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Conway: ‘First’ a must-read

Commandant Gen. James Conway has thrown a new book on top of every leatherneck’s reading pile, saying retired Lt. Gen. Victor “Brute” Krulak’s “First to Fight” underscores his planning guidance and illustrates the challenges facing the Corps.

Conway announced that Krulak’s book, which spans the Corps’ history from World War II to Vietnam, is the “marquee title” for his new reading list, according to an All-Marine message released Tuesday. The reading list was last updated in February 2005 and previously listed “First to Fight” as required reading for master gunnery sergeants to sergeants major.

“This book depicts an elite, economical force that relies on adaptability, innovation and esprit to succeed,” Conway said in the message. “It describes our Corps, and I want every Marine to understand who we are and what we are about.”

The Corps’ professional reading program consists of three main components: the commandant’s “marquee title”; recommended titles based on paygrade; and a broader list based on region and topics.

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Book: ‘First to Fight’ a must read for Marines