Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead

I have read scores of military books in the last few years and hundreds of articles and papers on International Security, this is by far the best account of a life and military career as I can remember. It is written with pace, a powerful simplicity and clarity, conviction and as far as I can ever know: honesty. There are several recurring themes running through the book: the love of his time in the Marine Corps; a patriotic love of country; the need for open societies to have lethal means; the absolute need for lethal means to blend into political ends; the enduring need for nations to work together in long term beneficial alliances and for military commanders to ensure that the training and provision of their troops is such that minimal direction is required on active operations.General Mattis draws on a well spring of personal experience and a hinterland of many military writers, theorists and practitioners: from Marcus Aurelius to Clausewitz to Colin S. Gray. General Mattis reads like a skilled surgeon who could recite Grey’s Anatomy. From Grand Strategy to developing synthetic training for private soldiers to the importance of mental and physical rehearsals General Mattis consistently conveys a sense of mastery of his art. All great military leaders sense turning moments and he outlines this several times and not just on active operations but in peacetime military planning. His ability to take complex issues and communicate them to soldiers at the same time as enthusing them to give their best is a rare gift. Simple concepts like "No better friend, no worse enemy" is what grand strategists do, they say simple things that connect the soldier, citizen and the aims of the state, and encapsulates neatly US foreign policy not just the US Marine Corps. The descriptions of his part in the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq are compelling as are his thoughts on the subsequent operations and attempts at drawing down force levels. The process of withdrawal and the implications for steadfast allies was his eventual reason for leaving high office. And yet as a mark of his integrity and love of country he consistently refuses to criticize or diminish the office of the sitting President. The inclusion of a Robert Burns quote in perfect context was outstanding. This book should be mandatory reading for senior military leaders and their civilian colleagues. “It would fae mony a blunder free us.”

I served in a British unit attached to the 1st Marine Division in Iraq in 2003, and our ultimate boss was Mattis. He was a man who demanded respect, and his aggressive competence and attitudes had the Marines around us comparing his to Chesty Puller of WW2 and Korea fame. I could not help but compare him to our very colourless and unaggressive generals. His doctrine and ideals are still insiring to me today - when I heard he was to become the Secretary of State for Defence, I had real hopes for that government.Mattis misses out his junior officer career, starting at battalion command. I would like to have heard the funny anecdotes and training mishaps of the great man, but after I got over that disappointment I followed with great interest his description of the time I served under his command, and his later career up to but not including the politics.He remains to me, a Brit, one of the most outstanding Generals of the American forces. And in particular I like the take of Lt Nathaniel Fick (of Generation Kill fame), who describes Mattis walking around trenches raising morale in the initial deployment to Afghanistan.

In writing this book, it is clear that General Mattis is somewhat constrained by the current US political scene. There are no salacious criticisms of the Trump or previous administrations. However, we are taken through each of the formative leadership experiences of his life and can share in both his frustrations and moments of success. The accounts have clear takeaways for leaders and aspiring leaders in both military and civil domains. A refreshing read that reminds us of the need for clear intent and trust when we work with others.

Good book overall,but weak as a Bio.Barely scratches the surface of his beginning in the USMC.Weak as a Bio of the man.He in my opinion is holding back his opinions of the lousy way Bush and Obama ran Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns.A lot of the material about his recommended reading list is available online.He spends a great deal of time going into books/authors and quotes-I have no problem with that as I am a historian myself.

Great book, worth a read of anyones time if they are looking for a good book on leadership.

A very honest account of a career soldier's thoughts and motivation. Can't say I'm Mattis' biggest fan but found his honest account of his actions and thought processes very enlightening and it shed a light on some of the world-changing events in our recent past.

Excellent service... happy Customer.

What a book! I read this with his voice in my head- a must for any leader.

Jim Mattis, por dois anos, foi secretário de defesa no governo Trump, o que seria suficiente para destruir a biografia de muitas pessoas. Contudo, antes disso, Mattis ficou 44 anos no Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais dos EUA, chegando ao posto de general de quatro estrelas, exercendo inclusive o posto de comandante das tropas americanas no Oriente Médio, o que sem dúvida rende boas histórias. Como o livro tem foco em aspectos da liderança e trata apenas do período em Mattis esteve na ativa, achei que valia a pena a leitura.As duas primeiras partes (Direct Leadership e Executive Leadership) são muito boas e trazem valiosas dicas que são facilmente transferidas para o mundo corporativo. Planejamento, descentralização, confiança nos subordinados, harmonia na equipe são alguns dos tópicos.A última parte, Strategic Leadership, é um pouco mais distante da minha realidade, especialmente nos aspectos políticos da relação entre militares e civis. Porém, não pude deixar de fazer um paralelo com o Brasil quando o general expõe seus dilemas diante de ordens absurdas de seu presidente, como a invasão do Iraque baseada em inteligência imprecisa.

This book offers a firsthand account of General Mattis' career, providing a valuable perspective. It is an exceptional document that sheds light on this period of history. Juxtaposing it with other perspectives would be interesting to gain a broader understanding.An insightful lesson in military (and leadership) for those outside (and inside) the field.

The general has brought out his life experiences starting from his youngster days. The directive command of style has been covered in illustrious manner. Further the book proceeds with hierarchical lessons and political descision dilemma. A must read for military personnels.

I strongly recommend reading this book, as a means to enlighten your view regarding the leadership experiences of Gen Mattis.

Il libro è arrivato in uno stato discreto e in tempi più veloci rispetto a quelli riportati all'acquisto. Lo stato del libro riportava la copertina rigida integra, le pagine interne non presentavano sottolineature né pieghe. Unico neo, le pagine nella parte del taglio frontale erano un po' sporche probabilmente dovuto alla polvere accumulata. Per il prezzo pagato mi ritengo soddisfatto dell'acquisto.