The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today

 Ricks, Thomas E. The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today. 2012. 576p. ISBN 978-1-5942-0404-3. Available at 355.009 RIC on the library shelves.

Wars are often won or loss based on the leaders at the top of the military chain of command. In the United States, generals are tasked with implemented the civilian leadership's will into action on the battlefield. During the First World War, General Pershing was in charge of all US troops in Europe, and he forced through leadership changes that enhanced what the army was doing.

In the Second World War, General Marshall crafted a policy that ensured generals would perform at appropriate levels, and those who could not would be relieved. As a result, the army was innovative and took well-evaluated risks to move their campaigns forward. Generals like Eisenhower, Patton, and Bradley were very successful in prosecuting war with Germany. 

Following the end of the war, however, the army found itself without a mission. The Korean conflict saw a swift rearmament, but suddenly military leadership became skittish. The Marshall policy of removing low-performing generals was ignored, which led to a leadership vacuum at the front. Leadership errors from the Korean war were compounded in Vietnam, where no general was held accountable for military and strategic failures.

The army was reformed after the 1970s, but though it became a more lean and efficient fighting machine, the leadership at the top was itself not transformed. As a result, the United States army continues to win impressive battles but suffer strategic setbacks that prevent it from successfully completing wars, from Iraq to Afghanistan to Syria. 

Fans of history will appreciate reading about the generals that influence the last 120 years of American military life. Lessons learned are exposed, and the flaws that led to today's environment are dissected, with suggestions on what can be done to improve both morale and strategic leadership.

No Slam Dunk

Lupica, Mike. No Slam Dunk. 2018. 283 mins. ISBN 978-0-525-63857-5. Available as an audiobook on Overdrive.

Wes' father is a hero. He went to Afghanistan and served multiple tours. But his last deployment changed him for the worst, and he soon moves out of the house. Wes and his father have always bonded over sports, and he never used to miss any of Wes' basketball games. Now that west has entered a competitive program, his dad has missed every game. And yet, Wes often feels like his dad is out there, watching through the door's glass.

On his new team Wes meets Danilo, also known as Dinero because he makes just about every shot. Danilo has amazing skills and is talented, but he hogs the ball and rarely passes it. Wes is almost as good as Danilo, but unlike him Wes knows that it takes a team to win games. This conflict philosophy between them causes the team to lose several games, and even when the coach talks to Danilo, nothing seems to change.

Using the team skills he learned from his dad, Wes attempts to change Danilo for the best, and also reconnect with his father. But it will take more than skills to change two people. Can Wes devise the right strategy to unify his team and get his dad out of the slump he's been in since he returned?

Lupica writes inspiring sports stories, and this one is no exception. Fans of the court and of athletes will enjoy the various techniques Wes uses to communicate and connect with important people in his life.

The Post-Cold War

Maxim, Bailey, ed. The Post-Cold War. Part of the Political and Diplomatic History of the Modern World. 2017. 232p. ISBN 978-1-68048-357-4. Available at 909.83 POS on the library shelves.

The end of the Cold War brought about the hope that the deadly confrontation between the two superpowers would be replaced by an era of collaboration and peace. The dislocation of two mutually opposed alliances was replaced by a multipolar world in which mass terrorism and a return to nationalism flourished. Even as the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtains collapsed, danger arose when Iraq invaded its smaller neighbor Koweit in a bid to achieve leadership of the Arab nations. The United States assembled a coalition that fought and defeated the Iraqi army but left Saddam Hussein, the nation's dictator, in power. A true international effort, the First Gulf War marked the first and only instance of an overwhelming alliance of the world's countries against an aggressor.

