This program is the first in a series developed by Joe Byerly and Nathan Finney. Their opinions are their own and do not represent the Department of Defense, the US Army, or any other governmental organization.

In the introduction to the Army Chief of Staff’s 2014 Reading List, General Odierno encourages leaders to “discuss, debate, and think critically” about the ideas expressed in the books on his reading list. This summer, our goal is to give military practitioners that opportunity by launching a grassroots summer professional development program titled, “A Summer with Grant.” Few works have been so succinctly crafted to cover the aspects of leadership and military campaigning than Grant’s Memoirs — from his early education to the siege of Vicksburg to his successful Overland Campaign exactly 150 years ago.

Beginning on June 23rd, a weekly themed discussion based on selected readings from the Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant will begin (here’s a link to a free digital copy). These discussions will be peer-facilitated, with various injections from instructors from professional military education programs. The discussions will occur over the course of eight weeks on Google+. Here is the general reading load, based on themes that can be gleaned from the book:

• Week 1 (23 June): Professional Military Education — Chapters 1 & 2
• Week 2 (30 June): How Experiences Shape Leaders — Chapters 3 thru 5
• Week 3 (7 July): Leaders at War — Chapters 6 thru 15
• Week 4 (14 July): Ethical Dilemmas — Chapters 16 & 17
• Week 5 (21 July): Developing Strategic Thinking — Chapters 18 thru 31
• Week 6 (28 July): Civil-Military Relations — Chapters 32 thru 40
• Week 7 (04 August): In Command — Chapters 41 thru 50
• Week 8 (11 August): Transition after Major Combat Operations — Chapters 51 thru 67

This is a great opportunity to not only read a literary masterpiece, but also discuss themes and topics that are relevant in today’s military. While there is no expertise required to participate, we do ask that you read the material and be willing to share your thoughts and experiences within your online small group. If you have questions or are interested in participating please email us at [email protected]. We will be sending out instructions on how to join soon!