Overview

"A vivid insider's account of a life in intelligence, special operations, and strategy from the Cold War to the war with al-Qa’ida • ""[An] illuminating and richly detailed memoir."" —The New York Times Book Review ""Deeply insightful...A sweeping and breathtaking journey that gives the reader unprecedented access to the courage, sacrifice, and bravado of our nation’s finest warriors, in their finest hours."" —Admiral William H. McRaven, author of Wisdom of the Bullfrog and #1 New York Times bestseller, Make Your Bed In 1984, Michael Vickers took charge of the CIA’s secret war against the Soviets in Afghanistan. After inheriting a strategy aimed at imposing costs on the Soviets for their invasion and occupation of Afghanistan, Vickers transformed the covert campaign into an all-out effort to help the Afghan resistance win their war. More than any other American, he was responsible for the outcome in Afghanistan that led to the end of the Cold War. In By All Means Available, Vickers recounts his remarkable career, from his days as a Green Beret to his vision for victory in Afghanistan to his role in waging America’s war with al-Qa’ida at the highest levels of government. In captivating detail, he depicts his years in the Special Forces—including his training to parachute behind enemy lines with a backpack nuclear weapon in the event of a Soviet invasion of Western Europe—and reveals how those experiences directly influenced his approach to shaping policy. Vickers has played a significant role in most of the military and intelligence operations of the past four decades, and he offers a deeply informed analysis of the greatest challenges facing America today, and in the decades ahead. Riveting and illuminating, this is a rare and important insider’s account of the modern military and intelligence worlds at every level."

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9781101947708

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Reviews

In my over 50 years of public life, I have known only a few special people totally devoted to the challenge of protecting our country. Mike Vickers is one of those very special people. His experiences are without equal. But because he spent his life as a silent warrior most of what he accomplished is out of the public eye. He was always in the right place at the right time, providing essential courage, advice, and devotion critical to accomplishing the mission. He helped make our country safer. There is no greater legacy for a 'silent warrior.' -Leon E. Panetta, Former Secretary of Defense and Director, CIA Dr. Mike Vickers is unique in the annals of US national security. In this masterful, authoritative book, Mike chronicles the history he helped make. A compelling, fascinating read. -James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence A monumental memoir and thoughtful account of a uniquely tumultuous period in history. In a compelling narrative, former Special Forces soldier, CIA operative, and senior policymaker, Mike Vickers shares his front-row seat to the complex wars of our age. A fascinating account of the recent past, and a helpful guide for the future. -General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Commander of U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan An amazing story by a real American hero. -General Keith Alexander, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director, NSA Few among us combine the strategic thinking and deep operational expertise of Mike Vickers. This memoir captures a truly remarkable career of public service and impact on America's national security. -General Norton Schwartz, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mike Vickers is one of the great American patriots of the last half century. He is the only person who played a major role in both America's defeat of the Soviet Union and the U.S.'s destruction of the al-Qa'ida senior leadership. By All Means Available tells Vickers's story of operating clandestinely to defend America and in so doing tells the story of much of the history of U.S. national security policy toward our most dangerous adversaries. The book is unique-it is both a gripping tale for the casual reader and a textbook that will be used for decades by the most demanding students of history. -Michael Morell, Former Acting and Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency A must read for those interested in how national security policy is actually made and executed. -John Bennett, Former Deputy Director for Operations, CIA Vickers played a central role in developing the strategy that took scores of al-Qa'ida senior leaders off the battlefield and eliminated the group's sanctuary in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. This story and how Vickers developed the strategy that drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan two decades earlier are just two of the many heretofore secret operations that can now be revealed in this extraordinary memoir. Vickers's book is filled with insights that will benefit our covert operators and senior national security officials for decades to come, and it will make the general reader proud that America can still produce men like Mike Vickers. -General Michael Hayden, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Former Director of the CIA and NSA A compelling, behind-the-scenes account of the defeat of the Soviets in Afghanistan, global counterterrorism operations, and the hunt for Usama Bin Ladin by a life-long warrior and intelligence officer. This book is an engrossing read for anyone interested in the 'rest-of-the story,' and an absolute must read for anyone who aspires to shape future U.S. strategy. Mike Vickers wanted to make a difference. He has-through the life he's led, and in the lessons he passes on here to the warriors and intelligence officers of the future. -Betty Sapp, Former Director of the National Reconnaissance Office Only in America. A young CIA clandestine service officer with Special Forces experience developed a strategy to defeat the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, and against all odds, he succeeded. -Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, Former Senior CIA Operations Officer Mike Vickers's amazing life story could easily be confused with a first-rate adventure novel. He tells it factually and deliberately, ensuring that we understand the context of his selfless service and many consequential achievements. And he tells it with humility, giving us some insight into the character of this most interesting and accomplished man. Everyone who is interested in the major geo-political events of the last 40 years should read this book. So should everyone who is looking for a role model of integrity and tenacity. -Admiral Eric T. Olson, U.S. Navy (Retired), Former Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Mike Vickers is one of the most distinguished intelligence officers of the past half century. His memoir is a must read. -Richard Burr, Former United States Senator and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

