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Leadership and Training for the Fight: Using Special Operations Principles to Succeed in Law Enforcement, Business, and War
Appropriate for anyone who wants to take on a leadership role in the military or law enforcement—or even business—based on Paul Howe’s unique insight as a Special Operations soldier.
Leadership and Training for the Fight is the perfect guide for anyone interested in improving their leadership skills, whether in military or civilian situations. In Leadership and Training for the Fight , MSG Paul R. Howe, U.S. Army Retired, shares his thoughts on leadership that he has developed through extensive combat experience. Howe analyzes leadership concepts. He also provides advice on how to understand students and to change your teaching methods. Topics
Howe says, “Poor leadership in the business world will cost you time and money. In the military and law enforcement world, it will cost the lives of our mothers, fathers, son, and daughters.” His advice can, depending on your career, help you succeed and avoid catastrophe.
Leadership and Training for the Fight is the perfect guide for anyone interested in improving their leadership skills, whether in military or civilian situations. In Leadership and Training for the Fight , MSG Paul R. Howe, U.S. Army Retired, shares his thoughts on leadership that he has developed through extensive combat experience. Howe analyzes leadership concepts. He also provides advice on how to understand students and to change your teaching methods. Topics
Howe says, “Poor leadership in the business world will cost you time and money. In the military and law enforcement world, it will cost the lives of our mothers, fathers, son, and daughters.” His advice can, depending on your career, help you succeed and avoid catastrophe.
464 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2005
214 people are currently reading
718 people want to read
About the author
Paul R. Howe
5 books8 followersMSG Paul R. Howe is a retired US Army Delta Force operator. Serving in the Army for more than 20-years, he is a veteran of the Battle of Mogadishu, popularized in the book BlackHawk Down. Howe is the recipient of the Bronze Star with V Device for Valor.
Since retiring from the Army, Howe has remained active in the professional tactical community, operating a training company, Combat Shooting and Tactics, and consulting for law enforcement and military training across the United States.
Since retiring from the Army, Howe has remained active in the professional tactical community, operating a training company, Combat Shooting and Tactics, and consulting for law enforcement and military training across the United States.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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May 2, 2018Ive always wondered how to be a better leader and prepare myself for my future law enforcement career. This book displays the successes and failures that have happened to leaders. But it also briefly discusses the psychological mindset that is needed for those types of jobs. I would recomend this book to anyone who is going into the army, law enforcement, or any other career fields such as those.
May 17, 2023
Disclaimer: I did not finish this book.
I’m sure there are some good bits, but everything he has shared about leadership so far was borrowed from other people, which isn’t a problem, really, since they’re solid principles, but his personal stories were problematic. He didn’t really make a connection between leadership principles and his experience in Somalia, just a couple stories; one about killing a guy who was walking alone and unarmed at night in his own city because “he was an enemy scout” without any evidence to support it, and he spoke in a demeaning way about one of his soldiers who questioned it. And a story explaining that if any of the locals were curious about what the Americans were doing and peeked around the corner more than once, rather than running in fear, they needed to die because they were also enemy scouts, and that’s the only reason why they could possibly be interested in what was going on…in their own neighborhood. His excuse was “this is combat.” I understand this was released in the post-9/11 era were there was a pro-military fervor and people were chomping at the bit for war porn from special ops guys, but there are many better examples of good leaders and warriors who didn’t brag about their compromised ethics.
Maybe there were good lessons in the rest of the book, but after dealing with some lousy and dangerous military leaders myself, especially those who could talk the talk about leadership all day without backing it up with a single bit of action, he reminded me more of them than any of the good leaders I’ve had.
Could be that he just wasn’t clear in his writing, or that it was potentially ghost written and they wanted to add a bit of the hardcore stuff people wanted to read. I don’t know. It’s a book, so I’m not going to waste any more time with it. If I ever had a chance to meet him in-person, I would welcome it, but this book is a did-not-finish for me.
