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 Easy to read biography of a modern general September 6, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
General Jackson's biography is an interesting read.
He starts by describing his early life and moves quickly on to his commissioning as an officer in the British army. I would have liked the book to spend a little longer on the early days of his career but the book is nevertheless interesting despite him not spending long on this period.
The chapters describing his time in Northern Ireland were particularly illuminating for me as that situation in which the army found itself involved was so unique that to hear how the army dealt with it was informative.
Later in the book General Jackson describes his time as a commander and ultimately as the commander in chief of the whole army and from these sections the reader is given an overview of the challenges of being in charge in a time when the role the army is being asked to undertake is very different from it's `conventional' role such as it performed in WWII for example.
The book gives a great insight into the skills required to be a commander today. His role in the Kosovo situation I felt was very stressful and it struck me that the continual rewording of the agreement under which the Serbs would withdraw from Kosovo was really more akin to the role of a lawyer than a soldier!
Overall a great book about a very interesting man and his career.
 Soldiers be proud - politicians ashamed April 6, 2008
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Thoroughly engageing book clearly written by a remarkable man. His thinly veiled contempt for his ludicrousy unqualified politician paymasters brings unexpected humourous smatterings to what is in equal parts shocking, inspiring and fascinating. Were this book to be fleshed out a little in terms of non-military historic events, a better first read for students of late 20th and early 21st century history you couldnt wish to find. The world should be run by people like sir mike - not the parasitic, disingenuous political leaders who lie and cheat their way into office.
Sir Mike has led real men and women in dangerous times in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, the Balkans and Iraq. I really found the no-nonsense chronoloical narrative intesresting and educational.
I wish him and his family all the best in whatever they are doing now.
Can't say the same for Blair or Bush.
RC
 Diasppointing January 13, 2008
4 out of 11 found this review helpful
As a career soldier of some 25 years and someone who respected the General when he was serving, I was really looking forward to reading this book.
However, what a disappointment. The book is so bland and boring it is untrue. I appreciate that he is tied by the official secrets act but the whole book is devoid of anything of interest other than the "Kosovo" incident which made General Mike famous. Interestingly, he is speaking out here against the American General Wes Clark which makes you wonder how much political pressure there was not to speak his mind against the UK government and MOD?
For those looking into an insight into the recent Iraq and Afghanistan wars, then forget it. Although he wasn't on the "ground" in either of these conflicts, there have been so many controversial issues that have been passed over. In particular, he was in charge when British soldiers have appeared in court charged with crimes in Iraq but this doesn't get mentioned. Likewise, the recent restructuring of the Army is only briefly covered and does not really explain why certain Regiments went untouched at the expense of the others - how did all the Guards Regiments survive?
For anyone looking for an insight into his life and that of a top soldier than this is not the best book to read. It has all the hallmarks of a book released to cash in before he faded from the public eye. This is a real shame and I am certain Gen Mike has so much to say that is not in this book.
TA
GOOD BOOK November 8, 2007
26 out of 45 found this review helpful
General Sir Mike, the British Army's top General and a very astute individual. I have been waiting for his autobiography, well, since the Kosovo operation as I was very interested in hearing his version of events regarding his interaction with SACEUR, Gen Wesley Clark and the Russians.
The book is written in a style that is very easy to read. This General has done a lot and experienced a lot and at times, you do feel that he has only touched the surface in what he has written. However, overall, I would recommend this book as a good read.
4 Star General,5 star book October 31, 2007
20 out of 35 found this review helpful
After I purchased the book I wondered whether I had made the right decision and that I might not enjoy it.I needn't have worried.I soon settled into the book,following Mikes career path as he climbed the command ladder in the British Army.He touched on various historical events that had become vague in my memory.He brought them to life again dealing with them in an easy to understand manner.Overall this is one of the best biographies that I have read in a long time and a fine military book.If like me you don't like anything too heavy this is the book for you.
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