Mike Vickers has written the best and most comprehensive memoir yet about American military special operations and CIA covert actions during the last decade of the Cold War and the generation-long U.S. war against foreign terrorists. From running the Reagan administration's war against the Soviets in Afghanistan to the killing of Usama Bin Ladin and beyond, Vickers was at the center of planning and implementing some of the most consequential secret presidential directives. His ability to think and plan both strategically and tactically was rare, but to add to that superb practical execution made Vickers a talent unique in the intelligence agencies and in the Department of Defense. From enlisted Green Beret to some of the most senior positions in government, Vickers saw it all, experienced it all. Readers of his memoir are in for a rare treat and a gripping story. -Robert M. Gates, Director of Central Intelligence 19911993 and Secretary of Defense 2006-2011 A sweeping and breathtaking journey through the past five decades of the nation's most historic intelligence and special operations missions. Deeply insightful, with never before seen details, By All Means Available gives the reader unprecedented access to the courage, sacrifice, and bravado of our nation's finest warriors, in their finest hours. Only someone with Mike Vickers's experience could have written so fine a history of the CIA and SOF. -Admiral William H. McRaven, U.S. Navy (Retired), Former Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command A fascinating, must-read book. Mike Vickers shares an insider's riveting and unsparing account of the efforts to keep America safe in an unsafe time. As a thoughtful, ferocious warrior and policy maker, his unique eyewitness insights reveal the passion and wisdom that gained him trust across all ranks and throughout Washington. -General Jim Mattis, U.S. Marines (Retired) and 26th Secretary of Defense In my over 50 years of public life, I have known only a few special people totally devoted to the challenge of protecting our country. Mike Vickers is one of those very special people. His experiences are without equal. But because he spent his life as a silent warrior most of what he accomplished is out of the public eye. He was always in the right place at the right time, providing essential courage, advice, and devotion critical to accomplishing the mission. He helped make our country safer. There is no greater legacy for a 'silent warrior.' -Leon E. Panetta, Former Secretary of Defense and Director, CIA Dr. Mike Vickers is unique in the annals of US national security. In this masterful, authoritative book, Mike chronicles the history he helped make. A compelling, fascinating read. -James Clapper, Former Director of National Intelligence A monumental memoir and thoughtful account of a uniquely tumultuous period in history. In a compelling narrative, former Special Forces soldier, CIA operative, and senior policymaker, Mike Vickers shares his front-row seat to the complex wars of our age. A fascinating account of the recent past, and a helpful guide for the future. -General Stanley McChrystal, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Commander of U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan An amazing story by a real American hero. -General Keith Alexander, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command and Director, NSA A powerful and insightful narrative of U.S. involvement in conflicts spanning the last 30+ years as recounted by a key architect of U.S. strategy to push the Soviets out of Afghanistan, defeat al-Qa'ida's global network, and prepare the U.S. military for future nation state confrontation. A dedicated patriot and serious thinker, Vickers has crafted a compelling, first-hand account of his oversized contribution to shaping U.S. national security strategy and military readiness. His story should be required reading for students of the wars that have consumed American blood and treasure since the 1980s. -Gina Haspel, Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency While By All Means Available rightly focuses on a storied career in intelligence and special operations, the book is prescient in highlighting that competition in AI, quantum computing, synthetic biology, and other disruptive technologies will be the principal battleground of the future. It is a must read. -Christopher Darby, CEO, In-Q-Tel Few among us combine the strategic thinking and deep operational expertise of Mike Vickers. This memoir captures a truly remarkable career of public service and impact on America's national security. -General Norton Schwartz, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force Mike Vickers is one of the great American patriots of the last half century. He is the only person who played a major role in both America's defeat of the Soviet Union and the U.S.'s destruction of the al-Qa'ida senior leadership. By All Means Available tells Vickers's story of operating clandestinely to defend America and in so doing tells the story of much of the history of U.S. national security policy toward our most dangerous adversaries. The book is unique-it is both a gripping tale for the casual reader and a textbook that will be used for decades by the most demanding students of history. -Michael Morell, Former Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency A must read for those interested in how national security policy is actually made and executed. -John Bennett, Former Deputy Director for Operations, CIA A first-hand account of the most sensitive and consequential intelligence operations of the past 40 years. Simply brilliant. -Philip