Ike Skelton: National Security Booklists

In 2003, Congressman Ike Skelton published a "National Security Book List." Skelton included 50 books he felt should be required reading for military officers, political leaders, and anyone else who was interested in military affairs. His press release stated: 

Professional Military Education is a particular interest of mine. I consider myself lucky that my longtime hobby as a military history enthusiast has complemented my work in Congress as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. Through the years, I have benefitted enormously by seeking out books recommended by others who share my interest in history and military affairs. The fifty books I have chosen cover the topics of leadership, character, and military art. The subject matter ranges from ancient to modern warfare, although a large number of my recommendations focus on the Civil War and World War II. By necessity, some excellent works were omitted--such as Churchill's outstanding six volume history of World War II--but the list is comprehensive and covers each branch of the U.S. military. If one undertakes to read the entire list, I expect it would be about a ten-year project. However, familiarity with this material should be invaluable to any officer preparing to attend a war college.

The 2003 list can be downloaded from: https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/documents/cace/CARL/Biblio/Skelton_NSBL.pdf and is also available as a printed pamphlet inside the library. The Skelton Booklist Collection is located on the first floor near the south (Lewis and Clark) entrance. 

Skelton released a follow-up list in 2009. This second set of 50 books largely consisted of works published after 2003. A copy of the 2009 list can be found here: https://usacac.army.mil/sites/default/files/documents/cace/CARL/Biblio/Skelton.pdf

Source: "National Security Book List." Naval War College Review, Winter 2004.