Marine Corps Generalship - Superb History of the Corps and Insight into Leadership, Role of Character, Standards of Preparation and Readiness, Winning Wars with the Expeditionary Force, Mundy, Lejeune

This is an exceptional history of the Marine Corps, as it tells the story of how many of the Commandants and other distinguished leaders met challenges in war, peace, and times of adversity. It also details the unusual role and responsibility that the Commandant has to our Nation and to the Corps of Marines.Marine Corps Generalship is, in many ways, a different kind of book on leadership. The lessons found in this book are not the views of the author but, rather, a compilation of thoughts taken from the oral histories and from interviews of many of the Marine generals who had the opportunity to put their stamp on the Corps since World War I. Not just an interpretation of an individual's thoughts, direct quotes form the basis of the entire book. The similarities and differences found in each of the generals' comments on specific leadership issues and challenges will not only make for informative reading, but also add arrows to anyone's leadership quiver--military or civilian. As a primer on leadership, this effort by Beau Puryear is a significant piece of work. (General Charles C. Krulak, USMC (Ret.)With exceptional literary skill, dogged determination, and patience, Beau Puryear has brought forth extraordinary insights about the leadership traits of our Marine Corps hierarchy. This is not the conventional "cookie cutter" approach to leadership, but rather a crisp and clear articulation of duties and responsibilities at the top. If you want to know what makes the Marine Corps tick, this is a must-read. (General Paul X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.)Marine Corps Generalship * Chapter 1 - "Only One Officer Runs the Marine Corps": The Role of the Commandant * Chapter 2 - "General, Will You Do Me the Honor . . .": Selection of the Commandant * Chapter 3 - "Destiny Hangs by a Slender Thread": Making the Decision to Join the Marine Corps * Chapter 4 - "Think of Yourself as the Institution": Decisionmaking * Chapter 5 - "You Have to Be Heard, and You Have to Be Felt": The Importance of Presence * Chapter 6 - "We Will Not Compromise on This": Having the Character to Challenge * Chapter 7 - "Don't Ignore the Yesterdays of War": The Importance of Reading * Chapter 8 - "As a Teacher Does a Scholar": Mentorship * Chapter 9 - "Time with People Is Never Wasted": Consideration * Chapter 10 - "Authority and Responsibility Are Inseparable": Accountability * Chapter 11 - "Miracles Must Be Wrought if Victories Are to Be Won": Character and Leadership * Chapter 12 - "The Marine Way of Life": The Pattern for Success