Book Review: "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War" by Robert Gates

CloserQ readers, I typically review business books, however, I wanted to share my positive feedback on "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War" by Robert Gates.  As usual, I listened to on Audible vs. actually reading.  The reason I chose, "Duty" is that I am a mini-political junky, and I was fascinated to get Secretary Gates thoughts on working for both President Obama and President Bush.  

Secretary Gates is both strikingly candid and fair, in his vivid accounts of being Secretary of Defense during two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; and under two Presidents.  

Gates shares the challenges, frustrations, complexities, politics, and accomplishments of managing the two wars under two different administrations.

Gates planned on leaving Washington politics behind, after working for six presidents over thirty years in both the CIA and the National Security Council, when he became president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to succeed Secretary Rumsfeld, even though he loved being a College President, he felt it was this 'Duty' to accept the position.

I may of picked 'Duty' to learn get this thoughts on Presidents Obama and Bush, however, I enjoyed so many aspects of Gates autobiography too: from dealing with Washington Politics; to managing the Department of Defense with literally 1,000,000+ service man / woman and contractors; to putting together a half a trillion dollar budget; to the egos of the generals, admirals and joint chiefs; to meeting with foreign dignitaries; to the planning and killing of Osama Bin Laden; repealing 'Don't Ask Don't Tell'; to dealing with the press; the Pentagon procurement challenges; the cultures of different branches of the military; and the politics.

Secretary Gates is very balanced in his personal thoughts on Bush / Obama, and I believe he is ultimately positive on his feedback on both of them. 

Good Reading / Listening!

Reader Feedback, please click the ‘comments’ below to give your feedback on "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War" by Robert Gates.  Shaun Priest aka CloserQ. Have fantastic day.