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Crisis of Command: How We Lost Trust and Confidence in America's Generals and Politicians
Wall Street Journal Bestseller
USA Today Bestseller
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
As Seen on Tucker Carlson
Combat-decorated Marine officer Stuart Scheller speaks out against the debacle of the Afghan pullout as the culmination of a decades-long and still-ongoing betrayal of military members by top leadership, from generals to the commander in chief, comes to light.
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller was the perfect Marine. Battle tested. A leader. Decorated for valor. Yet when the United States acted like the Keystone Cops in a panicked haphazard exit from Afghanistan for political reasons, Scheller spoke out, and the generals lashed out. In fact, they jailed him to keep him quiet, claiming he lost the “trust and confidence” bestowed upon him by the Marines. When the faith and trust is exactly what our generals and even our commander-in-chief betrayed by exercising such reckless and derelict policies. Now Scheller is free from the shackles of the Marine Corps and can speak his mind. And in Crisis of Command , that he does. He holds our generals’ feet to the fire. The same generals who play frivolously with the lives of our service men and women for political gain. The same general who lied to political leaders to further their own agendas and careers. Stuart Scheller is here to say that the buck stops here. Accountability starts now. It’s time to demand accountability and stand up for our military. In this book, Stuart Scheller shows us how.
USA Today Bestseller
Publishers Weekly Bestseller
As Seen on Tucker Carlson
Combat-decorated Marine officer Stuart Scheller speaks out against the debacle of the Afghan pullout as the culmination of a decades-long and still-ongoing betrayal of military members by top leadership, from generals to the commander in chief, comes to light.
Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Scheller was the perfect Marine. Battle tested. A leader. Decorated for valor. Yet when the United States acted like the Keystone Cops in a panicked haphazard exit from Afghanistan for political reasons, Scheller spoke out, and the generals lashed out. In fact, they jailed him to keep him quiet, claiming he lost the “trust and confidence” bestowed upon him by the Marines. When the faith and trust is exactly what our generals and even our commander-in-chief betrayed by exercising such reckless and derelict policies. Now Scheller is free from the shackles of the Marine Corps and can speak his mind. And in Crisis of Command , that he does. He holds our generals’ feet to the fire. The same generals who play frivolously with the lives of our service men and women for political gain. The same general who lied to political leaders to further their own agendas and careers. Stuart Scheller is here to say that the buck stops here. Accountability starts now. It’s time to demand accountability and stand up for our military. In this book, Stuart Scheller shows us how.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 6, 2022
106 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 17, 2025
I remember watching LCOL Scheller's first video the day after it posted. It truly went viral in military circles. His book Crisis of Command recounts from his perspective the events leading up to that first video post, his continued initiative to hold general officers accountable, and ultimately the outcome. As a Marine this book was difficult to read. A Marine never wants to see another stellar Marine go down in flames, especially for something the author believes in with his whole body, mind and soul. One learned lesson from life which keeps me thinking about this story is the fact that when an individual says one thing and everyone else involved is saying something totally different, just maybe there is a problem with at least a portion of that individual's viewpoint or approach to the problem. At a minimum better judgement should have been invoked as it relates to the execution of identifying the issue.
One thing this story teaches is high stakes games require a level head and deep thought. Emotional responses will sink the ship and this I believe is where LCOL Scheller ran afoul of being able to accomplish the mission. The Afghanistan withdrawal angered me and will continue to do so. It was a military failure. Not a single general officer resigned over the President's plans, nor after the failure. LCOL Scheller is right on that point. General Milley's purposeful refusal to acknowledge the President of the United States as his Commander in Chief and instead rely on some made-up excuse that there is some other higher authority that he answers to is again evidence of a military elite that is answerable to no one individual. A scary thought for which again LCOL Scheller is right. Unfortunately, his emotions took him out of a position where he could have been more effective at fighting for what he believed.
One thing this story teaches is high stakes games require a level head and deep thought. Emotional responses will sink the ship and this I believe is where LCOL Scheller ran afoul of being able to accomplish the mission. The Afghanistan withdrawal angered me and will continue to do so. It was a military failure. Not a single general officer resigned over the President's plans, nor after the failure. LCOL Scheller is right on that point. General Milley's purposeful refusal to acknowledge the President of the United States as his Commander in Chief and instead rely on some made-up excuse that there is some other higher authority that he answers to is again evidence of a military elite that is answerable to no one individual. A scary thought for which again LCOL Scheller is right. Unfortunately, his emotions took him out of a position where he could have been more effective at fighting for what he believed.
