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10 Best Books On Military Strategy

Military strategy is the art of planning and directing military operations to achieve specific objectives. Understanding military strategy is crucial for anyone interested in the history of warfare and national security. Our curated list of the top books on military strategy and tactical thinking offers valuable insights from renowned experts in the field.

Explore these books to deepen your understanding of battle tactics, leadership, and battlefield decision-making. Enhance your expertise and make a meaningful impact by studying the timeless principles of military strategy within these pages. Start your journey towards mastering the art of military strategy today with our carefully selected essential reads.

Best military strategy books

Leaders must make tough decisions, build relationships, communicate information clearly, control their ego and emotions, think strategically, train team members, and take responsibility. Insights from military strategy books can be valuable for effective leaders and managers in business, partnerships, or challenging life circumstances.

To study leadership strategy, look at military thinking. Focus on developing skills such as focus, confidence, and emotional intelligence, plus learn how to delegate authority and inspire teams

Military strategy studies the art of war, tactics, organization, and how armed forces function. It covers many aspects related to military operations, military history, logistics, the psychology of combat, and much more.

Military science includes 

  • Strategy: Long-term planning and resource use to achieve military objectives

  • Tactics: Methods, techniques, and processes for specific battles and operations

  • Logistics: Organization, planning, and provision of resources, equipment, and medical care

  • Technology: Development, design, and use of weapons systems and technologies

  • Military history:  Study of past conflicts, strategies, and military organizations

  • Military psychology: Psychological aspects of service, stress management, motivation, and training

Books on war strategy

How do you learn to win under any circumstances? War strategy books instruct you on achieving victory even against a seemingly invincible force or, if there is no enemy, under challenging circumstances.

If leaders believe they've reached the top of their craft, they're moving in the wrong direction. Just as athletes improve their physical performance, books on military strategy can develop cognitive abilities.

Military strategy provides leaders with many applicable principles — not for military action, but as a mental map for decision-making, planning, and team management. In military affairs, all actions serve one clear goal. Leaders must set specific, measurable goals and regularly remind teams where they're heading.

Military strategy centers on clarity of purpose, proper resource allocation, information use, flexibility, and learning from mistakes. By applying these principles, a manager can navigate uncertainty better and lead a team more effectively.

War strategy offers universal principles of thinking and management. These principles can be transferred to business, management, crisis management, and personal leadership. Books on war strategy provide insight into planning actions several steps ahead, assessing risks, adapting quickly to change, and maintaining team morale even in a crisis.

Extreme Ownership

by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin

What is Extreme Ownership about?

This book presents the leadership principles learned by former Navy SEALs in combat and how these lessons can be applied to business and life. Through engaging stories and practical insights, the authors emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, fostering teamwork, and maintaining high standards, ultimately demonstrating that effective leadership is about owning one's decisions and guiding others to success.

Who should read Extreme Ownership

Military personnel seeking leadership insights.
Entrepreneurs aiming to enhance team performance.
Students interested in discipline and resilience.

Leadership Strategy and Tactics

by Jocko Willink

What is Leadership Strategy and Tactics about?

This practical guide offers insights into effective leadership through a blend of strategy and tactical wisdom. Drawing from military experiences, it emphasizes decision-making, teamwork, and adaptability in various scenarios. The book provides actionable principles designed to enhance leadership skills, promote accountability, and cultivate resilience, making it an essential resource for leaders at all levels seeking to inspire and motivate their teams.

Who should read Leadership Strategy and Tactics

Aspiring leaders seeking practical leadership techniques.
Veterans transitioning into civilian leadership roles.
Business professionals looking to enhance their strategic skills.

The Dichotomy of Leadership

by Jocko Willink, Leif Babin

What is The Dichotomy of Leadership about?

This book explores the delicate balance of leadership through the lens of extreme ownership, highlighting the dualities leaders face. It presents strategies for effectively managing competing priorities, fostering teamwork, and building trust while making tough decisions. Drawing on real-life military experiences, it emphasizes the importance of accountability, humility, and clarity, offering practical insights for leaders at all levels to navigate challenges and achieve success.

Who should read The Dichotomy of Leadership

Aspiring leaders seeking practical leadership strategies.
Veterans transitioning to civilian leadership roles.
Managers aiming to enhance team accountability and performance.

First Man In

by Ant Middleton

What is First Man In about?

This gripping memoir provides an insider’s look at the life of a former Special Forces operative, detailing the high-stakes experiences and the leadership philosophies gained on the front lines. The author shares powerful stories of resilience, teamwork, and mental strength, offering lessons on overcoming adversity and leading with integrity. With a focus on personal growth, it inspires readers to embrace challenges and push their limits.

Who should read First Man In

Aspiring leaders seeking motivation and inspiration.
Fans of military memoirs and personal development.
Individuals interested in resilience and teamwork strategies.

The Spartan Way

by Brett McKay, Kate McKay

What is The Spartan Way about?

Exploring the principles of discipline, resilience, and camaraderie from ancient Spartan warriors, this book offers modern men a blueprint for personal growth. By emphasizing physical fitness, mental fortitude, and ethical leadership, it provides actionable insights for cultivating a purposeful life. Through historical anecdotes and practical advice, readers are encouraged to embrace challenges and develop a warrior mindset, fostering strength and character in today’s fast-paced world.

