"In these times of consequence, understanding the strategic, economic, and leadership challenges in the Indo-Pacific region is more critical than ever. That's why we’ve curated a PACAF reading list, recommended by myself and other key PACAF leaders. These books provide valuable insights and lessons that will help us maintain discipline, uphold the highest standards, and ensure a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. I encourage everyone to delve into these readings to better prepare for the complexities we face."
Gen. Kevin B. Schneider
PACAF Commander
In our steadfast pursuit to foster a culture of continual growth and resolute leadership within our Air Force, PACAF has carefully curated a reading list. These selections aren't just endorsed by myself, but also by esteemed PACAF leaders who deeply understand the gravity of our Area of Responsibility in these pivotal times.
These books have been chosen with precision to offer a diverse array of perspectives on leadership, history, resilience, and contemporary challenges vital to our mission and identity. To uphold our legacy as the world’s greatest Air Force, we must continuously elevate ourselves and adhere to the highest standards. In an era where achieving greatness is our norm and the line between ordinary and extraordinary airpower is incredibly narrow, we must demand excellence at every turn. Upholding rigorous standards and unwavering discipline is imperative.
As stewards of the world's greatest Air Force, I call upon each of you to propel our service to unprecedented heights. You are the ultimate deterrence, ensuring our adversaries remain at bay. I am unequivocally certain that you will find these books not only enlightening but also empowering as you continue to lead, excel, inspire, and prevail.
From James Scott's Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor, illuminating extraordinary valor, to Charles Bond's A Flying Tigers Diary, exemplifying unwavering courage and tactical brilliance, each book imparts invaluable wisdom.
Ian Toll's The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands 1942-1944 provides profound insights into leadership dynamics during World War II, while Ronald Spencer's Eagle Against the Sun: The American War with Japan offers a timeless overview of the Pacific War.
Paul Kennedy's Engineers of Victory: The Problem Solvers Who Turned the Tide in the Second World War hones in on strategic decision-making, while Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A WWII Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption and Katherine Sharp Landdeck's The Women with Silver Wings underscore resilience and recognition.
For historical context, PACAF/HO's 7 December 1941: The Air Force Story and Robert Futrell's The History of the USAF in Korea offer invaluable insights. Leadership wisdom can be gleaned from John C. Maxwell's Developing the Leaders Around You and Jim Collins' Good to Great.
Critical perspectives on China are provided by Henry Kissinger's On China and Clive Hamilton's Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia. Meanwhile, contemporary challenges are addressed by Sebastian Junger's Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging and PW Singer and Emerson Brookings' Like War: The Weaponization of Social Media.
These books aren't just additions; they're indispensable tools that amplify our existing reading lists. With invaluable insights in leadership, strategy, resilience, discipline, and navigating modern challenges, they're essential for our growth and development.