"To those outside the military, and even to those serving, the rank
structure can sometimes be over simplified. It appears that we rack
and stack everyone in the organization, and the person with the
most rank "wins"-he or she is in charge, and everyone else has to
follow orders that flow from the top. While there is certainly
benefit in adhering to a chain of command, the interaction between
the various ranks up and down that chain, officer and enlisted,
becomes the connective tissue that creates a cohesive, successful
organization inside of which good decisions and high morale thrive.
The most senior member of a unit has the responsibility-and the
honor-of leading. But to be successful, the planning and
decision-making at the top must reflect a thorough understanding of
the strengths at every level of the organization, for it is the
enlisted leaders who will ultimately execute those plans in battle,
and win."-Foreword by General Peter Pace, U.S. Marine Corps, 16th
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This book brings together
the stories of six former senior enlisted advisors to the Joint
Chiefs of Staff. Each tells in their own words how they got their
start, how mentors encouraged them along the way, and how they
eventually became the highest-ranking enlisted member in their
respective service. "With invaluable lessons this is a book for
junior service members, senior enlisted leaders, officers, but also
for those with no connection to the military."Books on leadership
are many, but none are as practical, clear, and proven as Breaching
the Summit. Sure to be of value to every level of military leader,
it is equally relevant and valuable to leaders in government, in
businesses of every size, and in every boardroom. The uniquely
experienced, gifted, and tested authors have led, inspired, and
mentored thousands in their extraordinary careers of service to our
nation. They lived, observed, and led from the most junior ranks to
the pinnacle of military service - they walked the talk. This book
should be at the very top of every leader's list, to be read and
reread." - Adm. Gary Roughead, U.S. Navy (retired) Chief of Naval
Operations (2007-2011) "Six outstanding American military leaders
served our nation admirably and now share their life experiences
and the leadership lessons they learned. This book is a must-read
for all service members - both enlisted and officer - aspiring to
be successful leaders in uniform and beyond. Thank you to each of
the authors for selflessly sharing their experiences and insights
on leadership and life." - Gen. Frank J. Grass, U.S. Army
(retired), 27th Chief of the National Guard Bureau (2012-2016)
"These extraordinary enlisted leaders have 'walked the talk,' and
we should listen. Senior noncommissioned officers are the backbone
of the finest armed forces in the world. This book shows why." -
Adm. Thad W. Allen, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), 23rd Commandant of
the U.S. Coast Guard (2006-2010) "A collection of personal
vignettes that teach practical leadership lessons, Breaching the
Summit is a must-read for leaders at all levels. The authors have
served as their services' highest-ranking noncommissioned officers
and are the epitome of the U.S. military's professional,
all-volunteer force." - Gen. Ed Eberhart, U.S. Air Force (retired),
Commander, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2002-2005), CEO, Armed Forces Benefit
Association "The stories in this book are riveting, powerful, and,
best of all, true. The leaders who share their stories shaped our
armed forces to be the greatest in the history of our nation. I had
the privilege of working very closely with Jim and Paula Roy for
over two years. They represent the very finest examples of great
parents, humble and inspirational leaders, and compassionate
partners, and they showed us all how to have fun while performing
at the very highest levels of command." - Adm. Timothy J. Keating,
U.S. Navy (retired), Commander, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2004-2007),
USPACOM (2007-2009) "This book is a catalyst to renew the reader's
commitment to reach and exceed their potential-personally and
professionally-while also taking joy in fulfilling their respective
duties and responsibilities." - Col. Paul H. Atterbury, U.S. Marine
Corps (retired), Judge Advocate (1994-2014) "I found this book
inspiring, interesting, and instructive. Six remarkably
accomplished authors share their powerful personal narratives, and
their diverse and compelling stories lift up essential leadership
lessons for us all, whether military or civilian. If you are
anywhere along the continuum of leadership-from leading yourself to
leading organizations-and want to become a better leader, read this
book!" - Vice Adm. Manson K. Brown, U.S. Coast Guard (retired),
Assistant Secretary of Commerce (2010-2014) "Of all the books I've
read on military leadership, this is one of the absolute best. It's
a great opportunity to learn from some of our nation's top enlisted
leaders-a must-read for all service members." - Chief Master Sgt.