October 1, 2022
I had seen the video the author had posted during that disaster of a pull out in Afghanistan and thought wow, that guy had some balls. He’s correct of course, the high leadership in the military is a joke. Since I’m not in the military I don’t really have a comment on the reason why, I suspect some stuff like being infiltrated by the enemy and democrat policies of idiocy; but since Stuart is a 17 year veteran, he has a lot of insight and I’m glad someone took a stand. Excellent book and it’s just a shame that general officer level has become so corrupt but not surprising; it’s not your grandpas WW2 military anymore. Give them enough time and the government will fuck up everything. This is a great book with a lot of good leadership lessons. Too bad no one who needs to learn will likely read this book.
December 9, 2022
The subtitle of this book is “How We (i.e., the American public) Lost Trust and Confidence in America’s Generals and Politicians”. The time when that trust was lost was when the horribly conceived and executed withdrawal from Afghanistan occurred in August of 2021. The point is that no general officer was ever held accountable for that disaster. Nor did any general officer have the moral courage to resign in the wake of this disastrous withdrawal. The author, Stuart Scheller, was a Lt. Colonel in the Marines when he publicly criticized the military leadership for not accepting blame for the botched withdrawal. His public comments earned him a court martial and a forced resignation with loss of pension benefits. He had served honorably for 17 years in the Marines. I choose to read this book because I was hoping to find out more details about the decision making process as the withdrawal was planned and then executed. However, Mr. Scheller wasn’t really privy to any such details so none were revealed. He does make an excellent case for the buck stopping with the general officers and in particular General McKenzie. However, his revelation that America’s top general officers are made up of “politicians” as opposed to warriors isn’t really news. Mr. Scheller points out and demonstrates that the military advancement system rewards members who play by the rules and play it safe. In addition, as with the rest of the world, the military rewards people for who they know, not necessarily for what they know. Ultimately Mr. Scheller then points to the U.S. Congress as the group that must demand reform from the military or else America will continue to lose wars. Well, I’m sorry Mr. Scheller but those people (Congressional politicians) have made careers out of hiding under their desks when tough decisions need to be made or implemented. That is why to this day no one in authority has faced any consequences for that Afghanistan withdrawal debacle.
January 7, 2023
“…it is the mark of an educated person to search for the same kind of clarity in each topic to the extent that the nature of the matter accepts it.” - Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics
Recommended reading for all who serve in the military and civilian government roles.
My biggest takeaway from this text:
Lack of moral courage creates the conditions for moral injury to occur, and yet moral courage is the beginning of moral repair.
Recommended reading for all who serve in the military and civilian government roles.
My biggest takeaway from this text:
Lack of moral courage creates the conditions for moral injury to occur, and yet moral courage is the beginning of moral repair.
February 9, 2023
(Audiobook) (3.5 stars) This work is an autobiographical account of the Marine that spoke out on social media about the failings of the US military when Afghanistan fell back to the Taliban in the chaotic US retreat from the country after 20 years. Scheller became an internet sensation and a major pain for the Marines and the US military with his various posts challenging the lack of accountability for the generals of the war. It cost him significantly, from his career and retirement to his family. He still feels it was warranted, and now the book to add further context to his actions.
Scheller’s work is about as self-serving as can be expected. He admits to his faults, but is quicker to point out the failings of his leaders and higher commanders. He was the victim of conspiracy and coverup from commanders and generals looking to cover their own arses vs. getting to the truth. Scheller kept thinking his action will lead to the massive accountability he sought. Clearly it has not. Did he really think his post would lead to that sort of attention/upheaval he wanted? For a smart tactical marine, Scheller didn’t completely read the battlespace.
That is not to say that Scheller doesn’t make some valid points. When major military campaigns failed in the past, usually the first on the firing line were the generals and commanders. Now…hardly the case. For all of the failures associated with Afghanistan, few of the major commanders really suffered any significant career fallout. Some of the initiatives of the military are well-meaning, but the execution can put company and field grade officers in binds, making a tough job of military readiness even tougher. His critiques on a number of issues from senior leader accountability to the acquisition process are on-point. His combat experiences are unparalleled by most, and his candor about the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq are worth reviewing, especially as he had to deal with the fallout of bad strategic decisions.
