High Command and War in the 21st Century by General Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret) - A Combatant Commander’s Insights on Managing Modern Conflict and Crisis
Dave, this is a spot-on review. I felt the exact same way as you, both through the read and after. I worked at CENTCOM under commands from Zinni through Abizaid, and experienced many of the events he writes about. The book gave me a better appreciation of the pressure on the COCOM’s to square the circle around under-resourced strategies and aspirational policies.
Thank you, Sir, for the feedback. I imagine offering that position-changing insight was part of General McKenzie's intent. His discussion on uniformed military resignations, in particular, really stood out to me—it challenged some of my assumptions and gave me a lot to think about. On a side note, General Zinni was my reviewing officer when I was the S-2 at 15th MEU, though my interaction with him at the time was almost zero. I can only imagine how much your firsthand experience at CENTCOM deepened your connection to the events and challenges described in The Melting Point.
I experienced Zinni for about a “cup of coffee” as well. My better story is having Peter Pace as my BnCo at 2/1 in 1985, long enough for him to welcome me aboard and walk up the hill for his change of command. We have met many times since, and I will be meeting him for cocktails in the near future. Nonetheless, my opinion of McKenzie has improved significantly. Personally, I would have resigned, but I never achieved his rank, and will reserve judgement as a non-peer.
Dave, this is a spot-on review. I felt the exact same way as you, both through the read and after. I worked at CENTCOM under commands from Zinni through Abizaid, and experienced many of the events he writes about. The book gave me a better appreciation of the pressure on the COCOM’s to square the circle around under-resourced strategies and aspirational policies.
Thank you, Sir, for the feedback. I imagine offering that position-changing insight was part of General McKenzie's intent. His discussion on uniformed military resignations, in particular, really stood out to me—it challenged some of my assumptions and gave me a lot to think about. On a side note, General Zinni was my reviewing officer when I was the S-2 at 15th MEU, though my interaction with him at the time was almost zero. I can only imagine how much your firsthand experience at CENTCOM deepened your connection to the events and challenges described in The Melting Point.
I experienced Zinni for about a “cup of coffee” as well. My better story is having Peter Pace as my BnCo at 2/1 in 1985, long enough for him to welcome me aboard and walk up the hill for his change of command. We have met many times since, and I will be meeting him for cocktails in the near future. Nonetheless, my opinion of McKenzie has improved significantly. Personally, I would have resigned, but I never achieved his rank, and will reserve judgement as a non-peer.
I knew General Pace better as well from my time at MARFOREUR. Although, his CONUS responsibilities were greater and we only saw him periodically.
Maybe not resign, just be so loud you get sacked.
Just to touch base, I truly enjoy your insightful reviews.
Thank you! Don’t hesitate to let us know what we can improve on… S/F, Dave