Notes: This list was updated in 2023.
There are many different aspects to training and learning, and sometimes it’s not just all about spending time at the range. Sometimes the best way to learn is to just read, especially books. If you are interested in Tactical theories and/or training tips, then I have a list of books for you! All prices are based on new condition books.
The art of War by Sun Tzu – $3-5
An old Chinese military manual from the Late Spring and Autumn Period is called The Art of War (roughly 5th century BC). There are 13 chapters in the text, which is credited to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu (also known as “Master Sun”). It is easily the oldest book on the list as it was written 2500 years ago but it is still applicable today. In fact, most of the theories in this book, which are based on Chinese warfare, are used and adapted by different nations for today’s military efforts.
Hell Island by Matthew Reilly – $10
The only fiction book on the list but it’s certainly worth checking out. Horror and adventure writer Matthew Reilly create this excellent read called, “Hell Island”. It is based on a premise that a man-made secret island has been designed to test classified experiments. The island is infiltrated by four special units to figure out why contact with the island had ceased.
Tactical Pistol Marksmanship: How to Improve Your Combat Shooting Skills by Gabriel Suarez – $15-20
Easily one of the most important “tactical” skills will be marksmanship and that starts with pistols. Coincidentally, pistols are also most important due to their conceal and carry capabilities. Gabriel Suarez, a former law enforcement officer in the US, goes over tactical shooting that will help you improve your shoot. In Tactical Pistol Marksmanship, Suarez revisits some of the subjects covered in the venerable book The Tactical Pistol and offers even more gun-handling strategies, inventive variations on fundamental abilities, and original techniques to help you hone your gun aim and firing technique under pressure. He uses actual gun battle examples and offers various gun-handling techniques that should allow even the more experienced shooters to shoot better.
How to Stay Alive: The Ultimate Survival Guide for Any Situation by Bear Grylls – $15
Bear Grylls, a former SAS operator, goes over everything from surviving a bear attack to flying a plane in an emergency in his book “How to Stay Alive”. The definitive survival manual from the foremost survival specialist in the world. Nobody is as adept at survival as Bear Grylls. He has barely seen a terrain or severe environment that he hasn’t conquered. Bear has amassed an astounding amount of survival knowledge over the years, from his time in the 21 SAS to his extraordinary expeditions climbing (and paragliding over) Everest, travelling through the perilous Northwest Passage in the Arctic, crossing the world’s oceans, and participating in adventures to the toughest corners of each of the seven continents. There is a ton of useful information in this book, and great guides on how to apply certain techniques using the real possible examples.
SAS Survival Handbook by John Lofty Wiseman – $15-20
The SAS have a rich history of utilizing tactics and tutorials on how to survive anything. The book is written by former British SAS, John Lofty Wiseman who spent 26 years in the unit. Wiseman spent his time researching and also used some of the things taught to him to write the book. As a bonus you get access to an app (works with both iPhone an android) which not only has instructions but great guides on how to survive certain situations!
Enjoy!
The post Top 5 Tactical Books appeared first on Casual Operator.
