CMSAF leadership library picks for August 2026

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David R. Wolfe has introduced a new, service-wide reading list aimed at sharpening Airmen’s problem-solving and decision-making in a rapidly evolving battlespace. Framing learning as a pillar of combat effectiveness, Wolfe emphasized the Air Force’s cognitive edge and called on Airmen to pursue deliberate intellectual development. “To help you build this critical advantage, I am introducing the CMSAF Leadership Library.”

In a message to the force, Wolfe argued that the Air Force’s enduring advantage is not just technological or physical. “Our Air Force is the greatest in the world because of you. The mission is demanding, the battlespace is constantly changing, and our most decisive advantage has always been—and will always be—you. In today’s complex environment, that advantage is not just physical or technological; it is cognitive. Your mind is a primary weapon system, and like any weapon system, it must be deliberately developed and strengthened.” He described the library as both practical and aspirational, saying, “This list is a force multiplier, a toolkit designed to elevate your thinking, build mental resilience, and forge the warrior mindset our Air Force requires.”

The selections span grand strategy, American history, leadership, military innovation, decision science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and personal development—an intentional mix meant to stretch perspective and build judgment. The list includes:

– The Eurasian Century — Hal Brands
– Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation — Joseph J. Ellis
– The Infinite Game — Simon Sinek
– Alone at Dawn — Dan Schilling and Lori Chapman Longfritz
– BOYD: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War — Robert Coram
– The Logic of Failure — Dietrich Dörner
– The AI-Driven Leader — Geoff Woods
– Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI — Ethan Mollick
– Meditations — Marcus Aurelius
– Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek
– The Traveler’s Gift — Andy Andrews
– Grit — Angela Duckworth

Collectively, the works highlight themes central to contemporary service: operating amid great-power rivalry; understanding the roots and fragility of American governance; building trust-centered teams; learning from Air Force heritage and innovators like John Boyd; avoiding cognitive pitfalls in complex systems; and integrating today’s AI tools responsibly. Classic stoic philosophy and popular frameworks on perseverance and purpose round out the list, underscoring Wolfe’s contention that readiness is as much about habits of mind as it is about technical proficiency.

Wolfe’s message urges Airmen to treat self-development as a duty to teammates as well as to the mission. “Your personal growth is not a secondary task; cognitive readiness is combat readiness.” He invited Airmen to start anywhere on the list and keep going: “I challenge you to be curious and engage with these resources. Find a topic that sparks your interest and start there.”

He closed by tying individual study to institutional strength. “Your intellectual development fuels the strength of our entire Air Force. By choosing to learn, you choose to be ready. You ensure we remain the most respected, adaptable, and dominant Air Force the world has ever seen.”