Many other conflicts followed in the 1990s, as Yugoslavia disintegrated, genocide took place in Rwanda, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continued. Russia, which had lost most of the Soviet satellites, regained a more hostile attitude towards the West. A period of relative economic prosperity, the world overall experienced a decreased in armed conflicts. Then September 11, 2001 took place, and terrorists used airplanes to successfully destroyed the World Trade Center and part of the Pentagon. The War on Terror thus drew the United States into involvement in Afghanistan, which became our longest military conflict. The hunt for terrorists and those who harbor them led the United States to invade Iraq in 2003. More conflict ensued, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced.

An Arab Spring that successfully toppled two dictatorships in Tunisia and Egypt spread to other Middle Eastern countries but were severely repressed. Syria imploded, and millions of refugees streamed into Europe. What had begun at the end of the Cold War as a hopeful time turned out to have generated more conflicts. Fans of history will appreciate the thoroughness of this volume and its concise yet precise descriptions of the world's history over the last twenty years.

Volumes in this series include:

• World War I
• World War II
• The Cold War
• The Post-Cold War

Barack Obama

Hollar, Sherman, ed. Barack Obama. Part of the Profile in Leadership: Pivotal Presidents series. 2013. 80p. ISBN 1-61530-945-4. Available at B OBA on the library shelves.

Though all American presidents are different, most follow a similar path to the highest office in the land: become a lawyer, serve in state or national government either in elected office or through military service, then run and get elected president of the United States. Most have spent decades  honing their political skills and burnishing their credentials. Barack Obama, however, reached the presidency at a relatively young age with what many considered to be a lack of experience. However, his motivational speeches and the power of change that he represented propulsed him to the highest office in the country.

Born in Hawaii in 1961 of a White mother and of a Kenyan father, Barack Obama spent his youth in Indonesia when his mother remarried, before returning to the United States. He was a fastidious student and attended college before becoming a community organizer in Chicago. He then went to law school, before returning to Chicago. He served in the Illinois State Senate, and successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004. As a up-and coming new prospect, he delivered a keynote address to the Democratic Convention in 2004, which turned him into a superstar. Two years later, Obama launched his presidential campaign, defeating Hillary Clinton for the nomination before obtaining a majority of the popular and electoral votes over John McCain, his Republican opponent.

As president, Obama oversaw health care reform, managed an economy in full recession, and military campaigns in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Losing his Democratic majorities in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, his agenda was hampered by members of the Tea Party and by other Republicans.

This book discusses Obama’s life, and presents information about his first term of office and his 2012 reelection, but does not cover the second term of his Administration. Many photos are included, and significant people that interacted with Obama are introduced. A glossary and a list of resources are also included. Fans of presidential histories will enjoy reading about the 44th President’s life and times.

George W. Bush

Zahensky, Kenneth, ed. George W. Bush. Part of the Profile in Leadership: Pivotal Presidents series. 2018. 80p. ISBN 978-1680486292. Available at B BUS on the library shelves.

The son of President George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush stood at the helm of the United States when the country was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. His muscled and rapid response transformed the crisis into a victory in Afghanistan, but the subsequent decision to invade Iraq and poor government performance during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 hobbled his administration for the remainder of his second term.

Born after the Second World War, Bush went to college and entered the oil business in Texas. Opportunities presented themselves and he became a part-owner of the Texas Ranger, rebuilding the team and ensuring that it became competitive. He then parlayed his status as an acute and well-known businessman to the governorship of Texas, before running and winning a much contested Presidency in 2000 after Florida’s electoral college votes were handed to him by the Supreme Court.

Most Presidents are controversial and their policies are contested by the opposition, and Bush’s Presidency followed a similar pattern. To keep the country safe, measures were taken that violated Constitutional protections and rights, leading to protests and court defeats. Tax cuts were passed, which led to higher deficits. And the war on terror expanded. He also successfully appointed two new Supreme Court Justices, including Chief Justice Roberts, and he led a campaign against AIDS in Africa. Bush’s approach of compassionate conservatism demonstrated that it was possible to care for society while supporting core conservative principles.

