First published 2019
General Jim Mattis chronicles his military career from Marine recruit to four-star general commanding a quarter million troops across the Middle East. This New York Times bestseller, co-authored with former assistant secretary of defense Bing West, examines leadership through three distinct phases. Mattis begins with his early experiences leading Marines in combat, where he knew each soldier personally. He then explores commanding thousands of troops and adapting leadership styles to ensure clear communication down to the most junior levels. Finally, he tackles strategic leadership, where military commanders must balance war's harsh realities with political aspirations. Throughout his career spanning three wars, Mattis developed a unique leadership philosophy through constant study and action. He argues America must return to strategic thinking to avoid winning individual battles while fighting inconclusive wars. The book reveals how foundational combat experiences shaped his understanding of warfighting, peacemaking, and the critical importance of allies in addressing the strategic challenges facing the nation.
Genres: leadership, non-fiction, biography-memoir, military-history
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: leadership, memoir
Setting: Middle East
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
320 pages · Hardcover · Random House