Yet, is Scheller the best narrator of his own situation? Were the key documents he said should have been in his file really and deliberately withheld? There is personal bitterness and score-settling in this part memoir/part manifesto. Likely deserved at times, but the ground truth will be hard to come by. His views on January 6th vs. Black Lives Matter and his conspiratorial take on the COVID vaccine are way off-base and a peon to the far right he says he is not a part of in his work. SECDEF Austin has his flaws, and probably should not have survived the fall of Afghanistan in his current position, but the COVID vaccine mandates because of his ties to corporate America? Yeah, doesn’t help his argument.
A decent read and there is something to be said about updating some of the processes and views of senior leaders in the military. That being said, this is hardly an objective piece and that has to be taken into account when reading/listening to his work. Does a good job with the narration, so that probably helps tip the audiobook as rating higher than the written book.
Scheller’s work is about as self-serving as can be expected. He admits to his faults, but is quicker to point out the failings of his leaders and higher commanders. He was the victim of conspiracy and coverup from commanders and generals looking to cover their own arses vs. getting to the truth. Scheller kept thinking his action will lead to the massive accountability he sought. Clearly it has not. Did he really think his post would lead to that sort of attention/upheaval he wanted? For a smart tactical marine, Scheller didn’t completely read the battlespace.
That is not to say that Scheller doesn’t make some valid points. When major military campaigns failed in the past, usually the first on the firing line were the generals and commanders. Now…hardly the case. For all of the failures associated with Afghanistan, few of the major commanders really suffered any significant career fallout. Some of the initiatives of the military are well-meaning, but the execution can put company and field grade officers in binds, making a tough job of military readiness even tougher. His critiques on a number of issues from senior leader accountability to the acquisition process are on-point. His combat experiences are unparalleled by most, and his candor about the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq are worth reviewing, especially as he had to deal with the fallout of bad strategic decisions.
Yet, is Scheller the best narrator of his own situation? Were the key documents he said should have been in his file really and deliberately withheld? There is personal bitterness and score-settling in this part memoir/part manifesto. Likely deserved at times, but the ground truth will be hard to come by. His views on January 6th vs. Black Lives Matter and his conspiratorial take on the COVID vaccine are way off-base and a peon to the far right he says he is not a part of in his work. SECDEF Austin has his flaws, and probably should not have survived the fall of Afghanistan in his current position, but the COVID vaccine mandates because of his ties to corporate America? Yeah, doesn’t help his argument.
A decent read and there is something to be said about updating some of the processes and views of senior leaders in the military. That being said, this is hardly an objective piece and that has to be taken into account when reading/listening to his work. Does a good job with the narration, so that probably helps tip the audiobook as rating higher than the written book.
September 12, 2022
Lieutenant Colonel Scheller's book is one that I did not want to put down. He is to be commended for having the courage to see the faults, problems, and misgivings in the military-industrial complex and then have the courage to question the senior leadership.
The withdraw from Afghanistan was a debacle, orchestrated and ordered by inept politicians and cowardly senior officers. The mission was carried out by courageous junior enlisted members and junior officers who suffered from the decisions made above them. Those senior leaders are the individuals who refuse to be held accountable for what happened.
I served in two branches of the military as an enlisted man (USAF and USMC), but often saw the pressure to conform placed on people. LtCol Scheller had the courage to speak up and call into question the senior leadership and the decisions that were made. However, he paid the price for his courage and was punished by senior leadership who still haven't been held accountable for their actions and inactions.
LtCol Scheller points out and documents the hypocrisy, the protectionist mentality, and the favoritism existing at the highest levels of the military and government. He also illustrates the cowardice of those who privately agree with him but refuse to speak up. After all, the senior leadership of the Marine Corps has not only tried to silence LtCol Scheller, but those senior officers also know that they are creating fear amongst the junior members of the Corps to shut them up.
This is a book that should be read by all, and the content should cause all American citizens to ask the hard questions and hold the senior political and military leadership of this nation accountable.
The withdraw from Afghanistan was a debacle, orchestrated and ordered by inept politicians and cowardly senior officers. The mission was carried out by courageous junior enlisted members and junior officers who suffered from the decisions made above them. Those senior leaders are the individuals who refuse to be held accountable for what happened.
I served in two branches of the military as an enlisted man (USAF and USMC), but often saw the pressure to conform placed on people. LtCol Scheller had the courage to speak up and call into question the senior leadership and the decisions that were made. However, he paid the price for his courage and was punished by senior leadership who still haven't been held accountable for their actions and inactions.
