A 2024 Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) Professional Reading List for Junior Officers and NCOs
By Justin Baumann
Into the New Year
If you’re looking for something new to read in 2024, this article provides a list of resources that junior officers and NCOs might find informative when trying to understand potential Large-Scale Combat Operations in the future.
As a newly minted butter bar deploying to Afghanistan once upon a time, I was faced with a plethora of books to read including, The Bear Went Over the Mountain, Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife, FM 3-24 Counterinsurgency, and many others recommended to me, but not enough time to properly digest and apply them due to the training and operational cycle. As the Army shifts focus from Counter Insurgency (COIN) to LSCO, insightful reflection and pragmatic debate on the future of land warfare doctrine will pay dividends on future battlefields.
This list is aimed at Infantry Lieutenants, Captains, and NCOs but officers and NCOs of all ranks and branches can hopefully find value in these 17 books. If you don’t know what to read in 2024, try some of the books here and I hope you’ll find them as engaging, informative, and enlightening as I did.
Ranger Handbook
By The US Army
Link: https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN3039-TC_3-21.76-000-WEB-1.pdf
Key topics: Patrolling, OPORDs, Leadership
The gold standard for light infantry. Could use an update with a section on UAS and UAS related tactics.
Changing an Army: An Oral History of General William E. DePuy, USA Retired
By Romie L. Brownlee and William J. Mullen III
ISBN: 9781516973521
Key Topics: Leadership, Maneuver Warfare, Training, Small Unit Tactics
When the Odds Were Even: The Vosges Mountains Campaign, October 1944-January 1945
By Keith Bonn
ISBN: 978-0345476111
Key Topics: Large-Scale Tactics and Doctrine, Campaign Planning
The Anatomy of Courage: The Classic WWI Study of the Psychological Effects of War
by John Moran
ISBN: 978-0-7867-1899-3
Key Topics: Psychological Effects of War, Leadership, Trench Warfare
Summary (Written by Google AI): Dive into the trenches of World War I alongside Lord Moran, a doctor who witnessed firsthand the psychological toll of combat. "The Anatomy of Courage" isn't just a historical account; it's a groundbreaking exploration of fear, anxiety, and the resilience of the human spirit. Moran doesn't shy away from the gruesome realities of war, but instead shines a light on the inner struggles of soldiers facing unimaginable pressure.
Expect a mix of insightful observations, vivid anecdotes, and practical solutions as Moran dissects the breakdown and preservation of courage. He challenges the stigma of "shell-shock" as weakness, advocating for empathy and understanding towards those grappling with the invisible wounds of war. This isn't just a dusty relic of the past; Moran's insights remain eerily relevant today, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating the psychological complexities of conflict, both external and internal.
Tape to Space: Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics
By Ryan Stimson
ISBN: 9781790480494
Key Topics: Neutral Zone Play, Puck Possession, Defensive Formations, Tactical Adjustments
Summary (Written by Google AI): For coaches and die-hard fans, "Tape to Space" rewrites the rulebook on puck movement and offensive strategy. Ditch the static cycle and embrace dynamic spacing, creative rotations, and attacking every inch of the ice. Stimson blends cutting-edge analytics with practical drills, transforming your team into a fluid, unpredictable force. Buckle up for a fast-paced read that'll have you rethinking everything you know about the beautiful game. Bonus: Check out Stimson's YouTube channel for video breakdowns of the systems he outlines in the book!
FM 3-0 Operations
By The US Army
Link: https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN36290-FM_3-0-000-WEB-2.pdf
Key Topics: Applying Combat Power, Warfighting, Offensive Operations, Defensive Operations
The Defense of Hill 781
By James R. McDonough
ISBN: 978-0613998123
Key Topics: Training, Leadership, Tactics, Doctrine
The Manga Guide to Physics
By Hideo Nitta, Keita Takatsu, and Trend-Pro Co., LTD.
