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  • 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
  • Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (12 ratings)

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When the Tempest Gathers cover art

When the Tempest Gathers

By: Andrew Milburn
Narrated by: Andrew Milburn
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Publisher's Summary

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.

What listeners say about When the Tempest Gathers

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I’m

Wow what a wild ride.
Sorry about Kayla
And friends RIP
Lest we forget”
Thank you for sharing story

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  • Lisa
  • 10-11-2020

One of the very best books I’ve read in any genre.

An incredible story, incredibly well written. Col. Milburn takes the reader on a life and death adventure, replete with plenty of laughs to balance the weightier moments, and brings the reader back home with his humanity intact and enriched by the experience. It’s entertainment for the thrill-seeker, a first-hand account for the history buff, and a salve to the soul for anyone who’s worn the uniform.

I had the pleasure of serving in Col. Milburn’s command during the tour to Karma, Iraq.

- Clint Eubanks (B Co, 3rd Platoon, 1/3)

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7 people found this helpful

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  • CHRISTOPHER P COX
  • 28-10-2020

Worth your time and money

Good book by an interesting person with a story to tell.

The author put effort into narrating the book.

Well done, Sir!





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  • Anthemchuck
  • 18-02-2021

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.

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  • Robert Crow
  • 14-01-2021

We need more officers like Col. Milburn

Excellently written, this account is a fine example of the challenges facing a battlefield commander in 21st century combat. With the increasing complexity of modern warfare, the necessity for our combat leaders to possess the abilities for critical thought, the pragmatism to recognize poor strategy from those not involved in the mission, and the courage to “make the call” is exemplified throughout this memoir. Thank you for your service Colonel, and congratulations on one hell of a career. Enjoy retirement!

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 22-05-2021

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!

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2 people found this helpful

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  • A. Mack
  • 29-03-2021

Wonderfully told

I’ve experienced many similar encounters during my 35 years of service. I applaud his courage to tell his story. Well told, engaging, and entertaining.

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  • Mitch Coops
  • 14-06-2023

Wonderfully reflective book

Very unique point of view from a British Law school educated Marine officer. I loved this book. I first discovered Milburn on the team house podcast. I really enjoyed his take on leaders and that only your peers and the people below you can make true judgements on your performance. This book isn’t your typically war hero memoir. Eloquently written but not too verbose. He is incredibly self reflective and critical. Gives such a direct and to the point take on the consequences of war and poor leadership. Shows grace by sharing a snapshot of the lives of the men that died under his command. Would 10 out of 10 recommend to others.

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  • Rob
  • 05-12-2022

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.

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  • Robert Brown
  • 02-12-2022

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….

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  • Tom Savage
  • 23-06-2022

A veteran

Realistic, true to the experience of we who served over there in combat arms. At the same time sad, horrific, nostalgic, and fun. We’ll worth the read/listen.

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  • mr r howard
  • 17-10-2023

Mediocre

A mediocre memoir with nothing of particular interest to say. Made worse by the narrator whose voice was barely tolerable!

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  • Toby Orme
  • 31-03-2022

there is a reason it's free.

Poorly written story that just becomes boring background noise nor helped by the poor narration.

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  • KindV
  • 06-01-2021

Articulate insight into the last 3 decades of war

Very well written and delivered personal account of modern warfare. Highly recommended to both military and non-military readers alike with some good anecdotes on leadership and personnel management.

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