The Mission, The Men, and Me: Lessons from a Former Delta Force Commander | 
 enlarge | Author: Pete Blaber
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
Buy New: $14.93
You Save: $11.02 (42%)
New (25) Used (5) from $14.93
Avg. Customer Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 904
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.4 x 1.3
ISBN: 0425223728
Dewey Decimal Number: 356.1670973
EAN: 9780425223727
ASIN: 0425223728
Publication Date: December 2, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Pete Blaber knows what it takes to surviveand thrive.
As a commander in Delta Forcethe most elite counter-terrorist organization in the worldPete Blaber has taken part in some of the most dangerous, controversial, and significant military and political events of our time. And hes learned and experienced more about the real world and how things really work than most people could imagine.
Here, the ex-Delta Force warrior reveals his intimate knowledge of warfare: its not the actionthe blinding flash of a concussion grenade, or the stealthy approach of the night- vision clad commandobut the interaction, in the form of the way we think, the way we make decisions, and the way we operationalize those decisions, that provides the keys to success, and the truly meaningful lessons.
In this book, you will learn the same lessons he learned, while experiencing what the life of a Delta Force Operator is likefrom the extreme physical and psychological training to the darkest of shadow ops all around the world.
With each mission he conducted, Pete Blaber has taken a life lesson back with him. You will learn these enlightening lessons as you gain insights into never-before- revealed missions executed across the globe. And when the smoke clears, you will emerge wiser, more capable, and better prepared to succeed in life than you ever thought possible.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
Wow! January 9, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Unbelievable. The experiences and lessons Mr Blaber has shared here should without a doubt put this on recommended reading list issued by every Chief of Staff, and should be read by every officer and NCO from the gound up! "Need To Share"! I couldn't out it down, and read it twice in 10 days!
I remember the day I signed up with the Air Force to become a CCT, and soon imagined myself on a mission stalking the enemy with a small group of 2 or 3 JSOC warriors with me. I was day dreaming, and using my imagination, and little did I know, at that exact time, Pete Blaber was imagining too, and had teams just like this in the mountains of Afghanistan! The guy preaches using your imagination, and listening to the guy on the ground, and it absolutely shows! What I'd give to meet...and work for people like this!
Complexity through common sense January 9, 2009
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Col. Blaber has written a book on an old subject, Complexity, with an unusaual but effective answer; COMMON SENSE. Through out the book Col.blaber has many complex real world issues to deal with. When presented with a complex issue wether at home, work, or dealing with kids, first your mind goes through three phases saturate, incubation and Illumination. First you brain is satuated with the problem then the brain needs time think (incubate) then your Eureka moment (illumination). After this you come up with ideas to deal with the situation, ther are no dumb ideas. Usually the simplest idea or common sense is the best answer. Most people like to take complex issue and make it worse with a complex answer. Col. Blaber suggest to keep it simple. The more complex the answer or mission the higher failure is certain. The simplest answer works best and has a higher success rate!
This is one of the most enjoyable, easy to read, common sense book I've read in a long time. What makes it enjoyable is the format of the book. Col. Blaber tells a story then has a Guiding Principle Lesson explaining the lesson in the story and how you can use the infomation no matter who you are or what you do(CEO, White collar, Blue collar, Students, Moms or Dads, etc...) There is graet advice (listen to the guy on the ground) to no matter how much you think you know about something someone may have information you don't have or a different view in which you did not see. Last but not least The 3 M's. Mission, Men and me. Mission- make sure you know what it is in your professional or personal life, make sure it is legal, moral, ethical. Men- take care of your mens welfare show courage, lead with sound tactics and by always having the courage of your convictions to do the right thing by them. Me- "You have to care of your self butonly after you have taken care of the mission and the men, never put your personel well being or advancement ahead of the accomplishment of your mission and taking care of your men" (pg10-11) Col. Blaber has followed this through out his professional and personal life which has made him well respected by all who know and have worked and served with him. Thank you for sacrificing your freedoms so that so many others have had an privilege of learning from you and the honor of serving with you!!! Sir, thank you for sharing your life lessons and Illuminating us with Common Sense in very Complex times with Seriuos Complex issues!!!
True American Hero January 8, 2009
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Not only is this, by far, the most useful and informative book I've ever seen on leadership, Pete's amazing life story manages to keep you on the edge of your seat, from start to finish. I feel like taking all the books by "management gurus" and "consultants", that I have collected over the years, and just tossing them all away. There is more wisdom contained in the pages of "The Mission, The Men, and Me", than in any other book I've ever read.
Full disclosure here: I got to know Pete several years ago when our kids played on the same hockey team. He is, without question, the most impressive person I have ever met. We live in a culture where the latest celebrities or athletes are routinely held up as heroes. It's gotten to where we are almost desensitized to the word hero. In my opinion, the manner in which Pete has chosen to lead his life, and the sacrifices he has made for all of us, define him as a true American hero. He is the real deal, and his unwaivering principles are a blueprint for success in business as well as in life.
I wish I had a sixth star to give it January 5, 2009
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
There should be a way to make this "5 star" book stand out above all the other 5 stars. Like other reviewers, I could not put it down - especially the deeper I got into the book. The honesty about the situations and the rich lessons drawn from them make this book unique. It is not just a journalistic retelling of events and it's not a "here's where I've been and what I've done" memoir either. The author has combined the very best aspects of a book giving an insider view of military special operations and a book with sensational business & personal wisdom that the reader can start using today.
Even when the truth hurts, he does not shy away from it or water it down. I only wish that Col. Blaber did not have to so often wrestle his own military to do what was best for the mission and the men. You must buy and read this book!
Outstanding book on leadership and decision-making January 5, 2009
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I have read many books on leadership and decision-making and "The Mission, The Men, and Me" is absolutely one of the most outstanding books on the subject. I simply could not put it down. What struck me the most was the simplicity of the principles. Don't let the simplicity fool you. These principles are truly profound. They are life lessons that everyone can use. It has really opened my eyes and I look forward to applying these principles. To Pete Blaber, excellent work and I sincerely thank you sir for your service.
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