The Commandant's Reading List

The Commandant's Reading List is a list of books that are recommended and, at times, required for Marines to read. The selection of books is meant to develop Marines both personally and professionally.

The first Commandant's Reading List was enacted by the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Al Gray. General Gray viewed reading as a way to prepare for the future, as well as for combat. He wanted his Marines to know that mental preparation was equally as important as physical preparation.

On October 20, 2020, the Marine Corps released a new Commandant's reading list. Feel free to click this link for the MarAdmin dated 10/20/2020.

The CPRL is arranged into the following sections:

• CMC Choice
• Profession of Arms
• Innovation
• Leadership

The completion of each book should be noted in the Marines fitness report of when they are assigned Proficiency/Conduct marks. This in turn will aide Marines in their journey to promotions and awards. How a Marine demonstrates completion of this annual requirement will be at the discretion of the commander, whether it be through a book report or guided discussion. You can view the Commandant's Reading List by clicking here.