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.

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!

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)

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!

Great perspective by a good leader.

Enjoyed the perspective from a leader who moved into combat and into the supporting structure of the military from training to planning.

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.

Brought back memories...

Having served under Col Milburn several years ago, I was never aware of his rich background. Hearing his stories brought me back to some of my best times deployed forward to Iraq and even brought some closure and healing knowing we all share similar experiences from serving there. Not to mention, if you want an accurate and unfiltered view into a Marine’s mind, this is it. Highly recommend this book for those who want to reminisce and for family members of veterans who want to better understand their veteran’s experiences. You inspire me sir!

Awesome Story Brilliantly Narrated by The Author

An unlikely tale of how a British traveler ended up a United States Marine Corps private and then involved decades of historical events. From a raw recruit to senior officer.

Milburn's pre law background may not have prepared him to be a Marine private but it provided a great foundation for an author and a leader.

From the broiled chaotic streets of Mogadishu to Baghdad and beyond Milburn's rise from Private E-1 to senior leaderships illustrates the near unique meritocracy of the United States Marines. Woven into the story are many family challenges for both Milburn and his fellow Marines.

The narration is rich and adds to the pleasure of the work.

Highly recommended

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.