I know this may make me sound like a super nerd, but one of the things that I had a few years ago that I am starting to miss is a sort of professional book cub. We would all agree on a book...a novel, history book, text, etc...and read it and discuss points on it for the purpose of professional development. I always really enjoyed getting other people's perspectives on things...especially from different walks of life or different career fields.
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in something like this or not.

Name the book bro. I'm with ya.

In keeping with the spirit of the board I suggest we keep it to history, military history, current affairs, politics or reputable historical fiction.

Anyone else interested?

That was the general concept before. Basically all military related. Although some were much more far reaching. Once the scope moves from tactical to strategic...it becomes different to separate the military from the political.

I'm on board if I'm qualified.

If needed I could set up another board dedicated soley to this, cut out the crap, stay kind of focused. Just an idea.

Some Middle Eastern history/look into culture could also be involved, we're going to be there a while, may as well understand the populace.

Beyond Belief by V.S. Naipaul comes highly recommended as a look into Islamic Fundamentalism.

-Shlok

Just thought I'd let ya'll know that I am intrested

I'm interested, and as i'm in the middle of a "western military history" class at the univeristy of louisville i have alot of pretty good books to recomend. lol

Put me on board. Just joined the military book club a few weeks ago.

I'm interested.

i'm in, i'm sure i'll have plenty of time once i'm in the sandbox

OK. At this point I guess we need to figure out how we want to do this. I can see a couple of ways to do it. One would be that we set some parameters on the types of books or subjects and then take turns picking the book.

My suggestions for subjects are rather obvious on some of these:
Tactics
Logistics
Leadership
Historical develoment of various kinds of forces
Battle analysis
And of course anything that really grabs us!!!

I am just shooting ideas out...

I kind of like the idea of a separate board, but I also don't think that we would have difficulty on here.

Ideas anybody?

I know...I read this and see that I demonstrated a complete lack of an ability to make a decision. I just want this to be something fun and educational for us...and I don't want to be "That Guy"

Also everybody kep in mind...that when we agree on a book..that means a bunch of other people have to find/order and buy it...so anything too expensive is out.

I can email Amazon, BN, smaller bookstores and see if they'll get you a group military discount and hopefully a student discount for me.

Anyone who wants me to, lemme know.

sounds good to me

quote:

My suggestions for subjects are rather obvious on some of these:
Tactics
Logistics
Leadership
Historical develoment of various kinds of forces
Battle analysis
And of course anything that really grabs us!!!

That sounds good right down the line.

How recent do you want to keep it?

I know that anything can be a learning tool but for me this is strictly entertainment. It doesn't matter what I read, there is very little chance I will find myself in a situation where the practical application of anything we read/discuss is going to be necessary (unless I have to go "commando" in a seminar or business meeting).

Leadership and history is more or less timeless but you guys still wearing the pickle suit will probably benefit more from discussion of tactics and logistics pertaining to the last several decades than what Leonidas did at Thermopylae.

quote:

I kind of like the idea of a separate board, but I also don't think that we would have difficulty on here.

I agree. The only topics that get any real traffic around here have to involve bikinis or wor association. If people are required to read and think they'll steer clear of the thread.

On the other hand, there are also a lot of guys around here that are pretty knowledgable and even if they aren't in the "group" may still make some valuable contributions.

If traffic/nonsense becomes a problem we can cross that bridge when we come to it.

As far as suggesting books, I don't imagine we'll have much trouble with that. I can think of a 1/2 dozen off the top of my head that would be worth consideration and I'm certain all of you can too.

Taking turns picking them sounds cool. I would gladly defer to those who are still serving. Again, while this is just going to be fun for me it could prove useful for y'all.

I'd like to propose for the 1st book Stephen Pressfield's historical novel Gates of Fire. This is an account of the Spartans under King Leonidas preparing for and standing off the Persian army under Xerxes at Thermopylae.

If this idea ever gets off the ground, will somebody please e-mail me. I am interested in having a REAL discussion about something. And, I love to read. Thanks.

SCOUTS OUT!!!

I can go with Gates of Fire.

Anything by John Keegan would be good too.

Amazon flat out said thanks but no.

BN has a process in place, so I'll try when we pick out a book.

OK. So "Gates of Fire" had been proposed and seconded.

What do y'all think about that being enough to get this b.itch off the ground? Maybe in the future we can be a little more democratic about the book selection but I'm afraid that if we don't hit the ground running here we'll beat this horse to death before it get's off the ground.

For what it's worth I 3rd the motion to read Gates of Fire and propose that we commence reading no later than this coming Monday, April 4th.

That gives everyone 4 days to hit a book store. Is that doable for everyone or do some of y'all need more time?

I know discounts from online retailers has been mentioned but, again, I think we really need to move with a purpose on this before it dies the slow death of so many of the ideas we've hatched on this board. In the future we can always plan a little further out.

I aready ordered a used one from amazon.com