American Soldier By Tommy Franks

I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it. I had recently read Donald Rumsfelds, Dick Cheneys and George W Bushes biographies and this one fitted right in in terms of the material covered etc. What came across was that despite dropping out of college, when General Franks joined the army they ran the usual IQ tests and he scored so high they immediately put him into code breaking. Then a common theme in the book is his evolution as an adopted and much loved child with a step dad who loved to tinker with engines etc and who passed this on to a simple country boy whose native intelligence fed through to being the man who was behind all of our latest weapon systems. For example the ability to look at all forces deployed in combat on giant screens instead of maps and then drill down to unit level with GPS etc. Tommy Franks transformed the way we fight forcing and dragging us into 21st century warfare when he was tasked to devise new methods and brought all of the armed services under one umbrella so that we really do now fight in a coherent joined up fashion as fully integrated warfare. The book also shows in a subtle way his intellectual evolution as his tasks become more complex and his perspective broadens. This is shown clearly but without stating it overtly. A fascinating account of a truly great warriors personal intellectual odyssey.

I am not usually interested in autobiographies, however I began to hear good things about this one to the point where I dedcided that for the purpose of my education, if nothing else, I should read it. I am delighted that I did and very rewarded. General Tommy Franks certainly did not start out in life to be the man he has become. Being a soldier was not even on his radar screen until his interest in fast cars, the opposite sex and alcohol superceded his interest in studying at the University of Texas and was advised by the authorities that he would not be readmitted after being on academic probation for a year. He could reapply in six months. As Franks himself puts it, “I was too spoiled, unfocused and immature to get much out of college. I had a lot of growing up to do.” Enlisting in the Army, he started the process of growing up and finding himself. His story of going from an enlisted man to Officer Candidate School and rising through the ranks is both interesting and inspiring. His story gets most interesting as he recounts his adventures as Commander of Central Command (CENCOM) and the waging of the War on Terrorisim in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is told from the point of view of a man who does not suffer fools well and who has seen the problems that can occur when politicians and generals try to micromanage a war. He fought in a war like that also – Viet Nam. Lessons were learned and remembered. Franks gives the reader insights into many of the names in the headlines and also how the media misreports what is happening on the battlefield and in the area of the war. He holds strong opinions and he is willing to share them. This is not your usual autobiography. It speaks to the reader, it educates, it inspires and it puts matters into focus. Focus is something we all need in these times. In reponse to the question he is frequently asked, i.e. is the price America is paying in blood in the war on terrorisim worth it, he has an answer that we should all listen to. “Of course.” he says. “I defer to no man in my love of troopers. I consider myself a soldier. But it has often been necessary in our nation’s history to fight for our freedoms, and it’s never been more necessary than today. It seems to me that fighting terrorisim has more to do with our kids and grandkids than with us.”

Interviewers sometimes ask the question, “If you could have a meal with anyone in the world, who would you pick?” General Franks would be on my short list. This is an important book, written by a serious and principled man. It is worth your time to read it.

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If you read one book this year…make it this one. I read a book every 2-3 days (between 120 and 150 books per year) and by far this has been the most heartwarming, educational and insightful book I have read in a very long time. General Franks has offered his insightful account of History at one of the major “creases” in American History. He has offered a historical perspective from one of the most important positions in America today…. A Commanding General with the job of defending America from brutal fanatics bent on our destruction. As a recently retired Air Force Officer and Fighter Pilot who participated in two conflicts for this country, I began reading this book with the feeling of “been there, done that”. This book, however, goes well beyond just a detailed account of military actions or a simple autobiography. It is a detailed account of one Honorable soldiers view of America, our military and its leadership. In that respect, I have not read anymore touching accounts of sacrifice and honor as what are described within these pages. You will not read “self-serving” accounts of heroism by a hero who RIGHTFULLY won the Purple Heart, but rather human accounts about sacrifice and accountability. Written by a true American Hero. One who stood by our country, its principles, and its leaders.

There are a few direct and honest criticisms of individuals by name, as well as “implied” references to individuals who did not best serve this country. However, if you are looking for a Bush or Clinton bashing book, you will not find it here. General Franks stands tall above petty blame games and instead focuses on successes and failures, why those failures may have occurred, and HIS solutions to some of those failures. You will find, contrary to the elite medias fabrications, that there are far fewer failures and many more successes than America is led to believe. You will NOT read a more accurate or detailed account of our actions in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the planning and the people behind the scenes, than can be gleaned from this book. I salute General Franks for his honorable service and commitment to our soldiers. The most memorable component of this book however, is not the story, but rather the storyteller. General Franks personifies what every American aspires to be in terms of Integrity, Honor, Duty, Sacrifice, and Commitment. A Great American Story, one that has earned a cherished place on my bookshelf.

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