Soldiers across the force continue to share their must-read book ideas for Sergeant Major of the Army Dan Dailey's professional reading list.

Dailey is looking to create this list to "stimulate intellectual learning inside the NCO corps," he told Army Times.

Once he receives soldier submissions, Dailey plans to pick and read a book approximately every quarter. He also is looking to conduct professional development forums and discussions about the chosen book when he visits installations across the Army, almost like a book club. The goal is to launch this effort in February.

Here are more of your ideas and recommendations, in no particular order:

"Letters from Dad" by Greg Vaughn

"German Boy: A Child in War" by Wolfgang W.E. Samuel

German Boy: A Child in War

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Vaughn's book "shares several stories of dads writing letters to their children and the importance of it. For some of the family members, this is the only legacy or connection that they have with their dads. It really goes back to the ideas of keeping the families foremost and the power of staying connected."

"German Boy" shows the struggle of a family through the war and after the war. … To me the book is about adversity. It is also about the kindness of our American soldiers."

Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Griffin

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

"Heart of a Soldier" by James B. Stewart

"I have bought at least 10 copies of this book … and have given them to those getting commissioned, joining the military, graduating high school, etc. Wonderful lessons!"

Retired 1st Sgt. John Mulshine

"Tribal Leadership: Leveraging Natural Groups to Build a Thriving Organization" by Dave Logan, John King and Halee Fischer-Wright

"The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter" by Michael D. Watkins

"I've been in the Nevada National Guard for over 10 years and a noncommissioned officer for just over half that time, and it wasn't until my current civilian position in healthcare management where I learned how to truly lead because of inspirational mentors and non-military leadership reads like these."

Staff Sgt. Jordan Coleman

Nevada National Guard

"The Ascent of a Leader: How Ordinary Relationships Develop Extraordinary Character and Influence" by Bill Thrall, Bruce McNicol and Ken McElrath

This book "trains a leader at the top of their game how to choose wisely from two or more excellent choices that can affect their career path for years to come."

Chaplain (Capt.) Demetrius Walton

"Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game" by Michael Lewis

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

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"It has three important lessons for soldiers. First, we have to realize that our operational environment is changing day by day, and our old strategies for success don't work unless we adapt. Second, there's value in every soldier if you look long enough. Don't just write off people you don't think fit neatly into your little box of what an ideal soldier should be. Look for talent and try … to bring their skills to the table. We also have to be open to ideas from any corner of our organization."

Capt. Stephan Brunello

256th Combat Support Hospital

"A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard

"It's less than 50 pages and can stir some good discussion. … I am always looking for an inspirational read and like the idea of going outside the Army for different perspectives on leadership."

Maj. Steve Mattingly

2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Regiment

"The Last Tycoon" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"This novel offers insights into the always-relevant crisis of work-life balance."

Sgt. 1st Class Reggi Moore

"Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results" by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul and John Christensen

Fish: A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results

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"I have read this book almost once or twice a year for the past seven years. It inspires me when I start having trouble with work or my family life. Gives me simple instructions to follow to lead, develop and achieve my goals and the goals of those around me."

Sgt. Mark Cruz

"The Epictetus Club: Lessons from the Walls" by Jeff Traylor

"It shows you how to think outside the box through the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epictetus."

Sgt. 1st Class Sandra Johnson

Medical platoon sergeant, Minnesota National Guard

"One Minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

"The book is outstanding and encompasses the everyday scenarios in the average military leaders' life in regards to availability to discipline/praise soldiers."

Master Sgt. Melvin Milton

"The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People will Follow You" by John C. Maxwell

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People will Follow You

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"We have conducted a team leader development program utilizing a number of John Maxwell's books. [This is] a terrific start. The conversations we had each week covering each chapter was outstanding in shaping these young leaders in a positive way."

Staff Sgt. Brian Hughes

"The Mission, the Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander" by Pete Blaber

"I think the book I'm recommending … is an absolutely important book for leaders to read. There are several lessons that the author learned that became guiding principles that he based his career around. Often, in humorous ways, he presents problems and solutions to those problems."

1st Sgt. Jeremy Kagan

Battery first sergeant

"Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead" by Sheryl Sandberg

"I am a female officer in a combined arms battalion, deployed to Iraq with an all-male task force and am consistently highly-rated against my male peers. I did not understand the issues some women were having in the Army because I truly thought I was being treated as an equal. Then a senior NCO told me to stop having a 'hissy fit' when I was assertive and direct in my disagreement with him. He never would have said a male officer was having a hissy fit because he disagreed with him. I don't think he intentionally meant to degrade me, I just think he was unaware. … We just had a historic decision made that gave women the opportunity to excel in whatever job they are ready, willing and able to do, but the response to this decision has been split. … I believe this book will help everyone, men and women, become more comfortable with women as leaders."

1st Lt. Erin Griffen

Personnel officer, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment

"Shogun" by James Clavell

"It inspired me to learn to see things from a whole different perspective, learn self-discipline, and to adapt to the environment that's given to you."

Sgt. John Ackley

Missouri National Guard

About Michelle Tan

Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.

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