W. Allen Usry, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command Senior Enlisted
Leader, NORAD/USNORTHCOM (2009-2011) "Breaching the Summit is a
motivating and inspiring read. The life lessons and stories shared
will serve readers from any walk of life. The wisdom of these
senior enlisted leaders in our U.S. military, tempered with their
great sense of humility, reaffirms what makes our nation great. The
advice these remarkable patriots have given has personally and
professionally benefited me." - Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody,
U.S. Air Force (retired), 17th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air
Force (2013-2017) "Breaching the Summit is a must-read for those in
leadership, those striving to become leaders, or those who want to
become a better version of themselves. You will learn traits you
want to possess, traits you already have and have forgotten, and
traits that will guide you through your own leadership. You will
connect and reminisce through the stories that helped mold these
average individuals to become six of our top enlisted military
leaders. Learn from their lessons of leadership as you become
familiar with who they were before they became who they are now." -
Pam Swan, Director, Military Relations for Veterans United Home
Loans "Brilliantly illustrating the concept 'grow where you're
planted,' Breaching the Summit highlights six disparate
individuals' adaptation of the basic tenets of leadership on their
journey to the top of their respective services. Whether you are
just beginning your own journey, or merely searching for additional
inspiration to refine your own leadership style, the principles
stressed in these pages provide a solid foundation for success." -
Force Master Chief Johnny Walker, U.S. Navy (retired), Naval
Education and Training Command (2007-2009), MCPON Executive
Assistant (2009-2011) "Written by proven senior enlisted leaders,
Breaching the Summit is a compendium of personal and professional
experiences that distills success for all who choose the life of
servant leadership in our military." - Command Sgt. Maj. Mark
Ripka, U.S. Army (retired), Command Senior Enlisted Leader,
USJFCOM/USAFRICOM (2007-2011) "Breaching the Summit is an
insightful, informative walk through the phases of an enlisted
career from some of the most successful leaders in modern history.
This is a must-read primer for anyone on a journey through the
ranks of our glorious military. Read this book. Learn from the
real-life lessons that molded some of our greatest enlisted
leaders." - Chief Master Sgt. John M. Harris, U.S. Air National
Guard (retired), Command Chief Master Sergeant, Louisiana ANG
(2006-2010), President, EANGUS "I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
This is not just for the 'seasoned' leader - anyone can relate to
these lessons, no matter their level of leadership. I felt as
though I were sitting in a Leadership 101 symposium!" - Fleet
Master Chief April Beldo, U.S. Navy (retired) Manpower, Personnel,
Training, and Education Command (2013-2017) "As I'm passing 10
years since I left my own naval service behind, I am amazed at how
the leadership truths in this book apply to any industry, not just
the military. Making sure everyone knows their individual role in
the unit's success, take the time to get the little things right,
coach each other up, down, and all around, and all the other
lessons. MCPON West said it best: don't just take care of your
crew, challenge them to grow and be ready to take the reins. This
book is not just for practitioners of the art of war-it is for
anyone who wants to lead their organization to excellence!" - Capt.
Bob Schuetz, U.S. Navy (retired), Deputy Commander and Chief of
Staff, COMSUBPAC (2006-2008), Plant GM, Columbia Generating Station
"CMSAF Roy's anecdote of re-digging the water line in Michigan at
age 10 was a foretaste of his sense of duty and doing the right
things right throughout his AF career. His is a life well lived
that resulted in Airmen being well led-including this one." - Lt.
Gen. Loren M. Reno, U.S. Air Force (retired), Deputy Chief of
Staff, USAF Logistics, Installations and Mission Support
(2009-2012) "MCPOCG Skip Bowen has a truly remarkable legacy of
principled leadership built over an incredible career in the Coast
Guard. His story, and the stories of the other leaders who reached
the top positions in our military, are inspiring examples of
linking personal and organizational success from the entry level to
the summit. This book is a great read!" - Vice Adm. David P.
Pekoske, U.S. Coast Guard (retired), Vice Commandant, USCG
(2009-2010), Administrator, TSA "What an amazing opportunity to
read about these great leaders! MCPON Rick West's story shines
light onto his sacrifice and compassion for the U.S. Sailor.
Mentor, motivator, and total compassion describe MCPON West. His
understanding of tactical and strategic level of knowledge provided
excellence across the fleet. Most importantly, he is a chief's
chief who connected and continues to connect with the CPO Mess at
large." - Fleet Master Chief Susan Whitman, U.S. Navy (retired),
U.S. Pacific Fleet (2015-2018) "This book offers exceptional
insight into what has shaped some of the finest senior enlisted
leaders in modern history. Through easy-to-follow stories,
Breaching the Summit showcases the impact small life events have in
developing leaders. This team of authors has captured
service-specific leadership challenges that have significance in
today's joint warfighting environment, and I would consider
Breaching the Summit a must-read for officers and senior enlisted
looking to lead the military into the future." - Fleet Master Chief
Mark Rudes, U.S. Navy (retired), Senior Enlisted Leader, PACOM
(2012-2016) "Breaching the Summit is a colorful and compelling look
at the formative years, experiences, and philosophies behind our
nation's preeminent senior enlisted leaders. America's faith in and
empowerment of its enlisted corps has long been recognized as our
true strategic advantage when it comes to military success at sea,
in the air, and on land. Preston, Barrett, West, Roy,
Jelinski-Hall, and Bowen show how humble beginnings and solid,
consistent principles fueled their journeys and struck a chord with
a generation of troops inclined to question the motives and methods
of leadership. A must-read for anyone seeking insight on how to get
the most out of people, or for anyone who doubts the tenacity of
our young men and women wearing the uniform today." - Command
Master Chief Scott Fleming, U.S. Navy (retired), Joint Task Force
Guantanamo, MCPON Executive Assistant (2011-2013) "From their
humble beginnings to the pinnacle of their careers as the most
senior noncommissioned officers of the U.S. Armed Forces, nowhere
else will you find a compilation of lessons learned like those
included here. These six senior enlisted leaders provide insights
from which service members of all ages and ranks can learn, and
that can serve as guides to a successful military career. I am
proud to have served alongside these fine NCOs." - Command Sgt.