I’m sure there are some good bits, but everything he has shared about leadership so far was borrowed from other people, which isn’t a problem, really, since they’re solid principles, but his personal stories were problematic. He didn’t really make a connection between leadership principles and his experience in Somalia, just a couple stories; one about killing a guy who was walking alone and unarmed at night in his own city because “he was an enemy scout” without any evidence to support it, and he spoke in a demeaning way about one of his soldiers who questioned it. And a story explaining that if any of the locals were curious about what the Americans were doing and peeked around the corner more than once, rather than running in fear, they needed to die because they were also enemy scouts, and that’s the only reason why they could possibly be interested in what was going on…in their own neighborhood. His excuse was “this is combat.” I understand this was released in the post-9/11 era were there was a pro-military fervor and people were chomping at the bit for war porn from special ops guys, but there are many better examples of good leaders and warriors who didn’t brag about their compromised ethics.
Maybe there were good lessons in the rest of the book, but after dealing with some lousy and dangerous military leaders myself, especially those who could talk the talk about leadership all day without backing it up with a single bit of action, he reminded me more of them than any of the good leaders I’ve had.
Could be that he just wasn’t clear in his writing, or that it was potentially ghost written and they wanted to add a bit of the hardcore stuff people wanted to read. I don’t know. It’s a book, so I’m not going to waste any more time with it. If I ever had a chance to meet him in-person, I would welcome it, but this book is a did-not-finish for me.
May 16, 2023
Ugh, this reminds me of being a Fellow at one of the Govts Departments and they thought a book they had which was the whole foundation of their multitude of programs which was “written” by one of their past veterans. I didn’t have the heart to tell them he just copied the manual and programs in the military.
Can you say plagiarism, but I guess what people don’t know they don’t know. Most people are still not read well enough to translate Hitlers original manuscript. Imagine all that is lost in translation, or should I say transcription or is that interpretation…
This book is ALL OVER THE PLACE!
Can you say plagiarism, but I guess what people don’t know they don’t know. Most people are still not read well enough to translate Hitlers original manuscript. Imagine all that is lost in translation, or should I say transcription or is that interpretation…
This book is ALL OVER THE PLACE!
August 8, 2019
Although the book is geared more towards the military and law enforcement environment, as a firefigher I gleaned a good amount of information that will assist me as an incident commander. I've studied, researched and written about John Boyd's OODA Loop, but the information contained in this book was a good reminder. Much can also be learned from the standpoint of small unit leadership. There is also valuable information regarding the development of curriculum, course preparation, and delivery.
February 1, 2024
This author uses choice language to describe plagiarized leadership principles. It was hard to work through the blatant misogyny and largely opinion based prose to get to anything of real substance. Beyond the sexism there are plenty of fun opinions sprinkled throughout the book where he calls those that practice religion “bootlickers” and “cheese-eaters,” as though everyone isn’t entitled to what they need to do to mentally survive a deployment. To further insult army values, he says that in order to adapt to the social quo and abide by EO, the army is lowering standards. Please explain how this book is a good example of leadership to anyone in any service. Overall, this was an entire book of self aggrandizing war stories, opinions, tangents, and superiority. Pick out literally any other book on leadership, and you will get more out of it.
If you’re looking for a professional and original mentorship book on leadership- this is not it.
If you’re looking for a professional and original mentorship book on leadership- this is not it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2017
Practical, applicable, and surprisingly quite structured - very clear that MSG Howe gave a lot of effort to put down his wealth of experience in a format that people can digest and comprehend, a fact that needs to be appreciated given he had no writer aid.
The section on agendas on various training plans is a bit difficult to follow if you're not in the military or law enforcement as (understandably) it cannot describe too detailed of a picture, hence the useful message you get can be repetitive throughout the chapters. There are precious gems of knowledge spread throughout the book, unfortunately not all of them very apparent in the 'key points' section that recaps each chapter.
The book, however, ends strong with very succinct and well-presented chapters in training combat mindset and the profession of training. Overall an enjoyable and useful read.
The section on agendas on various training plans is a bit difficult to follow if you're not in the military or law enforcement as (understandably) it cannot describe too detailed of a picture, hence the useful message you get can be repetitive throughout the chapters. There are precious gems of knowledge spread throughout the book, unfortunately not all of them very apparent in the 'key points' section that recaps each chapter.
The book, however, ends strong with very succinct and well-presented chapters in training combat mindset and the profession of training. Overall an enjoyable and useful read.
