The Armed Forces Officer: 2007 Edition

by U.S. Department of Defense

Initiated in 1950, this 2007 edition is the latest in a classic series of books of the same title. Journalist-historian S. L. A. Marshall wrote the first at the behest of Gen. George C. Marshall, who formed the great citizen army of World War II. The general believed officers of all services needed to base their professional commitment on a common moral-ethical grounding, which S. L. A. Marshall set out to explain. Ever since, these books have provided a foundation of thought, conduct, standards, and duty for American commissioned officers.

Available now to the general public, this new edition takes the series’ inspirational premise into the new century. It educates officers of all services, as well as civilians, about the fundamental moral-ethical requirements of being a commissioned officer in the armed forces of the United States. Understanding the common foundation of commissioned leadership and command of U.S. military forces is essential for achieving excellence in the joint operations of today’s combat environment. This philosophy unites the officers of the uniformed services in the common calling of supporting, defending, and upholding the Constitution in service to their country.

Genres: Military Fiction, Leadership, Reference, Nonfiction

182 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read an updated one with General Dunford’s comments. Reading through this caused a lot of conversation between a peer and myself, who are both Marine Corps officers. Though many of these tenets still ring true, our Officer Corps could use the time to read through this, then also live the words in this book. Most of this has “of course we should” moments... but most of those moments I don’t see lived out and followed. It’s interesting though, because the five senior officers who recommended this book to me “read it when you’re a mid-senior grade captain” do in fact live their best lives as an officer, 24/7, and truly know what the call to service means. I look forward to taking my notes and continuing to shape my approach to service.

[Andrew Kakaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this as a pretty tedious read. It seemed like it just kept repeating that officers need to be upstanding people. While it told this story in different ways, I have heard just about all of these ways from my time in the military. This would be a good book for an individual immediately before entering an officer commissioning source or during, but even as a junior company grade officer I felt like I didn't really learn much from this book.

Just wasn't for me, but I think it would be a good read for someone unfamiliar with the military and planning to enter as an officer.

[Jake Hauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tedious read...it lists and defends (more than it explains) important professional practices for the modern workplace - mostly the sort military leaders shouldn’t need reminders about. Generally useful to quote when courting marionettes.

[Christoffer Sorensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for PME for yung military officers.

[Hector Fajardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute must for anyone who is, or is considering a career in the military as an officer.

[Brian W · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any officer. DOD writes about the expectations for all officers serving in these challenging times.

[KaT]

2017 Version.

[unclesamsavage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Succinct in Sixteen

Mostly common sense tips on being a good dude as a caring, responsible, upstanding military leader.

[Raf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent and brief manual about different aspects, expectations, and guidelines to enhance a U.S. military officer’s career. There were some important takeaways such as keeping finances in order, learning a second language (I was lucky I to be born overseas), and mastering your craft. Of course there also is the standard idealistic leadership kool aid which one should expect reading a book of this kind. Overall, I wasn’t blown away but I wouldn’t say that it was a waste of my time either.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this after OCS and it was a great generic treatise on leadership for all Officers. It really sent home the message on our Oath to the Constitution, our responsibility afforded us by the President and how our men do not want a friend in their Officer- they want and need a leader.

[Mike Lambert1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previous editions were much better.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this before leaving for OCS. It let me know how seriously an officer in the US Military needs to be a person of character. KILL!

[Galen Varon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior read. Outstanding contributions from each of the armed different services. Highly recommend it.