Breaching the Summit

"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 posses