My Share of the Task

A Memoir

By: General Stanley McChrystal

Narrated by: Kevin Collins

Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

"Never shall I fail my comrades.... I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some."
—from the Ranger Creed

In early March 2010, General Stanley McChrystal, the commanding officer of all U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, walked with President Hamid Karzai through a small rural bazaar. As Afghan townspeo­ple crowded around them, a Taliban rocket loudly thudded into the ground some distance away. Karzai looked to McChrystal, who shrugged. The two leaders continued greeting the townspeople and listening to their views.

That trip was typical of McChrystal’s entire career, from his first day as a West Point plebe to his last day as a four-star general. The values he has come to be widely admired for were evident: a hunger to know the truth on the ground, the courage to find it, and the humility to listen to those around him. Even as a senior commander, McChrystal stationed him­self forward, and frequently went on patrols with his troops to experience their challenges firsthand.

In this illuminating memoir, McChrystal frankly explores the major episodes and controversies of his eventful career. He delves candidly into the intersection of history, leadership, and his own experience to produce a book of enduring value.

Joining the troubled post-Vietnam army as a young officer, McChrystal witnessed and participated in some of our military’s most difficult struggles. He describes the many outstanding leaders he served with and the handful of bad leaders he learned not to emulate. He paints a vivid portrait of the traditional military establishment that turned itself, in one gen­eration, into the adaptive, resilient force that would soon be tested in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider War on Terror.

McChrystal spent much of his early career in the world of special operations, at a time when these elite forces became increasingly effective - and necessary. He writes of a fight waged in the shadows by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), which he led from 2003 to 2008. JSOC became one of our most effective counterterrorism weapons, facing off against Al Qaeda in Iraq.

Over time, JSOC gathered staggering amounts of intelligence in order to find and remove the most influential and dangerous terrorists, including the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The hunt for Zarqawi drives some of the most gripping scenes in this book, as McChrystal’s team grappled with tricky interrogations, advanced but scarce technology, weeks of unbroken surveillance, and agonizing decisions.

McChrystal brought the same energy to the war in Afghanistan, where the challenges loomed even larger. His revealing account draws on his close relationships with Afghan leaders, giving readers a unique window into the war and the country.

Ultimately, My Share of the Task is about much more than war and peace, terrorism and counterin­surgency. As McChrystal writes, "More by luck than design, I’d been a part of some events, organizations, and efforts that will loom large in history, and more that will not. I saw selfless commitment, petty politics, unspeakable cruelty, and quiet courage in places and quantities that I’d never have imagined. But what I will remember most are the leaders."

©2013 Stanley A. McChrystal (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"General McChrystal is a legendary warrior with a fine eye for enduring lessons about leadership, courage, and consequence. He took me inside the command bunker, on nighttime raids, and through the fog of war, political and military. My Share of the Task is an important, riveting, and instructive account of the triumphs and trials of America’s two longest wars.” (Tom Brokaw, author of The Greatest Generation)

“Written in the tradition of Ulysses S. Grant, My Share of the Task is a clear, compelling, self-critical, and utterly unpretentious memoir. I know of no better book on the nature of modern military command.” (John Lewis Gaddis, author of George F. Kennan: An American Life)

"This is a brilliant book about leadership wrapped inside a fascinating personal narra­tive. By describing his own life, and especially his command in Afghanistan, General McChrystal helps us understand the modern missions of the military. More than that, he provides lessons about leadership and values that are indispensable in our daily lives. It’s a deeply inspiring tale." (Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and Benjamin Franklin)

Amazing story by an incredible historical figure.

For all of us that have lived through this time, it's an amazing walk down memory lane. I've always thought General Stanley McCrystal was a legend, and that was cemented by the rolling stone article. This book in its autobiographical format from the good General himself is amazing. Personally having participated as a computer geek on many of these infamous operations, understanding the ground truth and having been disgusted by the media's incorrect portrayal of "civil casualties", and conversely cursing the Good General in the dry ISAF garden after a long week of thankless work, not being able to have a beer, it was great to hear his perspective. 5 stars. As an admin note, a few of the acronyms are not pronounced as I pronounced them, but it did not take away from the story. Loved this Audio book.

Fantastic book

General McCrystal is a phenomenal leader and truly earns his nickname as the consummate warrior monk. He empathizes and is often on the front lines amongst the regular troops to get the real information on the ground, as the best military leaders do.

Great book

I am glad to have read Gen. McCrystal's side of the story. His lessons on leadership are great.

The best leadership book I've read in a decade.

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

Yes - fundamental leadership lessons; excellent description of contemporary military operating environment.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Share of the Task?

Epilogue

Which scene was your favorite?

Hunting el-Zawahiri

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

In Service to Our Nation

Any additional comments?

Narrator could have been better.

Surprised I liked it

This book surprised me. I decided to read it as it is on General Mattis’ recommended reading list. I don’t normally read these types of books found this quite captivating. General McChrystal has led a very interesting life. I had not followed his career. After listening to this book I understand why he is such a good leader and I would myself have enjoyed being part of his command and learning from him. His leadership of letting the lowest level lead is one I will try to do myself and work to reflect on his words when I face difficulty.

great story sound quality issues

really got into the story fascinating fascinating perspective McChrystal comes across as a real human and I like the narrator he did a good job the only problem was with the sound quality when he would start and stop sections of narration it would be different tempos different volume different sound quality and that was kind of a turn-off otherwise it was a good audiobook

General McChrystal's Story Makes Great Reading

Having run a small legal consulting business for over 30 years makes me think often about the wonderful young employees I get to work with every day.

While the specifics of evaluating the clients and often their opponents is very difficult I have been very good at sizing them up and aiding my young staff in their abilities as well. General McChrystal's thoughts gave me much to think about while seeing that I've not been far off in the way I have handled my leadership. Much sincere thanks to a remarkable person.

From Dave Johnson, Phoenix, AZ - 2015

A memoir not to be missed

What did you love best about My Share of the Task?

General McChrytal's unabashed honesty.

What did you like best about this story?

His description of the training and heavy responsibilities of those in leadership in the armed forces and the intelligence and dedication it takes to lead.

Which scene was your favorite?

When he and his wife went out for his retirement formation. It was a quiet and greatly significant event that shows that our great leaders do so much for us for so little appreciation from us. It demonstrates that only those who have been in similar situations can really appreciate what one does. It was real, heartfelt and full of honor.

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

No. This is a book to be savored and thought over. Do not rush it.

Any additional comments?

Give this book a chance. You just might learn something.
Thank you, General McChrystal and your wife.

Great read

Gives the book that gives a unique prospective on military leadership and accountability. Gives the back story on events in the media.

Excellent & Educational

A great audio book. I've ordered the print version for my library and a few copies to give to friends. General McChrystal provides an insider's view of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that will no doubt be used by historians, military leaders, diplomats, and many others for many decades to come. My thanks to General McChrystal and his wife Annie as I know both served our nation.