Who should read The Spartan Way

Men seeking personal growth and resilience.
History buffs interested in ancient warrior cultures.
Fitness enthusiasts looking for motivational strategies.

All Secure

by Tom Satterly, Steve Jackson

What is All Secure about?

This gripping memoir chronicles the harrowing experiences of a special operations soldier as he navigates the chaos of warfare and the challenges of reintegration into civilian life. Through intense battlefield encounters and the unseen scars of PTSD, it reveals the resilience required to overcome trauma, highlighting the struggles of veterans in their fight for healing and acceptance both on the frontlines and at home.

Who should read All Secure

Military personnel seeking resilience strategies.
Readers interested in true war stories.
Veterans needing support after service.

Call Sign Chaos

by Jim Mattis, Bing West

What is Call Sign Chaos about?

This book offers insights into leadership from a former U.S. Marine Corps General and a combat veteran. It intertwines personal anecdotes and military experiences to illustrate key leadership principles. Through real-world scenarios, the authors emphasize the importance of decisiveness, adaptability, and the value of teamwork. The narrative provides readers with valuable lessons applicable in both military and civilian life, showcasing the journey of making tough decisions under pressure.

Who should read Call Sign Chaos

Military personnel and veterans seeking leadership insights.
Business leaders aiming to enhance their leadership skills.
Students of leadership and management in diverse fields.

The Art of War

by Sun Tzu

What is The Art of War about?

This ancient Chinese text is a timeless guide on strategy, tactics, and warfare. It emphasizes the importance of intelligence, planning, and adaptability in achieving success, whether on the battlefield or in competitive arenas. Through concise aphorisms, it reveals profound insights into human nature and the dynamics of conflict, advocating for strategic wisdom and the importance of knowing both oneself and the enemy.

Who should read The Art of War

Strategists seeking insights into conflict management
Business leaders wanting to enhance competitive advantage
Students of military history and philosophy

Make Your Bed

by Admiral William H. McRaven

What is Make Your Bed about?

This impactful guide emphasizes the importance of small, disciplined actions in achieving success and creating positive change. Drawing on Navy SEAL training, the author outlines ten essential lessons learned from his experiences, illustrating how simple tasks, like making your bed, can foster discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Each lesson serves as a powerful reminder of how individual actions contribute to larger outcomes, ultimately inspiring readers to improve their lives and make a difference.

Who should read Make Your Bed

Motivated individuals seeking personal growth.
Students looking for life lessons and discipline.
Leaders wanting practical advice for success.

Team of Teams

by Gen. Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins, et al.

What is Team of Teams about?

This book explores the concept of decentralized management in organizations, using insights from military operations to address complex challenges. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and interconnectedness in fostering effective teams. By sharing real-world examples and practical strategies, it argues that traditional hierarchical structures are often inadequate in facing today’s fast-paced, unpredictable environments.

Who should read Team of Teams

Leaders seeking innovative management strategies.
Military professionals aiming for adaptive leadership skills.
Business executives navigating complex organizational challenges.

Frequently asked questions on military strategy books

What are the 5 basic military strategies?

The five basic military strategies include offensive, defensive, evasive, attrition, and maneuver. These strategies differ in their purpose and method of achieving victory in a conflict. They involve different approaches to warfare, from active attacks to wearing down enemies and preserving your own forces.

What's the most famous book on military strategy?

'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu is the most famous military strategy book. This ancient Chinese text remains relevant and is studied in military academies worldwide, including the US Army. It examines not just military tactics but general principles of victory that apply to business, politics, and everyday life.

Who is the most famous military strategist?

The most famous military strategists include such prominent generals as Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great, and Sun Tzu. In the US, one of the most famous was General Patton, whose strategies and tactics during the Second World War are still studied today.

What does '33 Strategies of War' teach you?

Robert Greene's book '33 Strategies for War' teaches you to apply historical and psychological knowledge to achieve victory in life's conflicts. It analyzes human nature and teaches how to avoid losing situations and dominate opponents. It offers tools for overcoming failure patterns, maintaining initiative, negotiating from a position of strength, and realizing ambitious goals in any area of ​​life.

What are the best books on strategy and war?

Classics such as 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu, 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli, and 'On War' by Carl von Clausewitz are recommended for the study of strategy and war. Among modern authors, try 'Leadership Strategy and Tactics' by Jocko Willink and 'Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead' by Jim Mattis, and Bing West.

Should I read 33 Strategies of War?

Yes, Robert Greene's '33 Strategies for War' is worth reading. It isn't about actual warfare but strategic thinking, self-discipline, leadership, and conflict management. Greene uses historical examples to show how to act cautiously, wisely, and strategically in challenging situations — whether in business, relationships, or personal development. But read it critically! The author sometimes presents manipulative or overly cynical approaches.

Who is the most excellent war strategist?

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of history's greatest military strategists. He revolutionized warfare with maneuver warfare, rapid troop movement to encircle enemies, decentralized command, and effective use of artillery. His tactics demonstrated outstanding strategic thinking, and at the height of his success, he conquered almost all of Europe.