LtCol Scheller points out and documents the hypocrisy, the protectionist mentality, and the favoritism existing at the highest levels of the military and government. He also illustrates the cowardice of those who privately agree with him but refuse to speak up. After all, the senior leadership of the Marine Corps has not only tried to silence LtCol Scheller, but those senior officers also know that they are creating fear amongst the junior members of the Corps to shut them up.
This is a book that should be read by all, and the content should cause all American citizens to ask the hard questions and hold the senior political and military leadership of this nation accountable.
September 23, 2022
A must read for the today’s Marine.
No organization is wholly free from rot and corruption, no matter how marginal or pronounced—the Marine Corps is not exempt.
LtCol Scheller details his personal and professional conflict with the institution while simultaneously exposing much broader, concerning, underlying themes that plague the modern military.
Failure to acknowledge our errors dooms us to repeat them at the expense of America’s sons and daughters. Lack of self criticism is one of the first indicators and symptoms of a dying organization.
The organization is refreshed by critical, and counter-norm perspectives that are unbound from politics, accepted-narratives, and formally approved positions.
My highest recommendation for those looking to dive into controversial and current issues plaguing the Marine Corps.
No organization is wholly free from rot and corruption, no matter how marginal or pronounced—the Marine Corps is not exempt.
LtCol Scheller details his personal and professional conflict with the institution while simultaneously exposing much broader, concerning, underlying themes that plague the modern military.
Failure to acknowledge our errors dooms us to repeat them at the expense of America’s sons and daughters. Lack of self criticism is one of the first indicators and symptoms of a dying organization.
The organization is refreshed by critical, and counter-norm perspectives that are unbound from politics, accepted-narratives, and formally approved positions.
My highest recommendation for those looking to dive into controversial and current issues plaguing the Marine Corps.
June 29, 2023
Right on target! Semper Fi!
March 15, 2025
This began as a decent autobiography. It then descends into immature rambling that is incredibly inappropriate for a Marine especially of that rank.
September 14, 2022
Crisis of Command is written as a factual detail of our current state of affairs as lived by one man. It is one man's journey, in his own words, Lt. Col. Stu Scheller, resigned. He is on a mission. Stu Scheller had the moral courage &/ cajones to demand accountability from military leadership following the Afghanistan withdrawal. That is why he went viral and why this book is a best seller. His talking points are easily relatable such as: risk, beliefs, resiliency vs. critical thought (not to be confused with c.r.t), sacrifice, deflect, anger and blame.
Stu Scheller details many leadership qualities that ring true to major corporations and also to politics. His points are nonbiased and read from the perspective of a Lt. Col. who gave of himself for 17 years, who sacrificed everything including his family. Working "dark to dark", critical decision making, "returns on investment" and how this relates to a military spouse, as well as the topic of promotions and the "yes men". He redefines PTSD as post traumatic growth. An excellent point also being examined by many in Veteran's services and even explored in continuing education classes I have taken for massage therapy.
Crisis of Command is a must read, as it is current history unfolding, it is the reason Americans are rallying behind him and his mission to effect change.
Stu Scheller details many leadership qualities that ring true to major corporations and also to politics. His points are nonbiased and read from the perspective of a Lt. Col. who gave of himself for 17 years, who sacrificed everything including his family. Working "dark to dark", critical decision making, "returns on investment" and how this relates to a military spouse, as well as the topic of promotions and the "yes men". He redefines PTSD as post traumatic growth. An excellent point also being examined by many in Veteran's services and even explored in continuing education classes I have taken for massage therapy.
Crisis of Command is a must read, as it is current history unfolding, it is the reason Americans are rallying behind him and his mission to effect change.
Read
December 17, 2022What an interesting book, on more than one level. Perhaps the most interesting is the evolution of Stuart during his journey from soldier to citizen. There is not a doubt in my mind that if you want someone in charge of winning a war, Stuart would be high on the list.
How he fought the war against his superiors, though, is a bit of a challenge. Continually poking the bear with a stick is a helluva strategy. Pushing away allies is also questionable.
More important, I am glad he took on the brass. The Afghan debacle should have raised eyebrows everywhere, and to Stuart's point, when you disagree with the President's order, there are two options, don't follow orders or provide the President with your resignation.
Although the military has been relatively good at innovating how to fight wars, it could use the kind of shakeup that Stuart recommends. That said, the political parties and bureaucracy could use the same.