February 10, 2022
This book provides nothing of substance that is not already included in The Basic School. This book devolves into an infomercial for his training program and methods. Even this unabashed marketing attempt is lazy writing. The author explains a training technique—5 dry fires per 1 live fire—and declares it superior for muscle memory and cost savings. Every one of his methods follows a similar pattern. The author does not expend any energy or time analyzing why a TTP may be superior from a psychological perspective or other sectors where it is or may be utilized. This is lazy. Last, the author spends time bashing individuals that are not yet in his business but may decide to go that route after foreign contractor jobs dry up. Attacking ghosts like this is a sign of weakness and caused me to throw up in my mouth. Don’t waste your time with this, it is of little value and poorly done.
June 7, 2017
This book has many insightful but basic ideas on leadership. I say basic because if you just think of the great teachers you have had in your life you know what a good leader looks like. The insightful part comes from being that good teacher and keeping your cool in the face of extreme danger. I enjoyed this book and am happy I took the time to read it. It helped me to reflect on my own methods of teaching and trying to lead. I feel this book is a must read just so that you can reflect on your own methods and hon them but it will not teach you to become a leader.
May 17, 2023
This book will pursue an honest and frank discussion of leadership and training that is applicable to the military, law enforcement and the business world. It provides accounts of leadership successes and failures under the most severe conditions.
Wasn't exactly what I thought it would be but I came away with suggestions for being a better instructor so there are useful information.
Overall I was not impressed with it but still a ok read.
Wasn't exactly what I thought it would be but I came away with suggestions for being a better instructor so there are useful information.
Overall I was not impressed with it but still a ok read.
December 15, 2018
There are a lot of interesting stories and lessons on leadership in this book. MSG Howe's direct combat experiences bring a real sense of grittiness and realism to his writing.
Unfortunately, there are also two serious problems:
1. The grammatical/spelling/typographic errors present on nearly every page. I understand the author is not a professional writer, but the sheer number of errors is distracting.
2. Lack of fact checking. There is at least one misattributed quote, and one story (General Pershing's actions in the Philippines) that is an outright myth.
Overall, I still think this is a good read and there are certainly useful lessons that can be gleaned here. The book just needs a second round of editing.
Unfortunately, there are also two serious problems:
1. The grammatical/spelling/typographic errors present on nearly every page. I understand the author is not a professional writer, but the sheer number of errors is distracting.
2. Lack of fact checking. There is at least one misattributed quote, and one story (General Pershing's actions in the Philippines) that is an outright myth.
Overall, I still think this is a good read and there are certainly useful lessons that can be gleaned here. The book just needs a second round of editing.
August 21, 2021
Enjoyable. Inspiration about professionalism and focus is always great imho. Some of the ranting against perceived teenage hippie is a bit dated/hilarious. But mostly imho professionalism is inspiring.
October 24, 2017
Must read for tactical level leaders
Great read with tons of practical advice on how to train men in combat arms professions. Recommend for military and law enforcement leaders.
Great read with tons of practical advice on how to train men in combat arms professions. Recommend for military and law enforcement leaders.
September 20, 2022
Wish I read this book 20 years ago, it has changed my training and mindset a lot.
September 7, 2011
There seems to be no shortage of leadership books available to our self-help addicted society. How many people do you know who brag about having read "The Art of War"? This is not one of these types of books. I mention "The Art of War" because I find it helpful to draw parallels between life and battle. I find that if I approach my life's commitments and challenges like all-out warfare, I tend to get after it with aggression and a hunger for success.
If you feel the same, this book might be for you. In truth, this book is geared mostly for soldiers and police specifically combatants of the special ops variety and swat officers. In short it is by and for modern Spartan warriors.
You will have to work to draw your own connections between how you run your organization, business, or life, but if you are not inspired by some of the greatest men to walk among us, you are dead inside.
If you are in charge of or lead anything and you are interested in developing your leadership skills, you will find it here. If you think that leadership in the world's harshest conditions when the bullets are flying and men are dying doesn't apply to how you run your small business, ask yourself this, "Is there a difference between kinds of leadership, or is good leadership in concept more or less the same everywhere?" The only real difference is that if you are a shooter, your failures in leadership can cost lives, in business it is only money.
If you are considering this book, take the journey and trust the author to share his ideals and wisdom with you.
