Game Changers

Going Local to Defeat Violent Extremists

By: Scott Mann

Narrated by: D. Scott Mann

The storm gathers as we sleep. Despite vast amounts of blood and treasure expended since 9-11-2001, America and her allies are losing the war against Islamist violent extremists. For the first time since the War on Terror began, Green Beret Scott Mann, an original architect and implementer of this strategic program, reveals an immediately useful strategic framework to defeat ISIS, al-Qa'ida, and even criminal elements here at home. This isn't theory, this program started by Green Berets in the central highlands of Vietnam and mastered in the dusty villages of Afghanistan, holds the key to defeating Islamist violent extremists.

©2015 D. Scott Mann (P)2015 D. Scott Mann

Passionate book with real world solutions

This book has a lot of real world practical experience that makes a lot of sense for dealing with other cultures that we are not familiar with. It is not just a military book, but a book to deal with cultures anywhere. I even shared it with my brother-in-law who is a missionary in Uganda to share a different perspective on how to deal with the native populations that he is dealing with.

Although the narrator obviously wasn't a professional narrator, being the original author he was able to share a passion that I don't know if a professional narrator would have been able to express. I especially liked his conclusions at the end of each chapter because it seemed like he was sharing from his heart, not a written page.

Essential Reading for everyone in the government and military.

Game Changers is essential reading for anyone involved in the government, or military that deals with the Muslim world.

Lt. Col. Scott Mann (Ret) lays down the only framework and method of creating lasting change that will both steer the Muslim world towards positive and stable change, but will also help to protect Americans at home and American interests abroad.

This method will save the US taxpayer trillions of dollars and even more importantly, protect the lives of Americans.

Identity the problem before it can be solved

This is a solid work from a solid senior operator. He relates the challenge of working in an insurgency and relates it to what can be done on our own front door.
The power of story and sharing the narrative is the basis of my own mission philosophy as I move forward in my Afghanistan mission as well as in my business.
Don't pass this book by because you are not in the military or have anything to do with counter insurgency. You will find value in these words.

Changing the nation-building strategy

The future is here, and our traditional political based military strategy won’t work. Excellent read. Now, let’s engage.

Mann understands and can tell a great story

Would you listen to Game Changers again? Why?

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and would do so again to be reminded of the basics. Although this book is somewhat technical and obviously militarily focused the basic principles that Scott lays out can be directly applied to life in general. Relationships will take you places in life. It is not what you know but who you know and just because your way worked for you it is not necessarily universal.

What other book might you compare Game Changers to and why?

I found this book similar to One Mission by Chris Fussell. The power of relationships throughout all levels of an organization can never be emphasized enough. Also the empowerment of individual team members is paramount to scale any organization.

What about D. Scott Mann’s performance did you like?

Scott's conversational style, his off the script remarks and southern drawl make listening easy and engaging.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

It reminded me that starting with a story and starting with Why is important to gain buy in from almost anyone. Also the importance of sticking with it and empowering people.

Amazingly informative and eye opening

If you could sum up Game Changers in three words, what would they be?

A Logical Intelligent Pan

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author/narrator is the character, we owe a debt to our soldiers and their families we can never repay!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I greatly enjoyed the fact that the audio book was read by the author, as it gave greater credibility to hear it directly from the Author. The additional commentary, the candid way he spoke, and the upbeat and fluent dictation all added up to an enjoyable book for a very serious and important subject.

Any additional comments?

I love to read, and when I can not take the time to read I always have an audio book going, and this is a GREAT read and listen!

Like most Americans our family is not part of the military family, and we do not truly understand what is going on in the world, and I am realizing the narrative from the TV news is not the reality of our world.

The plan "Going Local" is so logical, the examples of the success are compelling, this plan seems to be a proven solution to combatting violent extremism and protecting Americans and the world.

We need to wake up and become informed from those who live it, have sacrificed for us, and have been there, not taking what our politicians and news outlets say as the true picture of the threats on America and the world!

I see applications or opportunities for the "Going Local" approach in my past business experiences, and immediate opportunities in the company I work now. I have therefore purchased hard copies of this book and sent them to our executive management team.

Thank you Lieutenant Colonel Mann, and to all of our military and their families for your service and sacrifice.... We are safe and free because of you!

TS & Family!