General Eric M. Smith released the 2026 reading list under the Marine Corps Professional Reading Program, reviving a tradition many services have let slip. The list arrives as service members shift toward short‑form media, yet the commandant argues books still shape strategic thinking. It targets Marines and allied defense professionals seeking depth beyond articles and podcasts.

The selections split into four themes. Heritage offers works like Krulak’s *First to Fight* and Sledge’s *With the Old Breed* to ground readers in Marine history. Innovation features Jack Watling’s analysis of post‑2020 combat tech and Andrew Krepinevich’s framework for disruptive breakthroughs. A standout, Generative AI for Leaders, teaches leaders to rewire their mindset around emerging AI tools.

Leadership and Strategy sections round out the list, with Karl Marlantes’s Vietnam novel and Hal Brands’s updated compendium of strategic thought. A single book chosen for embodying Marine values caps the roster. The compilation signals that, despite digital distractions, the Corps still regards long‑form scholarship as essential for developing adaptable officers.