When the Tempest Gathers

From Mogadishu to the Fight Against ISIS, a Marine Special Operations Commander at War

By: Andrew Milburn

Narrated by: Andrew Milburn

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

These are the combat experiences of the first Marine to command a special operations task force, recounted against a backdrop of his journey from raw Second Lieutenant to seasoned Colonel and Task Force Commander; from leading Marines through the streets of Mogadishu, Baghdad, Fallujah and Mosul to directing multi-national special operations forces in a dauntingly complex fight against a formidable foe.
 

The journey culminates in the story’s centerpiece: the fight against ISIS, in which the author is able to use the lessons of his harsh apprenticeship to lead the SOF task force under his command to hasten the Caliphate’s eventual demise.
 

Milburn has an unusual background for a US Marine, and this is no ordinary war memoir. Very few personal accounts of war cover such a wide breadth of experience, or with so discerning a perspective. As Bing West comments: “His exceptional skill is telling each story of battle and then knitting them into a coherent whole. By the end of the book, the reader understands what happened on the ground in the wars against terrorists over the past twenty years.”
 

Milburn tells his extraordinary story with self-effacing candor, describing openly his personal struggles with the isolation of command, post-combat trauma and family tragedy. And with the skill and insight of a natural story teller, he makes the reader experience what it’s like to lead those who fight America’s wars. 
 

©2020 Andrew Milburn (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

One of the very best books I’ve read in any genre.

An incredible story, incredibly well written. Col. Milburn takes the reader on a life and death adventure, replete with plenty of laughs to balance the weightier moments, and brings the reader back home with his humanity intact and enriched by the experience. It’s entertainment for the thrill-seeker, a first-hand account for the history buff, and a salve to the soul for anyone who’s worn the uniform.

I had the pleasure of serving in Col. Milburn’s command during the tour to Karma, Iraq.

- Clint Eubanks (B Co, 3rd Platoon, 1/3)

Worth your time and money

Good book by an interesting person with a story to tell.

The author put effort into narrating the book.

Well done, Sir!

Outstanding memoir of a true American Patriot

Awesome memoir of a true Patriot. The sacrifices a Marine faces during war is evident in this book. I am honored to have served with Col. Milburn in WNPS Co 2/9, Anti Armor platoon in Mogadishu when he was a LT. Thank you and great to hear that voice again. Your dedication to our Corps, country and your family is more than noteworthy. Semper Fi.

We need more officers like Col. Milburn

Excellently written, this account is a fine example of the challenges facing a battlefield commander in 21st century combat. With the increasing complexity of modern warfare, the necessity for our combat leaders to possess the abilities for critical thought, the pragmatism to recognize poor strategy from those not involved in the mission, and the courage to “make the call” is exemplified throughout this memoir. Thank you for your service Colonel, and congratulations on one hell of a career. Enjoy retirement!

fabulously written work told in masterful fashion

It's not often I enjoy audio books performed by the author but Milburn has three magnificent talents: as a savvy warfighter, as a master storyteller with a clear, pleasant voice that demands rapt attention, and as a mesmerizing writer. I can't remember the last time I read the work of someone so adept at such refreshingly erudite use of the English language without sounding trite or stuffy. He humbly conveys in matter-of-fact fashion his deeds and the successes and failures of those he encountered with equal aplomb, keeping the reader firmly engrossed while sharing his victories along with his shattering personal setbacks. Well done, sir!

Wonderfully told

I’ve experienced many similar encounters during my 35 years of service. I applaud his courage to tell his story. Well told, engaging, and entertaining.

Amazing story

Got hooked on this amazing book the war stories are gripping finnished it in a few days

Must-Read

If you like war books, and you do because you're here, you'll enjoy this one very much.

Eye opening and different

Interesting
Thrilling
Introspective
Very Marine
Very Human
Very Unique

Great job Sir!

Semper Fi
Semper Gumby

Moving, candid and must read military novel for this generation.

A powerful book that is an honest read of the toll it puts on our servicemen and their families placed in years for conflict. Andy does an amazing job giving the reader a look behind the curtain for better or worse. It illustrates the tough decisions of leadership and the demons they continue to carry to the grave. Highly recommended!

there is a reason it's free.

Poorly written story that just becomes boring background noise nor helped by the poor narration.

Articulate insight into the last 3 decades of war

Very well written and delivered personal account of modern warfare. Highly recommended to both military and non-military readers alike with some good anecdotes on leadership and personnel management.