Duty

Memoirs of a Secretary at War

By: Robert M. Gates

Narrated by: George Newbern, Robert M. Gates

Length: 25 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

From the former secretary of defense, a strikingly candid, vivid account of serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

When Robert M. Gates received a call from the White House, he thought he'd long left Washington politics behind: After working for six presidents in both the CIA and the National Security Council, he was happily serving as president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to help a nation mired in two wars and to aid the troops doing the fighting, he answered what he felt was the call of duty.

©2014 Robert M. Gates (P)2014 Random House Audio

A Window onto DoD and the times

I like the book a great deal. First, it is read mostly by Gates and you get a real sense for the man and his mission. I like that I could connect what was happening in the news with his account form the inside. I found his characterizations of the politicians and senior military particularly enlightening, sometimes disappointing, but offered with a sense of realism that I enjoy.

Anyone who loves contemporary history will find this work fascinating. Unlike MacNamera's mia colpa from Viet Nam, Gates tells it like he sees it. He is the only recent Secretary of Defense to serve under two presidents of differing parties. It is a good listen if only for this reason. I highly recommend it.

Service

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would and I have - I think Bob did what he thought was best for his country in his service to it. That's why I'd recommend this book. I think he does a good job explaining why his decision making process and displays a realpolitik that's admirable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War?

I'd have to say it was Bob's thoughts on Putin. Spot on don't you think?

Which character – as performed by George Newbern and Robert M. Gates – was your favorite?

Bob himself at the beginning has a nasally voice that really surprised me

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oddly...I did

Any additional comments?

Worth listening to

Excellent and informative book

What did you love best about Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War?

That I know much more than I did before reading Duty.

What other book might you compare Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War to and why?

I'm reading Crusade in Europe and I think that book is analogous.

Which scene was your favorite?

No favorite scene. I just don't think this way when reading historical works.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Robert Gates concern that his judgment was impaired by his deep concern for the welfare of our troops.

Behind the scenes

An amazing look behind the superficial media coverage of a very crucial rime in the history of the country. Reveals personalities as well as facts behind the public media coverage.

The flip side of Afghanistan/Iraqi

This book was highly recommended by multiple people I've grown to admire in the military. It really gives you a big picture of what goes on behind the scenes away from the battlefield. For SecDef Gates to write about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, in particular, was very eye opening seeing as how these have been publicized as the bastard children of war for America in the last 20 years. This gives you a different look, a look at why these wars were so important after all.
Audible 20 review sweepstakes entry

Honor

I'm proud to be an Aggie.
Proud to have received my diploma from Mr. gates.
That might make me bias but I enjoyed listening to his book. I definitely recommend.

Very rewarding.

Confirms much of what we thought was taking place behind the scenes. Dr Gates is a gentleman and speaks very candidly but very respectively.

You've lived it, Mr. Gates clearly tells you why.

What made the experience of listening to Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War the most enjoyable?

Getting a first-person view of History from the inside. Mr. Gates book is written in a straight-forward manner, in language easily understood, introduces the reader to the central figures who controlled events and consequently our lives in the recent past. He introduced me to the President and it changed my jaded view. I really liked this book, and enjoyed it throughout. I give it a 5 star rating.

What about George Newbern and Robert M. Gates ’s performance did you like?

He became Mr. Gates to a point that I thought it was, in fact, Mr. Gates. I appreciated the epilogue because it let me hear Mr. Gates actual voice. It struck me funny that Mr. Newbern's voice and presentation became more powerful as the Sect. of Defense that the actual voice of the author. (No disrespect intended)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sorry, I don't see this a movie.

Any additional comments?

I recommend it without qualification!

Gates for President!

What did you love best about Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War?

Details how Gates wove his way through a political quagmire to achieve dignity for the American fighter, blasted through the bureaucracy to shorten times from injury to evacuation in Afghanistan, gained the respect of America's foes, recognized "enforced democracy" is no better than tyranny, taught by example talking softly, carrying a big stick to prepare the soil in which democracy could flourish realistically in time. Recognized real leaders, fired phony leaders, documented, preserved, and rewarded true acts of heroism,brought to the front burner timely treatment of wounded warriors and their families, fired incompetent stewards of military health care... Got more done than Presidents Bush and Obama without getting entangled in party politics. Great book!!!

I worked for this guy (inderectly) and I love him!

What made the experience of listening to Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War the most enjoyable?

I used to say that Truman was the last noble soul in American politics. I changed that to say Bob Gates holds that title. But more than that, there were times where I was laughing outloud and times where I got choked up listening to this. I lived through these times, and from the day Rummy left and Gates came in I felt there was someone looking after me. As someone waaaay down the food chain, I knew that Gates cared and would do anything in his power to get me and everyone else in uniform home safe.

You should read this book.

What did you like best about this story?

His honesty. The man worked his heart out.