This book feels aggressive and extreme in it's intent to convey to the reader not just leadership skills, but in philosophy towards life.
We all want to be like the guy in the movies who remains calm and wins in the chaos of extreme conditions, this book shows you how. If you could do this imagine how you could attack your own life.
If you feel the same, this book might be for you. In truth, this book is geared mostly for soldiers and police specifically combatants of the special ops variety and swat officers. In short it is by and for modern Spartan warriors.
You will have to work to draw your own connections between how you run your organization, business, or life, but if you are not inspired by some of the greatest men to walk among us, you are dead inside.
If you are in charge of or lead anything and you are interested in developing your leadership skills, you will find it here. If you think that leadership in the world's harshest conditions when the bullets are flying and men are dying doesn't apply to how you run your small business, ask yourself this, "Is there a difference between kinds of leadership, or is good leadership in concept more or less the same everywhere?" The only real difference is that if you are a shooter, your failures in leadership can cost lives, in business it is only money.
If you are considering this book, take the journey and trust the author to share his ideals and wisdom with you.
This book feels aggressive and extreme in it's intent to convey to the reader not just leadership skills, but in philosophy towards life.
We all want to be like the guy in the movies who remains calm and wins in the chaos of extreme conditions, this book shows you how. If you could do this imagine how you could attack your own life.
February 15, 2013
Must read for military and Law Enforcement. The principals can help from day to day to your small or large business as well. Scenario 1 in the book is a true lesson which seems to have such an impact on me. In a much bigger spectrum but this read requires you to see both sides and adds views outside of the box - so to say. The scenario not only was their good and bad outlined. But there is a reprimand that had had to viewed on two sides all caused by the action taken. I am not wanting to spoil this book that is why I leave out the details - it was just eye opening to see why the soldier had to be reprimanded for his actions and why he was counseled twice for the same mistake.
May 26, 2010
Master Sergeant Howe draws upon his field experience (Vietnam to Afghanistan) to provide real world examples on leadership and training that work even under the most extreme duress. Although this book is ideal for the warrior at the tip of the spear, leaders and trainers can benefit immensely by reading this book. The take away for any field is to train realistically and lead by example.
Don't wait for the next edition though, MSG Howe promises there will not be a politically correct second edition.
Don't wait for the next edition though, MSG Howe promises there will not be a politically correct second edition.
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September 26, 2015Cut and dry thoughts on leadership coming from someone who's been in a fight or two, meaning his colleague's have lived and died under his direction. I imagine that he's considered leadership and training more than most people. Doesn't mince many words which I appreciate. Personally, despite coming from a different point of view today, some of his words still come to mind from time to time and I like to reference the text.
July 10, 2011
Despite a few grammatical errors, this is a great read. the author combined his accounts of real life battles with after action reports, lessons learned and tips for training and leadership.It's a must read for any police or military officer aspiring to a leadership position. Anyone involved in training would also greatly benefit from reading it.
February 9, 2015
Selection course common sense strategies for cadre enable efficient and effective critical examination of an applicant.
Excellent safety and integrity principles for leaders and their subordinates.
Thoughtfully examines the common pitfalls of even the most well intentioned but ambitious leader.
Excellent safety and integrity principles for leaders and their subordinates.
Thoughtfully examines the common pitfalls of even the most well intentioned but ambitious leader.
July 10, 2011
Pretty good overall. The book has nuggets of greatness, but the reader will have to siphon through some prose that doesn't always flow well to find them. A large portion of the book consists of the author's lesson plans for various courses.
March 23, 2016
should be titled "How I Deliver Tactical Firearms Training" because there was very little relevant to business here. Good "Black Hawk Down" stories though. Take out "Business" from the subtitle to not mislead please
January 27, 2019
This is a must book for anyone who trains people. Especially if you train personnel in any tactical situations and/or conduct scenario base training. From safety tips, to drills, to lessons learned, this book covers it. I gave two copies to fellow trainers who loved it.
February 4, 2009
You can't skip over a single word in this book. MSG Paul Howe has written one of the best books on leadership for all applications that has ever been written.
November 30, 2009
Great book on leadership, can't wait to read Howe's new one on tactical leadership
January 3, 2024
longwinded
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews