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Call Sign Chaos

By: Jim Mattis, Bing West
Narrated by: Danny Campbell
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Publisher's Summary

Number one New York Times best seller

A clear-eyed account of learning how to lead in a chaotic world, by General Jim Mattis - the former Secretary of Defense and one of the most formidable strategic thinkers of our time - and Bing West, a former assistant secretary of defense and combat Marine.

“A four-star general’s five-star memoir.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Call Sign Chaos is the account of Jim Mattis’ storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of warfighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas - and short-sighted thinking - now facing our nation. He makes it clear why America must return to a strategic footing so as not to continue winning battles but fighting inconclusive wars.

Mattis divides his audiobook 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.

Call Sign Chaos is a memoir of a life of war-fighting and lifelong learning, following along as Mattis rises from Marine recruit to four-star general. It is a journey about learning to lead and a story about how he, through constant study and action, developed a unique leadership philosophy, one relevant to us all.

©2019 Jim Mattis and Bing West (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic Reviews

“Combining simplicity and thoughtfulness, Jim Mattis has produced a classic account of a lifetime of service. Call Sign Chaos is a lesson in leadership and an evocation of humanity in the cause of peace.” (Henry Kissinger)

“In this magnificent memoir, Jim Mattis details many important events in his career, but he also does much more: He explains how he is informed by his experiences in a way that teaches you how to learn from your own. Read, enjoy, and learn.” (George Shultz)

What listeners say about Call Sign Chaos

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Great listen and easy to follow

I am a General Mattis fan so a lot of this book i am familiar with. However this is a very good summary of Gen Mathis’s leadership journey in both military and public service.

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1 person found this helpful

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Glad to see he wrote his story

After being an admirer of Jim Mattis for many years now I was happy to find he decided to write a book and share his hard earned wisdom with the world. I'm sure you're aware of his approach to reading history and applying it the modern warfare, you won't be disappointed in the story he has to tell here.

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Diamond in the rough! A standout for me.

A detailed and thoughtful account of how one of the most influential modern leaders(well...maybe not in the White House) mastered his craft and provided steadfast leadership at every level. Principled, self-disciplined and delivered with honourable integrity and; great examples. All of this complimented by Danny Campbell's narration which, I found soothing and engaging. Off to get myself a hard copy.

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Best Military Biography I’ve Read

I loved the insight Jim shares in this well considered and well written reflection from a lifetime spent in Military Leadership.

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an insight into one of the USMCs greats

An absolute must read for anyone with an interesting in military strategy, leadership, or organization.

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Fantastic insight

A great read from a leader frequently at the point of impact in world events over the past four decades.

The General's approach and warrior spirit is impressive and the book effectively portrays a full life of service. His hold no punches style is refreshing in an age where speech is often stifled.

Some true gems of leadership can be found in this book.

In addition the material in Appendix greatly adds value.

Danny Campbell does the General justice in his performance of the work.

Get this book you won't be disappointed.

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What an amazing man!

What a life to lead, the insights, the knowledge, the power, the wisdom of this man is beyond belief, and at the end of all that he was a man’s man, and an inspiration to the men he led, I would follow him into battle without hesitation, I have had leaders in my military career that mirror this man. Amazing!!!

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What an amazing man.

Such a shame that he had to resign from his post of secretary of defence, Although for understandable and respectful reasons.
The West needs more generals and advisers like Jim chaos Mattis

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Expected more relevance

A bit too broad with general startegic views, or too specific about certain situations.
Was expecting something more in depth and relevant to the ongoing developments.

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