Thinking inside the book: Commandant’s Reading List

Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Eller | Lance Cpl. Sterling Jeffrey, a data network specialist with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 and a Springdale, Ark., native, looks through the Commandant’s Reading List section at the station library aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Feb. 27. Books can help a Marine’s career, though many Marines may not consider the Commandant’s Reading List as a possible boost for promotion.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

02.27.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Rebecca Eller 

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRMAR, Calif. - Marines are constantly trying to better themselves to be the best they can be. With the Marine Corps downsizing, Marines are looking to improve cutting scores, setting themselves apart through physical fitness and involving themselves in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.

Many Marines may not consider the Commandant’s Reading List as a possible option for promotion. Books from the list are available at the library for Marines to read, giving themselves an upper hand for promotion.

“The Commandant’s Reading List is important to me because not only does it help impress your higher-ups when it comes to getting promoted, but it teaches you lessons about life and the military,” said Lance Cpl. Sterling Jeffrey, a data network specialist with Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 and a Springdale, Ark., native.

Also known as the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program, the Commandant’s Reading List was established to enhance Marines’ thinking and decision-making skills.

“[Marine Administrative Message] says Marines are supposed to read at least one [book] off the list every year,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Biggers, staff non-commissioned officer in charge with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron training and an Albuquerque, N.M., native. “We have the library here so when the Marines want to check out and read a book, they can further their proficiency within the Marine Corps and learn some Marine Corps history at the same time.”

Reading books from the list will not directly affect a Marines’ cutting score, but it can help with proficiency and conduct scores.

“It would make [Marines] more competitive,” said Biggers. “If a lance corporal on a meritorious corporal board has read two books off the Marine Corps reading list and the lance corporals he’s going up against haven’t read any, it’ll look favorable to the board members.”

If a Marine is not going on a board for promotion, the books help Marines better themselves in other ways through learning life experiences.

The library’s funding priority is the Commandant’s Reading List, and it has spent more than $3,000 in support of the program by purchasing the books.

With most of the books on the list housed at the library, each can have a positive effect on a Marine’s career.

• Date Taken: 02.27.2012
• Date Posted: 02.29.2012 13:34
• Story ID: 84503
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US
• Hometown: SPRINGDALE, ARKANSAS, US