If you work in the military consider this: following the list of recommended books is a note that you SHOULD read some more books on the list because this book isn't enough. That is not a good sign! Also, this edition is copyright 1993 but appears to have been written a few years earlier and the information is becoming dated.

If you aren't working in the military then too much of the material is too limited occupationally and geographically. While the note on the interview process at the Pentagon might be helpful to others facing tough interviews there isn't enough of it. And while there is some basic material that could be considered applicable to general business it is mixed with too much that is specific to the security focused and overly structured military.


How to Survive in the Puzzle Palace   April 28, 2001
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

If you ever wondered about what it is like to work inside the Pentagon, or what it takes to work on a high level staff, then this book is for you. Although primarily written for Pentagon staffers, this book applies to all staffers at all levels of the military and civilian/private sector. Not a whole lot of theory, just a lot of good, first-hand experience and common sense. This book helped me in previous assignments, and now I refer to it often while assigned to the Pentagon.


Excellent for understanding the Pentagon's inner workings   March 23, 1999
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

As an Air Force Captain currently assigned to the Pentagon, I've found this book to be invaluable in understanding how the pieces fit together in the Puzzle Palace. I read it once before arriving and have re-read several sections during my tenure in the Pentagon. I anxiously await Gen. Smith's next update.