Stuart, big thanks. The number of time sI thought I should just put the book down, you kept me turning pages.
How he fought the war against his superiors, though, is a bit of a challenge. Continually poking the bear with a stick is a helluva strategy. Pushing away allies is also questionable.
More important, I am glad he took on the brass. The Afghan debacle should have raised eyebrows everywhere, and to Stuart's point, when you disagree with the President's order, there are two options, don't follow orders or provide the President with your resignation.
Although the military has been relatively good at innovating how to fight wars, it could use the kind of shakeup that Stuart recommends. That said, the political parties and bureaucracy could use the same.
Stuart, big thanks. The number of time sI thought I should just put the book down, you kept me turning pages.
November 8, 2022
You can be right in what you say and yet very wrong in how you say it.
He makes a few good points about how our military currently works. However, the message is completely lost in the method and tone of the delivery.
He makes a few good points about how our military currently works. However, the message is completely lost in the method and tone of the delivery.
December 14, 2022
Well written and insightful. I may not agree with how Stu handled certain situations but I can understand looking back and living it can't be comparted. Stu documents living the experience, the pressures, the unknown factors, the motives and the penalties. He brings out the nature of the beast, he tried to slay a dragon, but this is not a children's book. Very interesting profile of humanity and its nature. What Stu saw in the generals exists in most corporate structures, it's not fair, not just or for the best, but humans are very flawed creatures and their short sightness and self desires always undermine the mission. There will be no justice as long as man is in charge.
December 22, 2022
He presents a lot of problems but no solutions, not the sign of a good leader. Also, the book would be a lot more interesting if he were less of a wanker. I guess he really does have a point about lack of accountability in the Marines.
November 14, 2023
This book exposes the same problem in the military that led to our loss in many of or recent wars. High ranking Generals whose only interest is supporting the military industrial complex and getting their next promotion.
January 14, 2023
I thought is was pretty good. I completed it in 2 days and I still don't agree with the way he went about it. Wasn't worth your family and career.
June 12, 2025
WOW. 5 star book. incredible story. I really admire the lengths to which LtCol Scheller was willing to go, some mistakes along the way but I think he was doing the best he could with the resources and knowledge he had at any given time. Really sucks he lost his wife in the process. This book resonated a lot with me, and my current position in the military. Also wild that his investigating officer was the CO at my MOS schoolhouse, and his daughter is a Lt in my peer group/aged Lt’s.
His investigation leaked his medical records, which then triggered an investigation for the investigation 🤣 I think that tells you what you need to know about the military legal system.
Some quotes I liked/ my book notes
- I don’t care when people make mistakes. When a leader makes a mistake, all I need is an acknowledgment. I missed this up, I’m sorry, but I still need you to do this. When leaders try to cover up their mistakes through deception or anger, I feel it marginalizes credibility of the entire system.
- Getting fired in military means a service member is shuffled to a less important job with an adverse or low evaluation report. The low evaluation is really what makes promotion and continues advancement after being fired almost impossible
Investigation for 5 machine gun optics. 4 months NCIS involvement
“Be willing to throw your rank on the table”
- ultimately the procedures were so loose between the reg armory, battalion, and company that there was blame all around
- given 6105 but never showed up on paperwork
- marrine corps will protect the marine corps over the welfare of the individual marine
- Relieved me of command for lack of trust and confidence, without allowing fun investigation to take place
- Original command investigation leaked medical records to the media, the opened another command investigation
- “Successful companies tend to develop a bias for predictability and stability. They work on defending what they have. Change is tempered by the fear there is much to lose. The organization at all levels filters out information that would suggest new approaches modifications or departures from the norm. The internal environment operates like an immune system to isolate or expel hostile individuals who challenge current directions or established thinking. Innovation ceases the company becomes stagnant. It is only a matter of time before aggressive competitors overtake it.” —Michael Porter, the competitive edge of nations, Harvard business review
- Officers aren’t paid to follow the rules, we are paid to know when not to follow the rules
- The system forces us to give small pieces of ourselves so we can continue playing. We are willing to give up these pieces believing it will lead to a place within the system where we eventually influence real change. The problem is, over time, those small pieces add up to significant moral spirituality mental and physical changes. The system changes people and they don’t even realize it.
