By All Means Available

Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy

By: Michael G. Vickers

Narrated by: Michael G. Vickers

Length: 20 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A vivid insider's account of a life in intelligence, special operations, and strategy from the Cold War to the war with al-Qa’ida • "[An] illuminating and richly detailed memoir." —The New York Times Book Review

"Deeply insightful...A sweeping and breathtaking journey that gives the reader unprecedented access to the courage, sacrifice, and bravado of our nation’s finest warriors, in their finest hours." —Admiral William H. McRaven, author of Wisdom of the Bullfrog and #1 New York Times bestseller, Make Your Bed

In 1984, Michael Vickers took charge of the CIA’s secret war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. After inheriting a strategy aimed at imposing costs on the Soviets for their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, Vickers transformed the covert campaign into an all-out effort to help the Afghan resistance win their war. More than any other American, he was responsible for the outcome in Afghanistan that led to the end of the Cold War.

In By All Means Available, Vickers recounts his remarkable career, from his days as a Green Beret to his vision for victory in Afghanistan to his role in waging America’s war with al-Qa’ida at the highest levels of government. In captivating detail, he depicts his years in the Special Forces—including his training to parachute behind enemy lines with a backpack nuclear weapon in the event of a Soviet invasion of Western Europe—and reveals how those experiences directly influenced his approach to shaping policy. Vickers has played a significant role in most of the military and intelligence operations of the past four decades, and he offers a deeply informed analysis of the greatest challenges facing America today, and in the decades ahead.

Riveting and illuminating, this is a rare and important insider’s account of the modern military and intelligence worlds at every level.

©2023 Michael G. Vickers (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[An] illuminating and richly detailed memoir . . . In America’s very long confrontation with stirred-up Islamists, Vickers became the nation’s pre-eminent silent warrior." —Andrew J. Bacevich, The New York Times Book Review

“Gripping reading, but also much more than that . . . Over a period of decades, Vickers formulated and executed policy toward almost every hotspot in the world. But this outstanding memoir is not merely an account of one official’s doings during his service. It is also a searching treatise on low-intensity warfare, counterterrorism, and covert action, along with a postmortem of key chapters of national-security policy, with judgments of American policymakers along the way . . . [By All Means Available] is about some things that, amid the deepening degradation of our political culture, have been lost: sacrifice, integrity, leadership, and patriotism.” –Gabriel Schoenfeld, Bulwark

"He was the CIA whiz kid in Charlie Wilson's War. His new book offers advice for the U.S. in Ukraine [and] reviews what the U.S. can learn from its past missteps and missed warnings in Afghanistan." —Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press

Incredibly insightful

Extremely interesting and a cool perspective on the world. This is a part of politics I find interesting and controversial. Overall well written and insightful. Some weird audio for blurbs but overall great

A completely unique perspective of military and intelligence history

It is a rare thing to hear an informed and complete picture of the US's most critical conflicts since the cold war to present day.

it is even more rare to know that this individual giving you the picture rose from the special force's ranks to an officer and then to CIA and then to senior leadership of US defense.

This book is that complete picture from that rare individual.

This kind of book can only produced by one extremely lucky, intelligent, and massively ambitious individual.

Furthermore, this book can only be produced once in a lifetime...and it is even more rare that we get to see those more than 40 years of service distilled into one well written book.

If you want to see where the US has been , how it perservered in each major conflict for the past fifty years...and what conflicts we are going into for the next thirty years...this is it. You cannot pass this book up.

Thank you for this amazing book Mr.Vickers!

Must read for all Americans

This book is amazing and written by a patriot who understands the threats this nations is facing. Best book I have read in years! Thank you sir for your service and thank you for such an amazing book of history and prophecy.

The Secret National Hero

This was an amazing recounting of some the clandestine undertakings of the last 43 years. Mr. Vickers is a true national hero, and a visionary in the defense and intelligence space, and his thoughts are absolutely worth deep consideration. As a reader, I find myself deeply inspired to contribute to our nations success. Well done Mr. Vickers.

Excellent Read

This guy managed to be involved in pretty much every disaster and triumph of the past 50 years. He offers very good insights and opinions, not all that are agréable.
He comments on leaders current and past.
There is a certain amount of well earned braggadocio. Enjoy

Outstanding

A superb and captivating read. I have recommended this as required reading to friends and family.

Soldier Spy Statesman!!

Incredible story of Mike Vickers, those that serve, and the success and lessons learned from a lifetime of service!

Great listen, interesting information

Great listen, interesting information if it is true. Not only is the book entertaining and maybe educational Michael's also a really good narrator. I can see how he was successful at delivering briefings. I was really into listening to this book and appreciate Michael's service to our country. Unfortunately, along about chapter 22-23 Michael started bashing Trump (yes, Trump like most people has his faults). I noticed that Michael didn't make big deals about any of the other president's inappropriate remarks or bad decisions. The use of Trump's comedic play on Russian spying on the US when he asked Russia to help expose Hillary's missing 30k emails in an open rally as justification that Trump asked for and received Russia's support was a bit sophomoric. Couple that with his supporting the letter declaring that Hunter Biden's laptop was Russian disinformation and worse yet, several if not all those he admires in the intelligence community were signatories too is not exactly a credibility enhancer. Don't get me wrong, I believe those individuals have contributed to the security of the country during their careers, unfortunately like most political appointees, many become political supporters. Just look at the mess the FBI is in. What is somewhat worrisome in this case is that these individuals with storied careers are either clueless in certain circumstances or are so politically blinded by their dislike of one individual (Trump) that they'd risk their reputations on a flawed document.

Anyway, except for that, it is a good book. I wish I knew for certain if it was fact or fiction.

In all careers we should remember that both democrats and republicans are consumers. If you pick one side, you lose the other.

Amazing career - ended with Clapper/Brennan disgrace

A long and detailed book regarding mike’s impressive career. Sadly, he is in direct conflict with the people on the ground in Benghazi. There was no protest- only pre strike reconnaissance. He provided cover for Hillary who lied to the American people.
Also, he was a signatory to the infamous Russian disinformation letter that provided cover for Biden just before the debate with Trump.
Too bad he ended his career associating himself with criminal liars Brennan and Clapper. It seems like he is proud of it.
Time to drain the swamp.

A must read on Special Forces/Special Operations, CIA & Intelligence

This is the best book I have ever read on Special Forces/Special Operation & Intelligence. The span of 40 years of service is detailed & enlightening. Truly impressive what one of many had accomplished. All Americans should read & be grateful that we have these type people protecting us. I served in Special Forces & Special Operations but learn many things I did not know.
Highly recommended.