Maj. Richard J. Burch, U.S. Army (retired), 9th Command Sergeant
Major of the Army National Guard (2010-2012) "With stories from the
lives and experiences of six of our top enlisted military leaders,
Breaching the Summit offers the gift of leadership honing. This
book is not only a must-read for current and future military
leaders, but for those in the civilian sector as well. These
warriors allow you to experience their personal stories of highs
and lows on their way to the top enlisted leadership billet of each
military branch. Though different in the challenges they faced,
they are the same in telling the reason for their successes. Patton
once said: 'Your character is defined by how high you bounce when
you hit bottom.' Each chapter illustrates how they took challenges
head on and bounced to the pinnacle position of their respective
professions. They suffered the pain of discipline to not suffer the
pain of regret. I have added this to my professional library of
leadership and urge all leaders - present and future - to do the
same." - 1st Sgt. Mark Gordon, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), Subject
matter expert for combat profiling, Camp Lejeune "Whenever a new
initiative was considered, I knew no one had their finger on the
pulse of the fleet like the MCPON and the SGTMAJ of the USMC. The
troops see in these senior enlisted leaders a role model, parental
figure, and most importantly, their potential best selves. Their
hard-earned insights have value for any aspiring leader in any walk
of life. HOOYAH!" - Juan Garcia, 17th Assistant Secretary of the
Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (2009-2016) "Breaching the
Summit is an amazing blend of leadership lessons from six very
successful military leaders who started in humble beginnings and
advanced to the highest levels of the enlisted corps. Their ability
to weave personal and professional insights on their journey to
mastering their tradecraft and leadership skills provides a
blueprint of success for others. The evolutionary journey of
learning leadership, practicing leadership, and then executing
leadership is highlighted through their experiences. For those just
starting their leadership journey and those who are seasoned
leaders, there is much to be learned in this book." - Chief Master
Sgt. Steve McDonald, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command Chief, Air
Combat Command (2014-2017) "It has been my pleasure to be
associated with CMSAF James Roy for the last 25 years, beginning on
the island of Guam, where he led the CE 'dirt boyz' in support of
that critical infrastructure mission. Chief Roy possessed a keen
insight into personal leadership then, which served our squadron
well through five typhoon encounters and continued to serve him
well throughout his successful military career, culminating as the
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. I'm proud to have played a
small part in such a superb leader's life." - Col. D. H. "Scott"
Showers, U.S. Air Force (retired), Commander, 36th Civil Engineer
Squadron, Andersen AFB, Guam (1994-1996) "Breaching the Summit
gives a rare glimpse into the lives of leaders who served in the
highest enlisted positions in the U.S. military. A must-read for
any leader who'd like to make a difference in their
organization-there's more common ground than you might think!
Problem solvers, influencers, getting pushed out of their comfort
zones, and passing it along were a few chunks that jumped out at
me. Bravo on this collaboration of some AWESOME human beings!" -
Chief Master Sgt. Marty Klukas, U.S. Air Force (retired), Command
Senior Enlisted Leader, USTRANSCOM (2011-2014) "MCPON Rick West's
leadership style is more than a pillar from which many grew their
naval careers-his motivation to challenge yourself is the
foundation by which I continue to live and approach complex
situations. His ability to build a cohesive, winning team is second
to none. HOOYAH COB!" - Machinist's Mate 1st Class Rich Hawkins,
U.S. Navy (retired), Captain, Delta Air Lines "The U.S. military
has long been a preeminent organization for producing leaders of
exceptional capability and character. The authors of this book are
among the best the military has to offer. It comes as no surprise
that their thoughts would be insightful and well worth the
attention of both aspiring and experienced leaders from all
backgrounds and areas of interest." - Mike Watt, CEO, Scientific
Research Corporation
General
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