It's not history, but for good fun reading that is backed by "real" speculative science (newton's laws aren't broken) and military history, try some science fiction by Jerry Pournelle and/or Larry Niven.
Do a google search for the chief of staff reading list. The USAF chief of staff publishes a reading list of various books each military member should read, for their professional development. Some good stuff in there. I think each service has a similiar program.
Another thing you can do is sign up for a night course in literature at the local community college. That way you'll not only have access to someone who can recommend real literature, but you'll also have some help learning how to THINK about what you read. That's important if you want to separate yourself from the mindless masses.
The Right Stuff is really good.
I thought Clancy got pretty corny after Red October, but The Hunt For Red October and Red Storm Rising were great IMHO.
I've read Atlas Shrugged a few times and I think it's a worthwhile read, but as others have said it can be challenging. Also if you mention to most liberals that you read Ayn Rand and actually AGREE with even one word she wrote, you'll be immediately labelled a greedy, heartless, corporate shill even if the liberal has never read one single word she ever wrote. Which is exactly what Ayn Rand talks about in her book (the mindless emotional reactionary responses spewed by many powerful liberals). One way or another, your philosophy and outlook on life will be changed after reading Ayn Rand whether you agree with her or not.
