Hard Truths

Think and Lead Like a Green Beret

By: Congressman Mike Waltz

Narrated by: Congressman Mike Waltz

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author.

Congressman and retired Green Beret Mike Waltz shares how the mindset he honed in military service can help anyone—in politics, in business or in life—conquer everyday challenges.

Up in the mountains of Afghanistan, one of Mike Waltz's snipers watched through his scope as a young boy acted as a spotter for the Taliban mortars attacking a Green Beret position. The sniper requested permission to fire. Waltz refused, insisting on restraint. The child was spared, and the position was held. Later that same day, Waltz visited a nearby Afghan village and discovered the Taliban had hanged a boy in front of his family—because the child wasn't willing to fight for them.

Restraint is a trait common to Green Berets, but rare on the battlefield—and even rarer in today's national political discourse.

Now, Mike Waltz is a retired Colonel and a U.S. Representative from Florida, the first Green Beret ever to be elected to Congress. After twenty-seven years in the Army, nearly all of them in the elite Special Forces where he fought America's enemies around the world, he has developed a perspective distinct from most—probably all—of his colleagues in politics today.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

©2024 Michael Waltz (P)2024 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"An inspirational call to action"—Booklist

"Mike Waltz’s latest book, Hard Truths, is a must read, not just for every leader in America, but for every citizen. From combat in the mountains of Afghanistan, to advising at the highest levels of the Pentagon and the White House, to building one of the country’s fastest growing small companies in the private sector, and ultimately to continuing his service in the halls of Congress, the retired U.S. Army Special Forces Colonel and current congressman combines his personal experiences and lessons with examples from the pages of history to illuminate the path ahead. In Hard Truths, he applies the Green Beret's principles of unconventional warfare to leadership and governance as only someone with his unique background can. Veterans like Congressman Waltz who have sacrificed and invested in America offer hope for the future. Waltz understands the importance of maintaining the moral high ground in combat and in congress and of applying the lessons of the past to create a brighter future for us all. Add Hard Truths to your library today!”—Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL Sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Terminal List Series

"Very few people know as much about the American military and political system as Congressman-Colonel Michael Waltz. In Hard Truths, he brings us into the battles he has fought all over the world to help us understand the mindset of the Green Berets and to understand what Americans need to do to win the fight for a well-rounded moral life."—Brian Kilmeade, six-time New York Times bestselling author, co-host Fox & Friends, and host of "The Brian Kilmeade Show"

Outstanding book.

Mike is a good man and this book reflects that. He continues to live the core values of the Green Berets and expresses how others can do the same. You wont regret buying this book.

The best book I ever read(listened to)

Being a veteran, I would like to Thank you all for a great book and life lesson. The leadership qualities outlined in this book should be used by all armed forces leadership schools and thos3 running for political office. Thank you for inspiring me.

Mark Peters U.S Air Force 1986-1991

Great book! Must read!

This book highlights the importance of selfless servitude, leadership and finding your personal inner-strength. The book also covers Mike’s personal and professional life experiences as he details his successes, failures, and humilities requiring grit and dedication to overcome tasks. From the battlefields to corporations, and the highest offices in the land, America today needs real leadership. Those leaders must be tough, approachable, diplomatic, principled and have a vision how to keep this country free, secure, and prosperous. Mike demonstrates how leaders must be willing to rightfully earn and keep their positions through merit, sacrifice, and dedication. Mike sets a great example for others to emulate and follow. I hope to see Mike remain in politics and eventually seek and enter into a higher office. Bravo Zulu!

God Bless You

Thank you for your service and servant leadership! We’re praying for you and behind you 100%!

A True Hero and Servant Leader- Lot to learn from him

Congressman Waltz is always able to explain complex situations in layman’s terms. It’s clear he has a very in-depth understanding of global issues and different societal norms. He shares an informative & interesting glimpse into the strategies, discipline and strength of character learned & enhanced by his position as a Green Beret. He then applies these attributes to other life situations showing the benefits in other areas of life. Michael Waltz is a true servant leader, sharing his experiences & strengths so other may also find value using them in their lives.

Compelling and candid account of lessons learned from a first hand participant.

Col. Waltz provides several themes throughout the book related to opportunities for our culture to get back to what makes Americans different from so many other cultures. Starting with tenacity and personal commitment to achieve. Personal discipline is a character trait that needs to be reintroduced to our youngsters and anyone with a victim mentality.

Easy Read/Listen, Great Life Lessons

Waltz takes the reader through his engagements in Afghanistan as a Green Beret and shares how he has applied lessons learned in combat to fight the madness in DC. I would highly recommend this book and the author read audible version to anyone who wants to learn more about how Special Forces operate and how they transfer those skills from the battle field to every day life.

Just what we need

Thoughtful, profound, and timely. Waltz sends a message that we need to hear now more than ever. Don’t miss this one.