Though the verdict is still out, Bush’s Presidency had a lasting impact on the United States and decisions taken over 15 years ago continue to influence national and international policies today. Fans of the Presidency or of recent history will appreciate this biography.

Careers in the US Marine Corps

Kiland, Taylor Baldwin and R. Conrad Stein. Careers in the US Marine Corps. Part of the Careers in the US Armed Forces series. 2016. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-6947-3. Available at 359.96 KIL on the library shelves.

The Marine Corps has a long and storied past. From humble beginnings during the American Revolution, the Corps became the principal assault force during the Pacific Campaign of the Second World War. Usually the first military units sent in, the Marines secure their environment to allow the safe deployment of army units. Trained for amphibious assaults, Marines can deploy from air, sea, or land. Members of the Marine Corps see themselves as an extended yet tight-knitted family, and, as the saying goes, once a Marine always a Marine.

This book reviews the history of the Marines, with an emphasis on their role during the Second World War and the Korean War, as well as their participation in more recent conflicts such as Vietnam, the First and Second Gulf War, and operations in Afghanistan. The roles of the Marine Corps in today’s changing world is explored. A chapter describes reasons to join the Marine Corps, while another presents information on Marine training. Marine equipment such as airplanes, tanks, ships, hovercraft and weapons are described. Finally, the challenges and rewards of being a Marine are presented.

Individuals interested in joining the Marines or wanting to know more about this branch of the military will enjoy this book.

Titles in this series include:

• Careers in the US Air Force
• Careers in the US Army
• Careers in the US Navy
• Careers in the US Coast Guard

Careers in the US Navy

Kiland, Taylor Baldwin. Careers in the US Navy. Part of the Careers in the US Armed Forces series. 2016. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-6949-7. Available at 359 KIL on the library shelves.

When John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richard, uttered the words “I have not yet begun to fight,” little did he know that he was starting a maritime tradition of excellence and dominance. The United States Navy is present on every ocean, and provides military protection to American allies and deterrence to its enemies. From its humble beginnings as a small navy fighting the British for the colonies’ independence to a nuclear-powered fleet, the Navy exerts many roles.

This book presents information about the history of the Navy, and how it operates in today’s world. The various organizational structures of the Navy are discussed, and the role that diversity plays in Navy staffing is explored. Naval operations are presented, while vignettes of famous sailors and recipients of the Medal of Honor are peppered throughout. Navy specialties are explained, and service requirements are described. Finally, the book discusses Navy’s future in an uncertain world.

Individuals interested in joining the Navy or learning more about will appreciate this book.

Titles in this series include:

• Careers in the US Air Force
• Careers in the US Army
• Careers in the US Marine Corps
• Careers in the US Coast Guard

Careers in the US Army

Rice, Earle Jr. Careers in the US Army. Part of the Careers in the US Armed Forces series. 2016. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-6943-5. Available at 355 RIC on the library shelves.

Soldiers are the oldest armed profession. In the British colonies, the minutemen ambushed the British soldiers heading to Lexington to collect weapons, firing the shots heard around the world and igniting the American Revolution. From that crucible of violence first rose the Continental Army, which was then replaced by the United States Army. The U.S. Army has fought in more conflicts than any of the other armed services. From wars against Native tribes to conflicts against Mexico, Spain, and participation in the First and Second World Wars, the Army evolved to become a highly trained and efficient fighting machine able to take on any threat to the United States and its allies. The Army possesses some of the best trained and equipped soldiers in the world.

This book provides a detailed introduction to the history of the U.S. Army. It also discusses the various roles it serves in the era of global terrorism, from conducting ground operations in Iraq and Afghanistan to protecting the homeland. The various career paths for soldiers are examined, and the differences between Active and Reserve Forces are explored. Short biographies of famous soldiers are peppered throughout. Finally, possibility for the Army of the future are presented. Anyone interested in joining the Army will appreciate the range of material available in this book.

