Airmen read into Air Force past, present and future

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Airmen hit the books to employ lessons of the past to current operations tempo by checking out items from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force's reading list at the base library. 

The CSAF professional reading list was created in 1996 by Gen. Ronald Fogleman who wanted to create a common frame of knowledge among all ranks of Airmen and civilians in the Air Force. Every CSAF since has adapted the list to their vision and current mission requirements. 

An update to the official 2009 CSAF professional reading list was recently released by Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, CSAF, encouraging Airmen to expand their knowledge. 

"As Airmen, we must continually ready ourselves for the day when our training is put to the ultimate test in combat," he said. "An essential element of that preparation is a reading program that expands our minds and informs our thoughts. If we learn the lessons of the past, both successes and failures, we decrease the risk of repeating mistakes." 

The current list covers three categories to enhance Airman Ethos; Our Nation and World, Military History and Mission, Doctrine and Profession. 

Fran Morris, Barksdale Library director, explains the program has been doing well here. 

"Barksdale leadership encourages professional reading, and some Master's degree programs require CSAF professional reading," she said. "All personnel are well-served by the direction of this program and judging by the circulation statistics for titles within the library, the program appears to be successful." 

Barksdale Airmen interested in exploring the pages of these books should visit the base library to check-out items from the list. Materials from the list are easily found within the library stacks, or with the help of library personnel. 

"The collection has its own bookcase located near the main entrance, identified with a sign of current CSAF titles," said Ms. Morris. "There is a sign near the foyer entrance indicating CSAF titles, and each book or audiobook is identified with a special CSAF spine label."

For more information on the reading list and other materials available for check-out contact the base library at 456-4101.