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 Conservatives's Lens...

An interesting perspective & personal experience shared. Firm views. Passion driven. Yet it appeared unbiased.

Great Detail of Two Wars

Fascinating recollection of two wars by a Defense Secretary that served two Presidents - one Republican the other a Democrat. I remember the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not able to handle the insurgencies in either country. Secretary Gates led the push to surge in both wars and each President supported him. The detail of people, places and events links together a history all Americans should know. We all need to heed his warning against going to war except as a last resort to defend vital American interests.

Iraq and Afghanistan veteran comments

As an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran. I was appreciative of this glimpse into the Secretary's perspective and work during his duty period for 2 Presidents. Enlightening and thought-provoking especially in current election campaign year.

Backstories Outstanding

Gates was candid to his mistakes and emotions throughout which I found refreshing. I found much of the budget wrangling detail to be difficult to get through, but that is probably because I did not really care about those fights. That said, it's clear that Gates's audience were the military, administration officials, politicos, and the troops.

I really enjoyed learning all about his perspective of Presidents Bush and Obama and all of his backstories that the normal American never sees or experiences.

Gates is a true patriot and one that all Americans should be most grateful for his tireless work.

The best part of this book for me were the many descriptions of first-hand encounters meeting combat troops and those in training.

More interesting than I expected.

This was a much better book than I expected. When I saw how long it was, I thought that it would be boring, but it wasn't. It tells a lot of behind the scene stories that you never hear about, and doesn't seem to hold back anything.

You will be impressed

Where does Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. The story and the performance were both very strong. I had no opinion of Robert M. Gates before I read this book. Now, I have an opinion and it is very positive.

What did you like best about this story?

At first, the inside story on the administrations of Bush and Obama but in the end his compassion for the soldiers; the men and women who gave all for this country.

Have you listened to any of George Newbern and Robert M. Gates ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No other George Newbern performances and no other Robert M. Gates books.

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

While I most looked forward to his comments about the two presidents he served, I was blown away by his temperate and even handed dealing of the two very different men.

Any additional comments?

During his tenure in office, there was much in the news about Robert Gates that I can recall; I did not pay much attention to him when he was in office. I am sorry now that I didn't. Having read Duty, I am very impressed by the man, his accomplishments, his heart, determination, his character and his poise.

I for one, hope that this great nation will always have people like Robert M. Gates to serve the people.

Great inside details

This was a very informative book and well worth the credit. The book provided a unique look at what goes on behind the scenes of a mega bureaucracy. The only negative I have is that I would have preferred the book to be read by Gates himself. The narrator did a good job but he miss pronounced some of the words and it would have had a greater impact coming from the man himself.

The inside view

Amazing book from a guy that was there for the last 40 years. A must listen to book. I have just completed my second time

stunning insight

loved Gate's viewpoints especially under two distinct Presidents. I most enjoyed hearing through his thought process on leadership decisions and how he handled the politics within the White House.

Whoop!

Thank you for sharing your passion for public service. You are an inspiration to so many. The pacing, narrative and your commitment throughout this book was humbling. I am one of the staff members you inspired in Aggieland. I have always considered my career at Texas A&M as public service. -- You valued and enabled staff with such respect and sincerity -- and demanded the same of University leadership. To this day I continue my work at the University with duty and the honor you lead us with. Our nation is a far better place because of you and you are a role model
not only as President of our University but as a true statesman in our nation through your years of service and your commitment to the values of respect, integrity and selfless service. Thank you for your service. ....are you sure you don't want to come back to Aggieland??