- Offering me a deal and the investigation still hasn’t even been provided to me. They wanted me to accept a deal without having all the facts. Not a single officer had addressed the content of my statements. They were quick to hold me accountable, but obsolved of same principles of accountability
- What you stand for can only be defined by what you are willing to risk
- Is it possible your blind faith in the rules allows you to be controlled for someone else’s benefit? Is it possible that you are more of a prisoner than me?
- Military command investigations are directed by CO to examine alleged misconduct. The IO determines based on his judgement, what information to include in the investigation. There are no obligations of the investigating officer to include information that doesn’t support the narrative of the suspected criminal misconduct. There is no obligation of the CO to assign an officer that appears impartial
- Investigation makes subject seem as bad as want to appear
- Stipulation of facts morning of trial was copy paste from someone else’s charge sheet
- Double standard of accountability
- General officers are not impartial, not will they remain objective
- Discussing lack of accountability for Afghanistan withdrawal is more important that my personal retirement or stability
- many people agree with content, disagree with delivery. Fundamental change has never occurred in the military from professional articles. Fundamental change occurs through action and courage. Investigation, request regress, and request mast point out how fundamentally flawed processes are. If you point out the shortfalls of senior leaders, the formal complaint processes won’t help you.
- The world is defined by the brave people willing to act
- Command investigations don’t provide justice, they provide only what the commander wants to see. Reexamine procedures for complaints from the junior service member
His investigation leaked his medical records, which then triggered an investigation for the investigation 🤣 I think that tells you what you need to know about the military legal system.
Some quotes I liked/ my book notes
- I don’t care when people make mistakes. When a leader makes a mistake, all I need is an acknowledgment. I missed this up, I’m sorry, but I still need you to do this. When leaders try to cover up their mistakes through deception or anger, I feel it marginalizes credibility of the entire system.
- Getting fired in military means a service member is shuffled to a less important job with an adverse or low evaluation report. The low evaluation is really what makes promotion and continues advancement after being fired almost impossible
Investigation for 5 machine gun optics. 4 months NCIS involvement
“Be willing to throw your rank on the table”
- ultimately the procedures were so loose between the reg armory, battalion, and company that there was blame all around
- given 6105 but never showed up on paperwork
- marrine corps will protect the marine corps over the welfare of the individual marine
- Relieved me of command for lack of trust and confidence, without allowing fun investigation to take place
- Original command investigation leaked medical records to the media, the opened another command investigation
- “Successful companies tend to develop a bias for predictability and stability. They work on defending what they have. Change is tempered by the fear there is much to lose. The organization at all levels filters out information that would suggest new approaches modifications or departures from the norm. The internal environment operates like an immune system to isolate or expel hostile individuals who challenge current directions or established thinking. Innovation ceases the company becomes stagnant. It is only a matter of time before aggressive competitors overtake it.” —Michael Porter, the competitive edge of nations, Harvard business review
- Officers aren’t paid to follow the rules, we are paid to know when not to follow the rules
- The system forces us to give small pieces of ourselves so we can continue playing. We are willing to give up these pieces believing it will lead to a place within the system where we eventually influence real change. The problem is, over time, those small pieces add up to significant moral spirituality mental and physical changes. The system changes people and they don’t even realize it.
- Offering me a deal and the investigation still hasn’t even been provided to me. They wanted me to accept a deal without having all the facts. Not a single officer had addressed the content of my statements. They were quick to hold me accountable, but obsolved of same principles of accountability
- What you stand for can only be defined by what you are willing to risk
- Is it possible your blind faith in the rules allows you to be controlled for someone else’s benefit? Is it possible that you are more of a prisoner than me?
- Military command investigations are directed by CO to examine alleged misconduct. The IO determines based on his judgement, what information to include in the investigation. There are no obligations of the investigating officer to include information that doesn’t support the narrative of the suspected criminal misconduct. There is no obligation of the CO to assign an officer that appears impartial
- Investigation makes subject seem as bad as want to appear
- Stipulation of facts morning of trial was copy paste from someone else’s charge sheet
- Double standard of accountability
- General officers are not impartial, not will they remain objective
- Discussing lack of accountability for Afghanistan withdrawal is more important that my personal retirement or stability
- many people agree with content, disagree with delivery. Fundamental change has never occurred in the military from professional articles. Fundamental change occurs through action and courage. Investigation, request regress, and request mast point out how fundamentally flawed processes are. If you point out the shortfalls of senior leaders, the formal complaint processes won’t help you.
