped thematically in sections named after the Navys core principles of honor, courage, and commitment; its traditions of Dont Tread on Me and Dont Give Up the Ship; and other significant aspects. The result is a unique account that captures Navy heritage as well as history, that provides inspiration as well as information, and that celebrates that most essential element of the Navys history: the Sailor. More than any other book in this program, this work is directly and specifi­cally targeted to the enlisted Sailor. It gives the reader a solid foundation in the colorful history of the U.S. Navy, instilling pride in the rich traditions that todays Sailors are carry­ing forward, making them aware that they are making history themselves as they serve in todays Navy.
	by Joshua Welle, John Ennis, Katherine Kranz and Graham Plaster This Essential category, Be Ready book provides a glimpse into the lives of some of the post 9/11 generation of warriors. The stories of the Naval Academy Class of 2002 are representative of an entire generation of sailors and officers that volunteered for service with the knowledge that they would serve in combat. Each story depicted in this book provides a glimpse into the lives of modern-day military officers who were faced with unique challenges. Their stories bring to light the trials of war and reveal a world most outside of the military do not understand. Refreshingly candid, their narratives take readers on a journey from Annapolis to the far corners of the world to experience operations at sea, on the land, and in the skies. Prophetically inscribed on the Class of 2002s Naval Academy graduation rings are the words in harms way. In the Shadow of Greatness pays tribute to classmates who paid the ultimate price for their nation within years after graduation. Mothers of the fallen reflect on their childrens loyalty to their country, the contributors provide visceral accounts of courage under fire, and others recount hardship in unexpected places, beyond the sands of Iraq and Afghanistan. As wars in Iraq and Afghanistan subside, those who depart the service are seeking a higher purpose at home. Read their stories of enduring commitment to country as they return from the battlefield and become leaders out of uniform.
	by Melvin G. Williams, Sr. and Melvin G. Williams, Jr. This Essential category, Be Ready book showcases important leadership lessons. The authors are the first African-American father and son to have served at the top in the U.S. Navy. In addition to the engaging biographical content of the book are the Seven Cs of Leadership: Character, Courage, Competence, Commitment, Caring, Community and Communicating that are explained through vivid examples that will serve to guide Sailors and Officers to a successful life and Navy career. The father and son authors share inspirational lessons that cover all areas of the leadership spectrum, from the makings of a Command Master Chief to the makings and distinct achievement of a Flag Officer. Navy heritage embraces both mens contributions since both father and son had to open doors that were closed to them due to their race. Melvin G. Williams Seniors ability to make Fleet improvements and positive recommendations for others was passed on to his own son, who served as Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and obtained the rank of Vice Admiral.
	by Brian Orend This Essential category, Be Ready book provides the modern Navy warrior with an accessible and important reference to draw upon in the planning and execution of combat operations. The Morality of War thoughtfully analyzes every military conflict of recent decades as a means of illustrating the evolution of just war theory. The vivid historical examples from past wars and more recent conflicts in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan make this an intellectually engaging and important book for our age. The Morality of War is considered by many warriors and scholars to be the most accessible and comprehensive work on the important questions pertaining to morality and war. The Morality of War is an excellent introduction into just war theory and supports Department of Defense priorities for Counter Terrorism and Information Warfare.
	by Julie Morgenstern This is an updated, expanded version of the definitive guide to managing and freeing up that most precious of commoditiestime. Applying her trademark from-the-inside-out approach, author Julie Morgenstern sets a new standard for the time-manage­ment ideal. Her system has helped countless readers uncover their mental/emotional stumbling blocks and strengths, and cultivate a time-management methodology that suits individual needs. By applying the prescribed three-step programAnalyze, Strategize, Attackreaders of Time Management From the Inside Out will find more room in life for work, family, self-improvement, or whatever is deemed most important. Time management is a learnable skill, and in this completely revised edition of her work, Morgenstern provides the ultimate tools to combine, delegate, and eliminate unnecessary tasks; put technology to work; and, above all, stop procrastinating, for once and for all. This revised edition includes a new chapter on get­ting started in the method, new time maps for people with irregular schedules, new four-, eight-, and 12-week program guides for improving time-management skills, and a fully updated resource guide. Time management, important for anybody, is all the more important for those who serve in uniform, and this, the bible of time management, has the game plan that can get the readers career on track and keep it there.
	by P.W. Singer This Essential category, Be Ready book explores the great­est revolution in military affairs since the atom bomb: the dawn of robotic warfare. Noted author P.W. Singer argues that we are on the cusp of a massive shift in military technology that threatens to make real the stuff of I, Robot and The Terminator. Blending historical evidence with interviews of an amaz­ing cast of characters, Singer shows how technology is changing not just how wars are fought, but also the politics, economics, laws, and the ethics that surround war itself. Traveling from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to modern-day skunk works in the midst of suburbia, Singer illustrates that the robotics revolution has arrived. Wired for War is must read for all modern day warriors that need to understand the impact of this revolution and how it is changing the way we operate and fight.