What do you think?
Rate this book
Assignment Pentagon (HB)(3rd R
A thoroughly updated edition of the highly acclaimed guide for those newly assigned to the Pentagon. Written for both the layman and the new insider, this book is for anyone interested in how the Defense Department works. It has been selected by the Association of the U.S. Army for its distinguished book series. Retired USAF Major General Smith authored How CNN Fought The War. Maps.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1989
30 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 26, 2014
I recently changed jobs and landed at the Pentagon. When I attended an orientation course, this book was highly recommended, so I borrowed it from the Pentagon library.
It's a handy guide, especially for newbies like me. It has a mixture of practical advice about life in the area as well as how to adapt quickly to the pace of the organizations. The book describes the primary offices that occupy the rings, the changes in the power structure, and how they interact.
The authors offer a lot of directed advice for people in various positions (Division and Branch Chiefs as well as high ranking officers), but they also insist that these lessons can be helpful for workers at all levels, especially to understand the world of the senior leader. They also offer practical recommendations for the Action Officer - a common position for mid-level military and civilian workers here.
Some of the quotes that I found 'interesting' also sounded a bit egotistical and self-important when I came here to write my review. That's not to say that the authors aren't telling the truth, but it does sound a bit inflated. I don't often do this, but I added some editorial commentary to the quotes I found to be a bit eyebrow-raising.
Overall, it's a useful guide; a bit dated, but also somewhat inspirational. This book has certainly been revised, but there are places in the book that read like they are from the 1980s (or maybe earlier!)
I appreciated that the authors include a reading list, an acronym list (once again, a bit dated), and an index of the topics covered. I did note that they recommended reading their own books (several times), but I'm sure that they would be worthwhile reads.
interesting quotes:
"Most airmen have a much higher opinion about the critical importance of technology, but they don't always stop and think that their colleagues might disagree. They forget members from the other Services are like 'Canadians' - i.e., they look like us, they sound like us, but they really are different." (p. xii)
Innovation takes place best in times of great budgetary change and in black programs." (p. 40)
"We need in the Pentagon more leaders who, despite years of working in a vast bureaucratic structure, are willing to take steps that fundamentally change and modernize the institution. Today the Pentagon's leaders need to walk out the door in the future with their heads held high for having maintained their integrity and for having tried great things." (p. 108)
"Living in Washington in the twenty-first century is similar to living in London in the nineteenth century, Paris in the eighteenth century, Madrid in the seventeenth century, or Florence or Venice in the sixteenth century. It is not only the nation's capital, it is the center of the world." (p. 227) Not sure if this is true, but it's certainly a bold statement.
"The joint staff, in our judgment, has the most talented and powerful staff in the entire federal government. The military services find themselves working closely together, especially when the Joint Staff tries to push an unpopular idea through." (pp. 233-234) Once again, bold, but a bit over-inflated, in my opinion.
"Remind yourself periodlcally that dedicating yourself to serve a nation that is a beacon of hope for much of the world is quite noble." (p. 237) I'm not sure that much of the world considers us a beacon of hope, although I do feel that it is noble to serve your nation.
It's a handy guide, especially for newbies like me. It has a mixture of practical advice about life in the area as well as how to adapt quickly to the pace of the organizations. The book describes the primary offices that occupy the rings, the changes in the power structure, and how they interact.
The authors offer a lot of directed advice for people in various positions (Division and Branch Chiefs as well as high ranking officers), but they also insist that these lessons can be helpful for workers at all levels, especially to understand the world of the senior leader. They also offer practical recommendations for the Action Officer - a common position for mid-level military and civilian workers here.
Some of the quotes that I found 'interesting' also sounded a bit egotistical and self-important when I came here to write my review. That's not to say that the authors aren't telling the truth, but it does sound a bit inflated. I don't often do this, but I added some editorial commentary to the quotes I found to be a bit eyebrow-raising.
Overall, it's a useful guide; a bit dated, but also somewhat inspirational. This book has certainly been revised, but there are places in the book that read like they are from the 1980s (or maybe earlier!)
I appreciated that the authors include a reading list, an acronym list (once again, a bit dated), and an index of the topics covered. I did note that they recommended reading their own books (several times), but I'm sure that they would be worthwhile reads.
interesting quotes:
"Most airmen have a much higher opinion about the critical importance of technology, but they don't always stop and think that their colleagues might disagree. They forget members from the other Services are like 'Canadians' - i.e., they look like us, they sound like us, but they really are different." (p. xii)
Innovation takes place best in times of great budgetary change and in black programs." (p. 40)
"We need in the Pentagon more leaders who, despite years of working in a vast bureaucratic structure, are willing to take steps that fundamentally change and modernize the institution. Today the Pentagon's leaders need to walk out the door in the future with their heads held high for having maintained their integrity and for having tried great things." (p. 108)
"Living in Washington in the twenty-first century is similar to living in London in the nineteenth century, Paris in the eighteenth century, Madrid in the seventeenth century, or Florence or Venice in the sixteenth century. It is not only the nation's capital, it is the center of the world." (p. 227) Not sure if this is true, but it's certainly a bold statement.
"The joint staff, in our judgment, has the most talented and powerful staff in the entire federal government. The military services find themselves working closely together, especially when the Joint Staff tries to push an unpopular idea through." (pp. 233-234) Once again, bold, but a bit over-inflated, in my opinion.