ISBN: 978-1-59327-196-1
Key topics: Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Motion, Momentum, Work and Energy
Physics plays an extremely important role in the knowledge of mortars, artillery, ballistics, rockets, explosives, and drone operations, and every infantry soldier should know its basics. Knowing how physics works may save your life on the battlefield one day.
Blood and Concrete: 21st Century Conflict in Urban Centers and Megacities
A Small Wars Journal Anthology: Edited by Dave Dilegge, Robert J. Bunker, John P. Sullivan, and Alma Keshavarz
ISBN: 978-1-9845-7375-9
Key Topics: Urban Warfare, Population-Centric Warfare, Mega-Cities
Four Ball One Tracer: Commanding Executive Outcomes
By Roelf van Heerden as told to Andrew Hudson
ISBN: 978-1-9102294-71-0
Key Topics: Chaotic Environments, Fog-of-War, METT-TC
7 Seconds to Die: A Military Analysis of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the Future of Warfighting
By John Antal
ISBN: 978-1636241234
Key Topics: Drone Operations, Loitering Munitions, Maneuver Warfare
Hell in a Very Small Place: The Siege of Dien Bien Phu
By Bernard Fall
ISBN: 978-0-306-81157-9
Key Topics: Siege Warfare, Logistics, Airborne Operations
Summary (Written by Google AI): "Hell in a Very Small Place" by Bernard Fall is a gripping and heartbreaking account of the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, a pivotal battle in the First Indochina War. Prepare for a journey into the claustrophobic trenches and suffocating heat of the besieged French outpost, as Fall masterfully combines military strategy with personal stories of soldiers on both sides.
Expect a vivid portrayal of the desperation and courage that unfolded during the 56-day siege. Fall doesn't shy away from the horrors of war, but also highlights the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of both the French and Vietnamese forces. You'll witness daring attacks, tactical blunders, and moments of unexpected compassion in this brutal clash between two opposing ideologies.
This book is more than just a historical record; it's a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of underestimating an enemy and the devastating consequences of war. Fall's analysis remains relevant today, offering valuable insights into the complexities of guerilla warfare and the human cost of conflict.
If you're looking for a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of history, "Hell in a Very Small Place" is a must-explore. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions as you delve into this unforgettable human drama.
Hockey Plays and Strategies
By Mike Johnston and Ryan Walter
ISBN: 978-1-4925-6253-5
Key Topics: Coaching, Breakouts, Attack Zone, Defensive Zone Entries
Supplying War: From Wallenstein to Patton
By Martin Van Creveld
ISBN: 978-0-521-54657-7
Key Topics: Logistics, Campaign Planning, Supply Lines
Command Missions: A Personal Story
By General Lucian King Truscott, Jr.
ISBN: 9781974634361
Key Topics: Leadership, Campaign Planning, LSCO
Summary (From the Back Cover): “General Lucian King Truscott, Jr. (1895 – 1965) was a highly decorated senior United States Army Officer, who saw distinguished active service during World War II. Between 1943-45, he successively commanded the 3rd Infantry Division, VI Corps, Fifteenth Army and Fifth Army. He was, along with Alexander Patch and James Van Fleet, among the few U.S. Army officers to command a division, a corps, and a field army on active service during the war.”
Blossoming Silk Against the Rising Sun: U.S. and Japanese Paratroopers at War in the Pacific in WWII
By Gene Eric Salecker
ISBN: 978-0-8117-0657-5
Key Topics: Air Logistics, Airborne Operations, Campaign Planning
Mounted Combat in Vietnam
By General Donn A. Starry
ISBN: 9781702177634
Key Topics: Mechanized Forces, Combined Arms, LSCO
Reading Tip: Consider reading these books with Post-it flags and a highlighter. Highlight and flag any interesting passages you come across. This will help show your progress through the book and provides an easy tool for referencing important passages and assists with memory retention.
Disclaimer: The opinions in this article are the author’s own, and do not necessarily reflect those of any entity with which he is associated. This article was written in December 2023 with the assistance of Google AI. Those sections written by AI are identified in the article. Special Thanks to Steve for his input and recommendations.