Challenge of Command: Reading for Military Excellence (West Point Military History Series)

This well-written and short book was crafted to serve as a starting point for those military leaders who wish to further refine their leadership skills. The author introduces a number of leadership concepts and provides a lot of thought-provoking insight, based in his own experience and those of other military leaders he interviewed. I read some chapters, and went back and re-read them to make sure I had gleaned everything I could from his writing. Throughout the text and at the end of each chapter, he lists several books that you may want to check out for further study.

By all means this text is essential to your quest to become a leader. Although slotted for an outlook more akin to officers; I would highly recommend this book to enlisted members as well. As an NCO myself this book was incredibly insightful and has definitely furthered my career as a member of the military. If only more officers would read this book the Arms would be a much better, and effective, entity.

This book is essential reading for all those who are or hope to someday be military leaders. It utilizes philosophy, ethics, and morals in its discussion of an ideal leader. it is versatile in that it can be used early in an officer's career to guide him, or later, to refine him. "The Challenge of Command" should be required reading of all officers and officer candidates.

Roger Nye's book comes from real world experiences, his own and others. It reflects a lifetime of study, intellectual thought, and discourse with some of the best leaders and thinkers of our time. The is a guide for mentors because Roger Nye was a beloved mentor to military leaders from cadets to generals. This book has timeless value because it encourages the pursuit of the highest principles and standards. It does this by providing references, resources, and examples that can further expand the reader's understanding and development. Though the content of this book is written for the military leader and commander, it clearly has application and value to the non-military leader and chief executive officer. Having had the opportunity and blessing to be mentored by Roger Nye before, during, and after the writing of this book, I can say that my bias for Roger's work has been validated by my life's experiences.

This book should be on the desk of every officer in the U.S. military. The book is insightful by itself, but the bibliography is priceless. New officer's are often told by their mentors to "read biographies of great men". Of course, their first question (often to themselves) is "Where do I find that kinda stuff???" This is the book for them. I ordering a copy for my new officers (and myself) right now.