Command Sergeant Major Jimmie W. Spencer, USA, Ret.Director, Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier Programs Army Chief of Staff’s Professional Reading List "This reading list is an important element in the professional development of all leaders in the Army. We can never spend too much time reading and thinking about the Army profession and its interaction with the world at large."These readings will deepen our understanding of the history of armies, the critical role of leadership in combat, and the strategic environment of today and the future."There is simply no better way to prepare for the future than a disciplined, focused commitment to a personal course of reading, study, thought and reflection."I challenge each of you to tackle these books and improve your power of critical thinking and understanding of the profession of arms." Gen. Raymond T. OdiernoArmy Chief of Staff ***** The above quote is from the Army’s website and its meaning is clear: If you are a professional soldier you are focused on broadening your understanding of the military art which means a continuing commitment to professional development.If we as noncommissioned officers are to keep pace in an Army in transition, we, as Army leaders, must be well read in all aspects of our profession.In that spirit, I would like to offer for your consideration suggested reading to supplement the chief of staff’s list.I will just name a few that I believe every NCO – active, guard and reserve –should not only read, but also have as part of their professional library.1. "Guardians of the Republic" by Ernest F. Fisher Jr., is a history of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps of the U.S. Army. If you only read one book about the history of the NCO Corps – this should be the one.2. "The Three Meter Zone" by Command Sgt. Maj. J. D. Pendry, USA, Ret., discusses Army values in "user friendly" terms. It has important messages for Army leaders past, present and future.3. "The Red Badge of Courage’ by Steven Crane is a classic that transcends generations; a good story that is filled with leadership lessons.4. "Living with Honor" by Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta is a candid account of the life of an American hero who is first living person since the conclusion of the Vietnam War to be presented the Medal of Honor.5. "The Sergeants Major of the Army on Leadership and the Profession of Arms" and the "U.S. Army Campaign Streamers: Colors of Courage Since 1775" are AUSA publications which can be ordered online.Some of the books I have listed are new, some are old.Some are available everywhere and some are out of print and may be difficult to find.I could list more but I would like to hear from you.If you would like to add to this list, send me the information and if it fits, I will add it to the list on the AUSA NCO websiteTo find the U.S. Army Chief of Staff’s Professional Reading List go to: http://usarmy.vo.llnwd.net/e2/c/downloads/236996.pdf.For AUSA’s suggested reading list for noncommissioned officers go to http://www.ausa.org/resources/nco/training/careeradvancement/profession….Thank you for your "Selfless Service to the Nation" and for all you do for soldiers.And, thank you for your support of AUSA.Still Serving!