"Remind yourself periodlcally that dedicating yourself to serve a nation that is a beacon of hope for much of the world is quite noble." (p. 237) I'm not sure that much of the world considers us a beacon of hope, although I do feel that it is noble to serve your nation.
May 1, 2011
I read this book while I was still waiting for my computer to be set up at work, otherwise I would have put it right down. Although informative, I feel like it's dated. Even though there have been new editions, it is not as informative for the general person starting work in the Pentagon. I think the 2 authors had the right idea, they didn't execute it well due to the lack of information for everyone, not just military.
May 17, 2024
With minimal consideration, in 2024 I picked up a used copy of the 3rd edition (c. 2007) and later realized there’s already a 5th (c. 2020). Many details are notably dated in the version I read; e.g., recommending reading the “SECDEF Annual Report” instead of the NDS and the entire final chapter as “predictive” of coming 2020 (10 year outlook) considerations. This leaves me wondering if I missed any major changes in addition to the minor nuanced pieces of advice.
There isn’t any revolutionary information here to anyone who’s already familiar with bureaucracy. From BN to DIV staffs (middle management), especially if you’ve served on Joint Staff, the major points here should already be familiar. However, it is well organized and concise in its explanation of the ins and outs with a few particular points uniquely helpful for those working at the highest levels. It contains beneficial information/advice for those about to work at a higher staff level, Pentagon or otherwise, especially those who’ve never worked directly at the GO/SES (CEO/Senior Executive) level. The book includes direct guidance to positions at the Action Officer (MAJ/LTC/13-14s), Branch Chief (Col/15s), and even senior executive (FO/SESs) levels. It goes into very specified guidance at excessively high levels like “How to testify to congress” and get along or interact with political appointees. At first it seems silly to be reading about advice for people in such senior offices, but while the reader may not occupy those seats, it’s beneficial to understand the responsibilities and complexities of their bosses, or boss’ bosses who do.
There isn’t any revolutionary information here to anyone who’s already familiar with bureaucracy. From BN to DIV staffs (middle management), especially if you’ve served on Joint Staff, the major points here should already be familiar. However, it is well organized and concise in its explanation of the ins and outs with a few particular points uniquely helpful for those working at the highest levels. It contains beneficial information/advice for those about to work at a higher staff level, Pentagon or otherwise, especially those who’ve never worked directly at the GO/SES (CEO/Senior Executive) level. The book includes direct guidance to positions at the Action Officer (MAJ/LTC/13-14s), Branch Chief (Col/15s), and even senior executive (FO/SESs) levels. It goes into very specified guidance at excessively high levels like “How to testify to congress” and get along or interact with political appointees. At first it seems silly to be reading about advice for people in such senior offices, but while the reader may not occupy those seats, it’s beneficial to understand the responsibilities and complexities of their bosses, or boss’ bosses who do.
September 2, 2019
For what it’s meant for, this is a great book. More as a prep manual for anyone headed to a tour at the Pentagon, the authors provide information on everything from house-hunting to varying cultures within subcomponents to just finding your way around the place. Now that I’ve been at the Pentagon for a few months, I can appreciate the value of this book and how much I wish I had known about it beforehand. A lot of info here is a bit dated, but it’s still incredibly insightful...very little changes in this place!
January 30, 2018
Some useful info, some outdated info ("learn how to use Google!"), and some downright inaccurate info (e.g., *anything* having to do with the role of the National Defense Strategy [which the authors do not really seem to understand] vice the National Military Strategy. no seriously...literally, anything. if the Joint Staff has been consulting this book over the past several years, it would explain a lot...).
June 29, 2018
Full of valuable insights written in plain and engaging English.
June 20, 2019
Practical guide covering everything from where to live to how the building operates and the major power brokers. Very helpful.
May 3, 2020
Good insight for AO duty at the Pentagon
Just got an assignment at the Pentagon and I needed a good read to prepare as best as I can, this book fit the bill and then some.
Just got an assignment at the Pentagon and I needed a good read to prepare as best as I can, this book fit the bill and then some.
December 20, 2015
Learn to use a word processor and find the photocopier? I was half expecting a section on how to muzzle-load a musket. The joint stuff is good as is the material on where the political meets the military. However, this good stuff is far outweighed by the inclusion of simple things that if you haven't figured out by the time you are assigned to the Pentagon, the system failed the American people by not two P'ing you.
April 6, 2013
For someone that doesn't work at the Pentagon this book offered little insight. Knowing people that work at the Pentagon this book provided little new information. Also it is a bit dated.
Two Stars: Would only recommend, hesitantly, to someone taking an assignment at the Pentagon.
Two Stars: Would only recommend, hesitantly, to someone taking an assignment at the Pentagon.
July 23, 2008
I got this book at a training I went to...pretty informative, but a little biased because it was written by a military officer. Contractors really aren't that bad!
October 19, 2016
At Knife and Fork School Pensacola FL
December 26, 2016
Describes some of the Pentagon's dynamics and staff processes. Some of these tips about staff work apply to any staff, not just those in the building.
February 20, 2018
Dated in 2018.
January 9, 2022
Excellent read for first timers, and reference that will be returned to in the future.
June 2, 2009
For a narrow audience, this is a great book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews