Marine Corps Professional Reading Program

About 

The Marine Corps Professional Reading Program began as the Commandant's Reading List in 1988, although recommended reading list have been generated for Marines since the 19th century. Each Commandant since 1988 has placed his personal stamp on the program, but many books remain constant. Books will always remain a staple of self-paced professional development. 

ALMAR 023/20

Updated 21 Oct 2020 

Revision of the Commandants Reading List 

Reading List 

The reading list webpage can be found at the following site: 

Commandant's Professional Reading List

Book Nomination Form 

Recommend books for the Commandants Reading List 

Contact Information

Program Coordinator (703) 784-9753

Email: Reading@usmc.mil

Discussion Guides 

• The Leader's Bookshelf
• MCDP-1 Discussion Guide 
• Legacy Discussion Guide 
• Machine Platform Crowd Discussion Guide

Suggested Reading for PME 

Corporal's Course                          EWS

Sergeant's School                          Command and Staff 

Career School                                

Advanced School 

Unit Library Program

Commandant's Professional Reading List books are available to unit leaders as part of the Marine Corps Association (MCA) Unit Commander's Library Program. Ordering instructions are posted on the MCA website. 

Previous Commandant's Professional Reading List