It is one of only two novels on the US Army's recommended reading list for Officer Professional Development; the other is The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. A coincidental element to both novels is that Sam Elliott had a starring role in the film adaptation of each one, playing a US Army general officer.
Two novels are featured on the US Army's recommended reading list for Officer Professional Development: one being "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara and the other being an unnamed novel. Interestingly, both novels were adapted into films in which Sam Elliott played a starring role as a US Army general officer.