Retired Admiral Michael Mullen discusses his experiences in the Navy during the Vietnam War, where he served on the gunline as an antisubmarine warfare officer, a navigator, a watch officer in the Combat Information Center, and a gunnery liaison officer. He talks about his military service beginning with his commissioning from the Naval Academy and culminating as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. He covers such subjects as the vital importance of having a great first commanding officer, his love of the Asia-Pacific region and the ethos of its people, and the necessity of understanding history and culture. He provides unique insight into the many facets of war derived from his vast command experience not only with the U.S. Navy, but with joint operations, and with NATO. His musings range from drones and weapon systems to networks and the speed of war. He comments on adaptability, joint warfare, Special Operations Forces, and ship collisions. He concludes on a note of hope: “I have such faith in this country, and such faith in the American people. And in my life we've been through harder times, that I have great confidence we'll get through this.”