Customer Reviews

Army Officer's Guide

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm an Army Major, who as a young Lieutenant purchased a much older generation of the Army Officer's Guide. A lot has changed in the last 15 years though, and I thought that the new edition would include those changes. Many of those changes are included, but I was left wanting in terms of the more recent adjustments to uniform policies, etc. Of course with that said, this book is a must have for any cadet, or newly commissioned officer just entering the service.

Been using the Officer's Guide, like most, since I was a cadet. 11 years and four versions later, this edition incorporates much needed changes from antiquated notions and language. I never found the sections in previous versions addressing WWII sexually transmitted diseases useful--in fact, for years there were entire sections of this guide that instructed officers how to help a lost spouse at the airport and to help her with her bags especially if she was burdened with children and luggage. Seriously--in 2005??? This updated 2009 version, with a new author, is welcomed.

I also note that the annex on uniforms is very helpful in navagating the recent changes to insignia and wear of newly minted badges. With the recent major changes from Class A's to the ASU and BDU's to ACUs, this text expertly guides new and experienced officers alike to solutions with these new uniform adjustments. I, myself, was having trouble navagating through the seeminly conflicting barrage of ALARACT messages concerning implementation of the new ASU--and how to wear our current dress blues as Class A's and B's. Very confusing, Army!! Thanks to the authors of this book for deconflicting with ease for me.

I've never used the older editions of the Officers guide, but this book is pretty thorough. I'm a cadet in Army ROTC and this book was suggested to me by one of my Cadre members, so thats what led me to purchase it.

It's not a book i would sit down and read front to back but there are good sections worth reading start to finish. However some of it is information you wouldnt need to know unless you were about to go into that situation, for example the section about evening dining or funeral ceremonies. but it is packed with usefull information and if you're curious about a certain topic like uniform dress code or branch information you can just look it up and turn to the section.

It's a helpfull tool to have if you're training to become an officer like myself and want a quick reference that you know is up to date and Army approved.

Just graduated from OCS at Ft. Benning this past May 2011 and found this guide quite useful for a lot of information.

No we actually didn't have to read anything out of the guide, but it is useful to familiarize yourself with a lot of the material within as to what life may be like for you as an officer. Every Officer Candidate had a copy of this book on their desk regardless of if they used it or not.

One note that I found a little odd was that there was almost ZERO information in the book about OCS, which is one of the main reasons I wanted the book. If you want some information on OCS then google the OCS SOP. That was what almost everything at OCS was based off of.

Inside this guide though you'll find everything from customs, history, life on and off post in and out of country, rules and regulations as an officer, what you can expect and be expected of you, uniforms, awards/decorations, branching and promotions, and a whole lot more.

This book is an absolute NO-BRAINER if you even considering going through OCS or ROTC. Take it from this new 2LT, one way or another you'll have to get this book so you might as well start now and familiarize yourself with some of the material.

2LT Robert Frank
Ordnance USARNG

While light on leadership philosophy, this book is an excellent resource for those entering into an Army Officer career, or for those who are contemplating entering into the Army Officer Corps.

This is what it is. Somewhat of a 'must have' for the Army Officer. A number of Officer Basic Leadership Courses even require you have it with you. It has everything from the necessary/must-know information to the drive-you-insane/why-would-anyone-care(?) details.

It's not an easy read. More of a reference for looking up an answer to a critical question or getting you through a situation you do not encounter often. It reminds me of stero-type instructions for a kids-toy (if the kids-toy were in 5,000 pieces and designed by rabbid hamsters from a far eastern country). Some areas are way over detailed while others are too general to be of much use. It can be hit or miss, so take the good and ignore the unnecessary. Just keep it handy for when you need it.

Review of "Army Officer's Guide: 51st Edition" by Col. Robert Dalessandro.

The 51st Edition of the Army Officer's Guide is a necessary text related to the education of the newly minted Officer. Having been in print for more than 75 years the 51st Edition is fully updated with the latest information on ranks, branches, and components including: Uniforms and insignia; Duties and responsibilities; Privileges, benefits, restrictions; Professional Development; Leadership and command; Military courtesy and customs; Army posts and organizations; Regulations and references; and 16 color pages of medals and badges. Some excerpts from the original 1930 First Edition have been included to celebrate the 51st Edition's 75 years in print. The contents include: Part I--The Army; Part II--Service As An Army Officer; Part III--Social and Family Matters; and Appendices. Much of the content is what you would expect and is static from Edition to Edition such as "Heritage, Customs, and Courtesies of the Army." Other items have been added such as "Appendix G: Professional Movie and Video Guide" which suggests movies within the genre for education and inspirational purposes. The section on the wear of uniforms under AR-670-1 is not complete particularly with regard to the wear of skill qualification badges on the current Army Combat Uniform (ACU)and there is a void with respect to the implementation of the new Army Service Uniform (ASU). Clearly with the many changes that have taken place since the Guide was updated in 2008 a new Edition must be (and should be) in the works. Nevertheless the Guide at 674 pages represents the closest "all in one" tome of basic information you can find. Five stars without reservation.


Jeffrey Hauck
2LT CM USAR

Comprehensive introduction to critical, must know information for the new Army officer. I purchased this book for my son who is contracting to ROTC, and after reviewing it, I insisted that he read it cover to cover. Most important, he will learn the culture of the Army, its great traditions, the ever important character traits that make a great officer and human being. There is so much to know, and the Army Officer's Guide spells out so much of it in an easy to read format. I can't recommend this book highly enough, I wish I'd known of its existence during my time in the Army.

This book is an excellent resource, but a horrible leisure read. It is a requirement for Army OCS. However, you may never NEED to use it. I suggest purchasing a copy or downloading the PDF version of the Ranger Handbook.

Packed with Army regulations and the history behind it. Seems to cover everything from a to z.