This book serves as an academic guide for strategic military leaders, focusing on the development of critical thinking, creative thinking, and self-awareness essential for crafting effective military strategies and policies. The collection of readings covers key concepts such as operational art, strategic competence, and the cultural influences on strategic decision-making. It further explores systems thinking, the use of history in military strategy, and contemporary challenges facing the U.S. military, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the impact of globalization on cultural identity. The book emphasizes the importance of ethics in leadership and strategic decisions that affect national security.