The Melting Point
High Command and War in the 21st Century
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4.6 • 5 Ratings
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- $33.99
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- $33.99
Publisher Description
As the Commander of U.S. Central Command, General Frank McKenzie oversaw some of the most important — and controversial — operations in modern U.S. military history. He had direct operational responsibility for the strikes on Qassem Soleimani and two successive leaders of ISIS, the many months of deterrence operations against Iran and its proxies, and the methodical drawdown in Iraq. He directed the noncombatant evacuation operation in Afghanistan, and our final withdrawal from that tortured country.
The Melting Point has three themes. The first one is the importance of the primacy of civilian control of the military. It has become a widely perceived truth that this control has been eroded over the past few years. General McKenzie doesn’t believe that to be the case, and he speaks with some authority on the matter arguing that the civ-mil relationship isn’t perfect or frictionless, but it doesn’t have to be, and probably shouldn’t be. It is, however, more durable than many believe, and is supported and embraced by the military to a degree that some critics do not choose to recognize.
The second theme is the uniqueness of being a combatant commander. Combatant commanders participate in the development of policy, although as junior partners. They are also responsible for the execution of policy once civilian leaders have formulated their decision, a unique position, and very different than the role of a service chief, or even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. None of these officers are in the chain of command, and they have no ultimate, mortal responsibility or authority for execution. Only the combatant commander stands astride the boundary of decision-making and execution.
Finally, the third theme that McKenzie argues is that leaders matter, and the decisions they make have a profound effect on what happens on the battlefield. McKenzie provides an honest assessment of his time in command—describing decisions that were sound, as well as some outcomes he wishes were different. He offers a vivid portrait of leadership in action in one of the most volatile regions of the world.
Customer Reviews
Lessons on the Burden of Command
In “The Melting Point,” General Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr. provides an insider’s perspective on the complexities of modern military leadership and warfare. As the Commander of U.S. Central Command, McKenzie oversaw pivotal and controversial operations, including the strikes on Qassem Soleimani and ISIS leaders, deterrence operations against Iran, and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The book highlights the unique position of combatant commanders who straddle the line between policy formulation and execution. Unlike service chiefs or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, combatant commanders are directly responsible for implementing decisions, a role that requires both strategic insight and operational acumen.
Leadership's pivotal role is underscored through McKenzie's honest assessment of his successes and regrets. He vividly describes the pressures of command, particularly during critical operations like the strikes on Qassem Soleimani, the drawdown in Iraq, and the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan. The narrative conveys the immense responsibility borne by military leaders and the far-reaching consequences of their decisions.
McKenzie's reflections on the nature of command, the evolution of warfare, and the complexities of modern military operations offer valuable lessons for military and civilian leaders alike. "The Melting Point" is a compelling read, providing a rare glimpse into the decision-making processes at the highest levels of military command and the enduring challenges faced by those who lead in times of conflict.