Norman M. Wade

Norman M. Wade is the author and publisher of the “SMARTbook” series of reference books. With 13 separate books in the SMARTbook reference series currently in circulation (and more than a dozen new titles in development), he has authored and/or published more than 40 reference books over the past 20 years. Recognized as a “whole of government” doctrinal reference standard by military, national security and government professionals around the world, SMARTbooks comprise a comprehensive professional library designed with all levels of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Civilians in mind.

The Lightning Press is the only publisher currently in the military professional reading category that exclusively and directly produces doctrinally-based, institutionally- and organizationally-recognized reference books for the military and federal agencies. His reference series of books are carried at virtually every Army and Air Force base around the world and have spanned the globe with nearly a half-million copies sold.

As a publisher, Norm brings a unique perspective and approach to reference and technical writing and information art presentation. Now, in collaboration with a collective of respected subject matter experts and industry thought leaders, he is developing a comprehensive series of related “National Power” SMARTbooks.

During his Army career, Norm served in a variety of leadership and senior staff positions. As an Army aviator, he flew OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters as a platoon leader during combat in Desert Storm and later commanded an attack helicopter company (AH-64 Apaches). A seasoned professional with extensive strategic communication and security cooperation experience, Norm served in a number of demanding, executive-level staff and senior public affairs positions. Versed in Department of Defense, Congressional/ government, and civilian/corporate policy, operations, and strategic communications, he has a unique understanding of international and regional sensitivities and political-military relations. He retired with more than 23 years of military service.