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Call Sign Chaos cover art

Call Sign Chaos

By: Jim Mattis, Bing West
Narrated by: Danny Campbell
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Summary

Number one New York Times best seller

A clear-eyed account of learning how to lead in a chaotic world, by General Jim Mattis - the former Secretary of Defense and one of the most formidable strategic thinkers of our time - and Bing West, a former assistant secretary of defense and combat Marine.

“A four-star general’s five-star memoir.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Call Sign Chaos is the account of Jim Mattis’ storied career, from wide-ranging leadership roles in three wars to ultimately commanding a quarter of a million troops across the Middle East. Along the way, Mattis recounts his foundational experiences as a leader, extracting the lessons he has learned about the nature of warfighting and peacemaking, the importance of allies, and the strategic dilemmas - and short-sighted thinking - now facing our nation. He makes it clear why America must return to a strategic footing so as not to continue winning battles but fighting inconclusive wars. 

Mattis divides his audiobook into three parts: Direct Leadership, Executive Leadership, and Strategic Leadership. In the first part, Mattis recalls his early experiences leading Marines into battle, when he knew his troops as well as his own brothers. In the second part, he explores what it means to command thousands of troops, and how to adapt your leadership style to ensure your intent is understood by your most junior troops so that they can own their mission. In the third part, Mattis describes the challenges and techniques of leadership at the strategic level, where military leaders reconcile war’s grim realities with political leaders’ human aspirations, where complexity reigns and the consequences of imprudence are severe, even catastrophic.

Call Sign Chaos is a memoir of a life of war-fighting and lifelong learning, following along as Mattis rises from Marine recruit to four-star general. It is a journey about learning to lead and a story about how he, through constant study and action, developed a unique leadership philosophy, one relevant to us all.

©2019 Jim Mattis and Bing West (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Combining simplicity and thoughtfulness, Jim Mattis has produced a classic account of a lifetime of service. Call Sign Chaos is a lesson in leadership and an evocation of humanity in the cause of peace.” (Henry Kissinger)

“In this magnificent memoir, Jim Mattis details many important events in his career, but he also does much more: He explains how he is informed by his experiences in a way that teaches you how to learn from your own. Read, enjoy, and learn.” (George Shultz)

What listeners say about Call Sign Chaos

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Superb

Amazing book and wish I read this 20 years ago as it’s full of great advice

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  • 12-12-22

Couldn’t put it down

Wow! Enthralling from start to finish, what a leader, what a warrior and hero! Highly recommended.

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  • 01-01-22

Gen Mattis' review of how great Gen Mattis is.

There are several nuggets of wisdom and useful anecdotes but the main bulk of the book is rambling, egotistical fluff about how amazing the USMC and Gen Mattis is. He mentions that he has made mistakes then never gives details except the single quarry incident in 1991. I had respect for the man before listening to this book but that has now evaporated.

I have no idea why this is recommended reading for several courses. It probably goes down well with Americans however who will react favourably to the constant oo-rah moments and his insistence on the traditional altruism of the USA and US military.

I wish I had not wasted my time by listening to this book.

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  • 30-10-20

excellent

superb. possibly the best book on leadership and strategic thinking ive come across. great storytelling style to it.

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Good book but nothing on trump

I really like James mattis but book is okay nothing on his opinion on donald trump yet instead his leadership.

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the best book

excellent book! i enjoy it very much! i loves it! i learned a lot! i recommend iz to every leader!

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must read for anyone interested in leadership

incredibly insightful and well delivered book. while it's holds back from mattis' personal opinions nonetheless incredibly reflective and thought provoking

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If you're going to take Vienna, TAKE FCKING VIENNA

This audiobook is well-written and well-performed! Enjoyed every chapter!

A fascinating insight into the world of Mattis and the struggles he endured throughout his military career: I particularly enjoyed Mattis' story of the role he played in USMC occupied Falluja, this was written and performed in such a way that you can share in his frustrations but have a clear understanding as to why the situation unfolded the way it did.

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Full of integrity and values, with good anecdotes.

The General explains with clarity and humility his experiences. He is good at creating strategic vision and solutions. His use of referencing other texts and leaders is very informative and insightful. He seems very human and a boss that I would want.
The only criticism is that on 3 occasions he used examples of him applying his mantra - however they were ironically, country to his other principles and values.
Overall, well scripted and an enjoyable journey.

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Lessons of Leadership from a Hardened Scholar

I cannot recommend this enough. Mattis provides excellent lessons in leadership and decentralised command which hopeful and serving members of the military will certainly value and benefit from, as well as civilians too. A fascinating insight into the two Gulf Wars too, as well as revealing details of more recent administrations' stances on foreign policy in the region.


Incidentally, the narrator sounds very much like Damien Lewis when in an American role (BoB, Billions etc).

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