Latest news with #StanleyMcChrystal
Forbes
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
General Stanley McChrystal: What It Takes To Live A Life Of Character
Retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal Another book on character? Yes, that's what I thought when I saw the title of Stanley McChrystal's newest book, titled On Character: Choices That Define a Life. When I heard General McChrystal speak about his new book and then read it, I realized it was different from many other books on the topic. Why? Because McChrystal, a retired four-star general, combat commander and West Point graduate, has lived it. He is also not afraid to call himself out when he has been deficient. Many will remember that McChrystal offered President Barack Obama his resignation when an article in Rolling Stone magazine about his unit featured some negative comments about then-Vice President Biden and frustration with the administration's handling of the war in Afghanistan. McCrystal, as he had been taught to do, took full responsibility. Obama accepted his resignation. After more than 30 years of service, McChrystal was out of a job, a career, and a life that began as an Army brat born while his father was serving in Germany. That abrupt change is character-building. What character means And so when McChrystal addresses what it takes to lead with character, he knows of what he speaks – as the subtitle says: 'choices that define a life.' Character is the spine that steels the spine in times of adversity and heals the soul in times of trial. The idea for the book came from Annie McChrystal, his wife, herself the daughter of an Army officer. She nudged him to put down the many thoughts he had expressed to her over many conversations. As a result, the book has a discursive feel but is also very personal. There are three sections to the book: Conviction – beliefs upon which character forms Discipline – the ability to follow through on what we believe Character – the structure of life, e.g., "what we are willing to tolerate and what we are not." This troika casts the notion of character as foundational, practical and resilient. Getting personal There is a touching part of the book, one he spoke about to Amna Nawaz on PBS NewsHour. He admits he was not a good father because he put his career first. As he said, his son started high school when he went to Afghanistan, and then he went to Iraq and Afghanistan, where his son was in college. "I wasn't a great father,' he writes in his book. 'In retrospect, I regret things I didn't do as a father, but, thankfully, avoided doing many things I would have regretted. If I could do it all again, I believe I would be a better father, but I don't believe Sam could be a better son." Fortunately, as McChrystal tells Nawaz, 'The beauty is, I get a second chance, because my son lives next door to me now, along with my granddaughters. So, I see him every day. We have a very close relationship. But you can't make up for things you didn't do.' That's a measure of character—facing the reality of the past while doing better in the present. Again, these are "choices that define a life" of self-awareness, integrity and truthfulness. One of the reasons McChrystal wrote about character—and something he has reiterated on media appearances related to this book—is his desire to promote a national discussion of the role of character in society. Character is fundamental to leadership; without it, leadership is a position without moral conviction. Character, or rather the lack of it, is on full display in our culture when we see people in positions of power advocate for themselves rather than for those they are supposed to lead. Living character In their book Character Is Destiny, John McCain and co-author Mark Salter write, 'Our character is a lifelong project, and perhaps the older we are, and the more fixed our shortcomings are, the more we can use inspiration to encourage our escape from the restraints of our deficiencies.' Character is not being 'holier than thou.' Character emerges from the frailty of the human psyche. It is a recognition rooted in self-awareness, knowing your strengths as well as your shortcomings. With that knowledge of imperfection, you live your life rooted in universal truths and lead your life in the practice of doing better for others.
CNBC
20-06-2025
- Politics
- CNBC
Gen. Stanley McChrystal: We need to figure out what long-term outcome we can achieve with Iran
Retired Gen. Stanley McChrystal, McChrystal Group CEO and 'On Character' author, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict, what the role of America should be, and more.
News18
07-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Why Ukraine's Daring Drone Strike In Russia Has Set Off Alarm Bells In US: ‘We Are Vulnerable'
Last Updated: Among the most glaring examples is Andersen Air Force Base on Guam which, despite hosting some of the world's most expensive aircraft, lacks hardened shelters. A Ukrainian drone attack that damaged or destroyed over a dozen Russian warplanes jolted the United States as it exposed deep vulnerabilities at home and abroad. Top US defense officials are now warning that American air bases, including those on US soil, are largely 'unhardened" owing to which high-value aircraft are dangerously exposed to similar drone or missile strikes, as per a CNN report. 'This is an eyebrow-raising moment," said Gen. David Allvin, the US Air Force chief of staff, speaking at a defense forum in Washington this week, adding, 'There is no sanctuary, even in the US homeland." 'We Are Vulnerable', Say US Generals Retired US Army Gen. Stanley McChrystal told CNN, 'We are pretty vulnerable. We've got a lot of high-value assets that are extraordinarily expensive." A 2024 report by the Hudson Institute co-authored by defense expert Thomas Shugart laid out the scale of the threat. In a conflict scenario with China, for instance, the People's Liberation Army could target US aircraft 'at airfields globally, including in the continental United States," using missiles, aircraft, subs, and even special forces. 'The overwhelming majority of US aircraft losses would likely occur on the ground," the report stated, warning the outcome could be 'ruinous." Among the most glaring examples is Andersen Air Force Base on Guam which, despite hosting some of the world's most expensive aircraft, lacks hardened shelters. A New Era of Threats The drone strike on Russia has shown that even technologically modest adversaries can now launch highly effective precision strikes using cheap, portable systems. For the US, that's a wake-up call, McChrystal said, adding, 'It widens the spectrum of the threats you've got to deal with." About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
CNN
28-05-2025
- Business
- CNN
‘It will cost less and be less risky for NATO to stand up to Putin now": Ret. Gen. McChrystal on the Ukrainian war
Retired U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal weighs in on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and tells CNN's Wolf Blitzer about his new book about character.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
General Stanley McChrystal Launches New Book On Character and Nationwide Series to Spark a National Conversation
Black and White Profile of General McChrystal Book Promo Graphic (Cover + Office Photo) ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal is calling for a national conversation on character following the launch of his latest book. In his new book On Character, McChrystal offers a deeply personal and poignant reflection on the choices that define who we are. Drawing from his own journey, including his unexpected resignation from the U.S. Army following more than 34 years of service, McChrystal explores how character is shaped, tested, and revealed in seemingly small moments. The book has ignited public interest and acclaim, rising to The New York Times Best Sellers list in its first week of eligibility. McChrystal has appeared on national media platforms, including The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan. Throughout his appearances, he has emphasized the urgent need to rethink how we evaluate, develop, and reward character in today's leaders. 'In a divided and distracted world, we've drifted from the values that once bound us together as a nation,' said McChrystal. 'Character is not something we inherit—it's something we choose, and we must now choose to rebuild it together.' Through On Character, McChrystal challenges leaders to examine and reflect on how their convictions are cultivated and lived through discipline. He also invites readers across the country to reflect on their own character and the unseen choices that shape teams, institutions, and the nation's future. The book release marks the beginning of a broader campaign led by McChrystal Group in conjunction with More Perfect, which will include live events, media engagements, and a digital platform for people to share their own stories #OnCharacter. The Conversations on Character series will kick off with a live event at George Washington's Mount Vernon on May 29, 2025, followed by additional convenings at the Adams Presidential Center, the Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, and other presidential sites and civic institutions across the country. General McChrystal will be joined by leaders and special guests in exploring themes such as service and sacrifice as well as the legacy we leave behind. Those interested in learning more about the movement can find additional information on McChrystal Group's website here. Attachments Black and White Profile of General McChrystal Book Promo Graphic (Cover + Office Photo) CONTACT: Donnie Brzuska McChrystal Group in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
