The Melting Point

High Command and War in the 21st Century

General Frank McKenzie oversaw some of the most important—and controversial operations in modern US military history. The Melting Point has three themes. The first one is the importance of the primacy of civilian control of the military. It has become widely perceived that this control has been eroded over the years. General McKenzie doesn't believe that to be the case, arguing that the civ-mil relationship isn't perfect, but it doesn't have to be. It is, however, more durable than many believe, and is supported and embraced by the military. The second theme is the uniqueness of being a combatant commander. Combatant commanders participate in the development of policy, as junior partners. They are also responsible for the execution of policy-very different than the role of a service chief, or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. None of these officers are in the chain of command, and they have no ultimate, mortal responsibility or authority for execution. Only the combatant commander stands astride the boundary of decision-making and execution. Finally, the third theme that McKenzie argues is that leaders matter, and the decisions they make have a profound effect on what happens on the battlefield. McKenzie provides an honest assessment of his time in command-describing decisions that were sound, as well as some outcomes he wishes were different.

©2024 Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr. (P)2024 Tantor

Very Enlightening

I learned so much about General McKenzie's background and especially about the history of the war in Afghanistan. Every Citadel graduate, and others who have based their thoughts on what they recall from the news or based on one sentence from others, should take the time to read his account of what occurred.

Very Insightful

Great listen and a unique perspective of events in the Middle East and the US military role in it. Only disappointment is not hearing the Alabama accent while listening.

CENTCOM UNVARNISHED DEBRIEF.

Transparent assessment of his actions as a commander This was not a memoir or a highlight reel, but a way for others to learn about the crucible of command at the highest levels in the United States.

unvarnished perspective, gems of wisdom for students of modern warfare

Thank you General, for this great account of your experiences. It's a great credit to you and our Corps. A must read for every field grade with higher aspirations. Having served as ADM Paparo's XO, I especially enjoyed those passages. And in light of current events, your predictions have been spot on. S/F