When the Tempest Gathers

From Mogadishu to the Fight Against ISIS, a Marine Special Operations Commander at War

By: Andrew Milburn

Narrated by: Andrew Milburn

These are the combat experiences of the first Marine to command a special operations task force, recounted against a backdrop of his journey from raw Second Lieutenant to seasoned Colonel and Task Force Commander; from leading Marines through the streets of Mogadishu, Baghdad, Fallujah and Mosul to directing multi-national special operations forces in a dauntingly complex fight against a formidable foe.

The journey culminates in the story’s centerpiece: the fight against ISIS, in which the author is able to use the lessons of his harsh apprenticeship to lead the SOF task force under his command to hasten the Caliphate’s eventual demise.

Milburn has an unusual background for a US Marine, and this is no ordinary war memoir. Very few personal accounts of war cover such a wide breadth of experience, or with so discerning a perspective. As Bing West comments: “His exceptional skill is telling each story of battle and then knitting them into a coherent whole. By the end of the book, the reader understands what happened on the ground in the wars against terrorists over the past twenty years.”

Milburn tells his extraordinary story with self-effacing candor, describing openly his personal struggles with the isolation of command, post-combat trauma and family tragedy. And with the skill and insight of a natural story teller, he makes the reader experience what it’s like to lead those who fight America’s wars.

©2020 Andrew Milburn (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

his honesty

the fact that it is read by the author which allows him to chuckle at the lighter moments, and labor through the heavy ones. I also really enjoyed his vocabulary, and the way he paints his story with words.

Outstanding memoir of a true American Patriot

Awesome memoir of a true Patriot. The sacrifices a Marine faces during war is evident in this book. I am honored to have served with Col. Milburn in WNPS Co 2/9, Anti Armor platoon in Mogadishu when he was a LT. Thank you and great to hear that voice again. Your dedication to our Corps, country and your family is more than noteworthy. Semper Fi.

Eye opening and different

Interesting
Thrilling
Introspective
Very Marine
Very Human
Very Unique

Great job Sir!

Semper Fi
Semper Gumby

Not your typical war memoir

I do not know Andrew but I’d love to meet him based on his book. I had heard about his good deeds in the Ukraine in an article in the NYT and thought I’d give his book a try. It’s thoughtful and intelligent - no hubris - no chest beating - clearly a thinking man’s warrior. Andrew I hope this book and your efforts in Ukraine bring you the peace of mind you deserve.

fabulously written work told in masterful fashion

It's not often I enjoy audio books performed by the author but Milburn has three magnificent talents: as a savvy warfighter, as a master storyteller with a clear, pleasant voice that demands rapt attention, and as a mesmerizing writer. I can't remember the last time I read the work of someone so adept at such refreshingly erudite use of the English language without sounding trite or stuffy. He humbly conveys in matter-of-fact fashion his deeds and the successes and failures of those he encountered with equal aplomb, keeping the reader firmly engrossed while sharing his victories along with his shattering personal setbacks. Well done, sir!

Brought back memories...

Having served under Col Milburn several years ago, I was never aware of his rich background. Hearing his stories brought me back to some of my best times deployed forward to Iraq and even brought some closure and healing knowing we all share similar experiences from serving there. Not to mention, if you want an accurate and unfiltered view into a Marine’s mind, this is it. Highly recommend this book for those who want to reminisce and for family members of veterans who want to better understand their veteran’s experiences. You inspire me sir!

Awesome Story Brilliantly Narrated by The Author

An unlikely tale of how a British traveler ended up a United States Marine Corps private and then involved decades of historical events. From a raw recruit to senior officer.

Milburn's pre law background may not have prepared him to be a Marine private but it provided a great foundation for an author and a leader.

From the broiled chaotic streets of Mogadishu to Baghdad and beyond Milburn's rise from Private E-1 to senior leaderships illustrates the near unique meritocracy of the United States Marines. Woven into the story are many family challenges for both Milburn and his fellow Marines.

The narration is rich and adds to the pleasure of the work.

Highly recommended

Excellent

Excellent book…definitely intend to purchase a hard copy and reread it. Glad to see/hear Col Milburn’s talk about the difficulties of command and the difficulties he experience upon his return….

The ability for the marine to respect for the chain of command even while biting his tongue from egos with stripes.

Enjoyed the book throughout . Nothing really sticks out to comment about negatively. Truly enjoyed the book and the subject matter!

Great perspective by a good leader.

Enjoyed the perspective from a leader who moved into combat and into the supporting structure of the military from training to planning.