Reilly, Former Senior Operations Officer, CIA Mike Vickers played a central role in developing the strategy that took scores of al-Qa'ida senior leaders off the battlefield and eliminated the group's sanctuary in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. This story and how Vickers developed the strategy that drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan two decades earlier are just two of the many heretofore secret operations that can now be revealed in this extraordinary memoir. Vickers's book is filled with insights that will benefit our covert operators and senior national security officials for decades to come, and it will make the general reader proud that America can still produce men like Mike Vickers. -General Michael Hayden, U.S. Air Force (Retired), Former Director of the CIA and NSA A compelling, behind-the-scenes account of the defeat of the Soviets in Afghanistan, global counterterrorism operations, and the hunt for Usama Bin Ladin by a life-long warrior and intelligence officer. This book is an engrossing read for anyone interested in the 'rest-of-the story,' and an absolute must read for anyone who aspires to shape future U.S. strategy. Mike Vickers wanted to make a difference. He has-through the life he's led, and in the lessons he passes on here to the warriors and intelligence officers of the future. -Betty Sapp, Former Director of the National Reconnaissance Office Only in America. A young CIA clandestine service officer with Special Forces experience developed a strategy to defeat the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, and against all odds, he succeeded. -Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, Former Senior CIA Operations Officer Mike Vickers's amazing life story could easily be confused with a first-rate adventure novel. He tells it factually and deliberately, ensuring that we understand the context of his selfless service and many consequential achievements. And he tells it with humility, giving us some insight into the character of this most interesting and accomplished man. Everyone who is interested in the major geo-political events of the last 40 years should read this book. So should everyone who is looking for a role model of integrity and tenacity. -Admiral Eric T. Olson, U.S. Navy (Retired), Former Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Over the course of his remarkable career, Mike Vickers played a key role in events that shaped history. His memoir offers unparalleled insights into the secret worlds of intelligence, special operations, and strategy. -Senator Mark Warner, Chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Vickers is one of the most distinguished intelligence officers of the past half century. His memoir is a must read. -Richard Burr, Former United States Senator and Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mike Vickers was the indispensable man behind the most important intelligence and special operations missions of the past four decades. Presidents of both parties and our top military commanders repeatedly sought and took his advice. Our current and future leaders would do well to follow their example. -Lieutenant General Charles Cleveland, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Commander, U.S. Army Special Operations Command Mike Vickers displays a breadth of experience and knowledge that is nothing short of phenomenal. His engaging style, moreover, allows the reader to walk in his shoes as he leads world-changing intelligence operations. A must read. -Lieutenant General Ronald Burgess, U.S. Army (Retired), Former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Former Director, Defense Intelligence Agency Very, very few people have the combination of intelligence, military and defense experience, and operations, strategy and policy expertise Mike Vickers possesses. Even fewer were in a position to make a difference over several decades. From the dismantling of the Soviet Union and al-Qa'ida to the end of the Cold War, our nation's leaders trusted him to protect our democracy and freedom. A patriot's patriot-and therefore a must-read memoir. -Letitia Long, Former Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Mike Vickers is one of the great American patriots of the last half century. He is the only person who played a major role in both America's defeat of the Soviet Union and the U.S.'s destruction of the al-Qa'ida senior leadership. By All Means Available tells Vickers's story of operating clandestinely to defend America and in so doing tells the story of much of the history of U.S. national security policy toward our most dangerous adversaries. The book is unique-it is both a gripping tale for the casual reader and a textbook that will be used for decades by the most demanding students of history. -Michael Morell, Former Acting and Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

Author Information

MICHAEL G. VICKERS has served multiple roles in the Department of Defense and the intelligence community, most recently as undersecretary of defense for intelligence under President Barack Obama. He also served under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama as the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, low-intensity conflict, and interdependent capabilities, where he had policy oversight of all U.S. military capabilities, from nuclear weapons to special operations forces. During the Cold War, he served as an operations officer in the CIA, and as both a commissioned and a noncommissioned officer in the Army’s Special Forces. He lives near Washington, D.C.

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