40 years ago, a young man embarked on a journey, which has led him to this book. Within it, there is a collection of experiences that give examples of leadership at its most critical point. Rear Admiral Slavonic began his Navy career at the very bottom rank, a Seaman Recruit and by applying some of the same principles, you will read about in this book-he retired as a Rear Admiral after a 34-year career. In the pages of this book, you will find something that is critical to success in life-a philosophy of leadership that you can take for your own. By reading each chapter, giving thought to what you've read and applying what you've learned in action; a discerning reader will gain a thorough understanding of what real leaders are made of-and in the learning can become one too. This book provides the reader with a collection of highly successful real-world leaders detailing their own sound fundamental principles on how to lead, what to do as a leader and most importantly-how not to lose sight of the objective of the mission. Corporate America and leaders (or those who want to become more effective leaders) of businesses of all sizes and kinds can learn much from the experiences and guidance shared in this book. Those who contributed to this book would rightly be on a "Who's Who" list of our nation's most highly honored and decorated military leaders; two-, three- and four-star Generals, Admirals, Captains and Colonels, war heroes and two Medal of Honor recipients-they know what it takes to lead and to succeed. About Greg Slavonic: Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, U.S. Navy (Ret) most recently served as the U.S. Navy's Deputy to the Chief of Information in Washington, D.C., and Director of Public Affairs (Reserve) from June 2001 to 2005. In June 2004, Slavonic deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom II. Assigned to the Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) staff in Baghdad, Iraq, he served as the senior strategic communications and public affairs officer for Commanding General for MNF-I. He was the first U.S. Navy flag officer assigned to MNF-I and the highest-ranking public affairs officer in Iraq. In November 1990, Slavonic deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was assigned to the staff of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf at U.S. Central Command. He earned a BS degree from Oklahoma State University and a Master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. His military decorations include Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation, plus numerous other service and campaign medals. He has three children and two grandchildren and resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Molly.

When the tyrannical Saddam Hussein was captured in 2003, the war in Iraq was in a precarious position. A provisional government had been assembled, but the Iraqi government was not yet recognized as sovereign. They were now expected to put their most infamous citizen on trial for war crimes. Called into duty at this moment was Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, who was tasked with facilitating U.S. media presence at the arraignment which would establish the judicial framework for future tribunals. Admiral Slavonic was party to the historic US-Iraqi Transfer of Sovereignty and then as the senior military officer in the Iraqi courtroom where he was one of fifteen individuals to witness the historic event. As the senior military officer in the room with fifteen other observers, he managed a challenging pool of media jockeying for access for this once in a career story and plus served as advisor to the Iraqi judge on various media issues. Slavonic's first-hand narrative of a unique moment in military history features never-before-seen transcripts of Saddam Hussein's trial. For the first time, readers can read how Saddam responded to his charges, along with eleven of Hussein's closest advisors and cabinet members who were arraigned that day, and several charged with war "crimes against humanity". This would be the last time all twelve men would be together again who were responsible for the deaths of over several million fellow Iraqi citizens. This book expands our examination of difficult wars and chronicles the legal reckoning and downfall of a tyrant.

Leadership is a word heard in the news every day. It has received more emphasis in the past four years than ever before due to what some would say a failure of leadership by many in positions of authority within our government and corporate America. The need for leadership has perhaps never been more important than it is today. Leaders who come from a military career or have previously served in the military have a perspective on how to lead and how to be effective. In the military, when a person is given the responsibility to lead, he or she does exactly that - they lead. Those serving under them can trust and believe in what they say. Their word is their bond. Today we need such honesty... we need such faith and trust... more importantly we need our leaders to do the job required of them.

40 years ago, a young man embarked on a journey, which has led him to this book. Within it, there is a collection of experiences that give examples of leadership at its most critical point. Rear Admiral Slavonic began his Navy career at the very bottom rank, a Seaman Recruit and by applying some of the same principles, you will read about in this book-he retired as a Rear Admiral after a 34-year career. In the pages of this book, you will find something that is critical to success in life-a philosophy of leadership that you can take for your own. By reading each chapter, giving thought to what you've read and applying what you've learned in action; a discerning reader will gain a thorough understanding of what real leaders are made of-and in the learning can become one too. This book provides the reader with a collection of highly successful real-world leaders detailing their own sound fundamental principles on how to lead, what to do as a leader and most importantly-how not to lose sight of the objective of the mission. Corporate America and leaders (or those who want to become more effective leaders) of businesses of all sizes and kinds can learn much from the experiences and guidance shared in this book. Those who contributed to this book would rightly be on a "Who's Who" list of our nation's most highly honored and decorated military leaders; two-, three- and four-star Generals, Admirals, Captains and Colonels, war heroes and two Medal of Honor recipients-they know what it takes to lead and to succeed. About Greg Slavonic: Rear Admiral Greg Slavonic, U.S. Navy (Ret) most recently served as the U.S. Navy's Deputy to the Chief of Information in Washington, D.C., and Director of Public Affairs (Reserve) from June 2001 to 2005. In June 2004, Slavonic deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom II. Assigned to the Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) staff in Baghdad, Iraq, he served as the senior strategic communications and public affairs officer for Commanding General for MNF-I. He was the first U.S. Navy flag officer assigned to MNF-I and the highest-ranking public affairs officer in Iraq. In November 1990, Slavonic deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was assigned to the staff of General H. Norman Schwarzkopf at U.S. Central Command. He earned a BS degree from Oklahoma State University and a Master's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. His military decorations include Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal (two awards), Combat Action Ribbon and Presidential Unit Citation, plus numerous other service and campaign medals. He has three children and two grandchildren and resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Molly.