Call Sign Chaos: James Mattis and Bing West

From Amazon

[General James] Mattis divides his book into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership. In the first part, Mattis recalls his early experiences leading Marines into battle, when he knew his troops as well as his own brothers. In the second part, he explores what it means to command thousands of troops and how to adapt your leadership style to ensure your intent is understood by your most junior troops so that they can own their mission. In the third part, Mattis describes the challenges and techniques of leadership at the strategic level, where military leaders reconcile war’s grim realities with political leaders’ human aspirations, where complexity reigns and the consequences of imprudence are severe, even catastrophic.

The Military is what will save our country from its politicians

Those were my thoughts as I read this incredible memoir by Former Secretary of Defense, General James “Mad Dog” Mattis.

General Mattis is not only truthful about missions that the United States has undertaken which may not have been well executed, but he also shows humility by reiterating that he obeys the Commander in Chief despite how he may feel about the mission.  (I did like that some of my suspicions about some of our overseas conflicts were basically confirmed in this book.

What impressed me most reading this book was  General Mattis’ vast knowledge and commitment to studying history and being well prepared.  As King Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun. Methods may have changed but the tactics and objectives have not.  What would happen if our politicians were as well studied and prepared as our Generals?

If you want the fewest big regrets when surprise strikes, you must provide, ahead of time, the doctrine and resources to respond. – Sec James Mattis

This is more than likely why we have not had a General as President since Eisenhower.

This is definitely worth a read especially if you’re in any type of leadership capacity. He truly encapsulates what it means to lead by example and to be about leading your team.