Titles in this series include:

• Careers in the US Air Force
• Careers in the US Navy
• Careers in the US Marine Corps
• Careers in the US Coast Guard

Special Ops: Air Commandos

Freedman, Jeri. Special Ops: Air Commandos. Part of the Inside Special Forces series. 2015. 64p. ISBN 978-1477779934. Available at 358.4 FRE on the library shelves.

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own special forces. Rangers are the Air Force’s specially trained military personnel, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice anywhere in the world and provide airborne assault capabilities. This book presents information about the history of airborne operations and the current selection, training and preparation process that soldiers interested in joining the Rangers must go through. Several missions are then reviewed and the key roles played by airborne troops are described. Military gear and equipment such as attack helicopters and firearms are also discussed. Finally, the participation of special forces in peaceful missions such as the earthquake that devastated Haiti in 2010 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 are explored. Fans of the military will appreciate the descriptions of American air commandos.

Books in this series include:

• Black Ops and Other Special Missions of the U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team
• Special Ops: Air Commandos
• Black Ops and Other Special Missions of the U.S. Navy SEALs
• Special Ops: Military Intelligence
• Special Ops: Tactical Training
• Special Ops: Weapons and Gear

Careers in the US Coast Guard

Silverstein Gray, Judy and Taylor Baldwin Kiland. Careers in the US Coast Guard. Part of the Careers in the US Armed Forces series. 2016. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-6945-9. Available at 363.28 GRA on the library shelves.

The Coast Guard is tasked with protecting the shores of the United States, but its mission extends far beyond the water’s edges. Among its many missions, the Coast Guard performs search and rescue missions, conducts ship and cargo inspections, and leads cleanup efforts during environmental disasters.First started as a way to generate revenues for the new federal government, the Revenue Cutter Service is appointed to cut down on smuggling and recoup excise taxes. Tasks, such as building and manning lighthouses continued to be added throughout the decades as technology changed. The Coast Guard joined the war effort of several conflicts, from the Quasi War with France in the early 1800s to the First and Second World War and present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This book provides a detailed introduction to the history of the Coast Guard. It also discusses its various roles in protecting the homeland in an era of global terrorism and performing search and rescue missions after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy. The various challenges faced by the Coast Guard are reviewed, its equipment is introduced, and life as a member of the Coast Guard is explored. A number of career possibilities are described and include both the enlisted and officer path. Anyone interested in joining the Coast Guard will appreciate the range of material available in this book.

Titles in this series include:

• Careers in the US Air Force
• Careers in the US Army
• Careers in the US Navy
• Careers in the US Marine Corps

Careers in the US Air Force

Rice, Earle Jr. and Wilson Camelo. Careers in the US Air Force. Part of the Careers in the US Armed Forces series. 2016. 128p. ISBN 978-0-7660-6941-1. Available at 358.4 RIC on the library shelves.

The youngest of the United States Armed Forces’ branches, the Air Force has a storied history from its humble beginnings as an afterthought of the army before the beginning of the First World War to today’s global organization capable to deliver soldiers, supplies, and weapons anywhere in the world. The Air Force possesses some of the most advanced vehicles and deadliest weapons of the armed forces, and the men and women who serve in this particular branch of the military are highly trained specialists who fulfill the various missions of the Air Force. The Air Force is not only fighter jets, however. It also flies helicopters, bombers, tankers, rescue planes, and manages some of the space assets.

This book provides a detailed introduction to the history of the Air Force. It also discusses its various roles in the era of global terrorism, from providing logistical support to conducting aerial operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The various Air Force commands are reviewed, and life as a member of the Air Force is explored from the benefits of living on base to training and educational opportunities. A number of career possibilities are described and include both the enlisted and officer path. Anyone interested in joining the Air Force will appreciate the range of material available in this book.

Titles in this series include:

• Careers in the US Army
• Careers in the US Navy
• Careers in the US Marine Corps
• Careers in the US Coast Guard