By All Means Available

Memoirs of a Life in Intelligence, Special Operations, and Strategy

By: Michael G. Vickers

Narrated by: Michael G. Vickers

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.

©2023 Michael G. Vickers (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[An] illuminating and richly detailed memoir . . . In America’s very long confrontation with stirred-up Islamists, Vickers became the nation’s pre-eminent silent warrior." —Andrew J. Bacevich, The New York Times Book Review

“Gripping reading, but also much more than that . . . Over a period of decades, Vickers formulated and executed policy toward almost every hotspot in the world. But this outstanding memoir is not merely an account of one official’s doings during his service. It is also a searching treatise on low-intensity warfare, counterterrorism, and covert action, along with a postmortem of key chapters of national-security policy, with judgments of American policymakers along the way . . . [By All Means Available] is about some things that, amid the deepening degradation of our political culture, have been lost: sacrifice, integrity, leadership, and patriotism.” –Gabriel Schoenfeld, Bulwark

"He was the CIA whiz kid in Charlie Wilson's War. His new book offers advice for the U.S. in Ukraine [and] reviews what the U.S. can learn from its past missteps and missed warnings in Afghanistan." —Nomaan Merchant, Associated Press

Must read for all Americans

This book is amazing and written by a patriot who understands the threats this nations is facing. Best book I have read in years! Thank you sir for your service and thank you for such an amazing book of history and prophecy.

The Secret National Hero

This was an amazing recounting of some the clandestine undertakings of the last 43 years. Mr. Vickers is a true national hero, and a visionary in the defense and intelligence space, and his thoughts are absolutely worth deep consideration. As a reader, I find myself deeply inspired to contribute to our nations success. Well done Mr. Vickers.

Excellent Read

This guy managed to be involved in pretty much every disaster and triumph of the past 50 years. He offers very good insights and opinions, not all that are agréable.
He comments on leaders current and past.
There is a certain amount of well earned braggadocio. Enjoy

Outstanding

A superb and captivating read. I have recommended this as required reading to friends and family.

fantastic life story

This is a very good life story and how one individual can make such a difference. Definitely worth listening to.

Amazing career - ended with Clapper/Brennan disgrace

A long and detailed book regarding mike’s impressive career. Sadly, he is in direct conflict with the people on the ground in Benghazi. There was no protest- only pre strike reconnaissance. He provided cover for Hillary who lied to the American people.
Also, he was a signatory to the infamous Russian disinformation letter that provided cover for Biden just before the debate with Trump.
Too bad he ended his career associating himself with criminal liars Brennan and Clapper. It seems like he is proud of it.
Time to drain the swamp.

A must read on Special Forces/Special Operations, CIA & Intelligence

This is the best book I have ever read on Special Forces/Special Operation & Intelligence. The span of 40 years of service is detailed & enlightening. Truly impressive what one of many had accomplished. All Americans should read & be grateful that we have these type people protecting us. I served in Special Forces & Special Operations but learn many things I did not know.
Highly recommended.

Filling in the details of recent covert activities

This book is an enthralling history of covert activities that shaped our recent history. Mr. Vickers not only had a ring side seat to history, he helped shape it as well. The stories were presented without bragging but with in depth reflection & acclimation to those who were also involved with him.

Great career! In many facets of government. Given a lot of responsibility in many positions.

Mr. Vickers gushing portrayal of Obama administration officials fits in line with all the other haters of conservative leaders. Hayden, Clapper, Brennan. Kind of like a broken record on that front. Stolen elections. Etc. but with the start of his career and his efforts in the 80’s was especially interesting.

Very well thought out and easy to follow

Great book! Highly recommend. The author has a logical sequence that he follows and is easy to grasp everything he’s trying to portray.