- The world is defined by the brave people willing to act
- Command investigations don’t provide justice, they provide only what the commander wants to see. Reexamine procedures for complaints from the junior service member
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
I'm coming away from this book with mixed emotions. While the author discussed the environment Marines find themselves in when deployed I was interested, having grown up in awe of Marines and their tenacity. When he shifted to discussing the mistakes of the generals and politicians, I understood this as well, knowing that people who are removed from the actual situation while making decisions with serious ramifications will push their opinions, agendas, etc. without regard to the reality of the situation. When Mr. Scheller began sharing about his decision to post his first video, I thought he should have had someone as a sounding board. The damage to his family life was almost immediate. Then he continued to post videos, against direct orders, as well as the wishes of those closest to him. I began to feel I was reading the self-destruction of a man suffering from PTSD or some other undiagnosed ailment. Even when people reached out to him wanting to help him through the situation, he pushed them away, almost appearing as though he was on a suicide mission. It also disturbed me that he reached out to his wife through social media, avoiding direct contact with her. When the life you've spent almost 2 decades building begins to fall apart you do not use social media as the platform for your discussions. Part of me sees this book as evidence that Marines, and other military, who have been deployed, whether physically injured or not, should have a strong support system in place. They may not see the need for it in themselves, but those around them are being affected by the emotions and memories being kept in check. Were the generals and politicians wrong in their decision making and were any held accountable? Did his videos make this point? It was a great sacrifice for Mr. Scheller to post the videos, but at what cost? I'm not sure his actions will bring about change, and I feel badly for his family. If you choose to read this book know that there are no easy answers.
June 27, 2023
I was interested in reading an institutional criticism of the military, but I should have known better than to expect it here. This isn't a discussion of the military's flaws or how to repair them, it's a memoir that chronicles a series of personal slights that Scheller holds against those he served with. Throughout his story, Scheller comes off as utterly stupid. He is continually shocked by the consequences of his own actions and seems to need a lot explained to him. Yet he doesn't listen to anyone else's explanations, and often seems offended that they are offered. For example, he repeatedly brings up the time that his black friend talked with him about diversity as if it were a personal attack rooted in reverse racism. Then he has the audacity to be shocked when that same friend calls for him to honorably resign after his videos. Truly, what did Scheller think was going to happen?
Though a lot of people (myself included) have criticisms of the military, it's very hard to root for Scheller when his rebellion against authority seems increasingly like some kind of mental breakdown, not a thought-out effort to effect any kind of change. He wanted attention and got it, but he had no strategy for achieving his goals, because he had no goals and no reforms in mind. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster, it's true, but Scheller has not achieved any meaningful change with his little social media posts, so what was it all for?
As the wife of a former marine, I'm honestly glad his wife left him. Good for her. I wouldn't put up with this self-aggrandizing nonsense from my husband either.
Though a lot of people (myself included) have criticisms of the military, it's very hard to root for Scheller when his rebellion against authority seems increasingly like some kind of mental breakdown, not a thought-out effort to effect any kind of change. He wanted attention and got it, but he had no strategy for achieving his goals, because he had no goals and no reforms in mind. The withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster, it's true, but Scheller has not achieved any meaningful change with his little social media posts, so what was it all for?
As the wife of a former marine, I'm honestly glad his wife left him. Good for her. I wouldn't put up with this self-aggrandizing nonsense from my husband either.
May 2, 2025
This is an incredible book - and a harrowing tale of how, sometimes, “doing the right thing ain’t doing the right thing.”
Stu Scheller is raw and transparent about who he is, what made him that way, and exactly why he said what he said and refused to be silenced by the Marine Corps’ (and the larger military’s) dominating and dystopian bureaucracy.
I agree and disagree with LtCol Scheller - but only on small details and circumstances surrounding his situation. I believe he is correct in his assertions about the imbalance of accountability across the military-industrial complex, and how that imbalance has cost the U.S. victory in all conflicts since the Korean War.
I recommend “The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today” by Thomas Ricks as a follow-up; as it drives home the message that Stu Scheller tried to convey.
Stu Scheller is raw and transparent about who he is, what made him that way, and exactly why he said what he said and refused to be silenced by the Marine Corps’ (and the larger military’s) dominating and dystopian bureaucracy.
I agree and disagree with LtCol Scheller - but only on small details and circumstances surrounding his situation. I believe he is correct in his assertions about the imbalance of accountability across the military-industrial complex, and how that imbalance has cost the U.S. victory in all conflicts since the Korean War.
I recommend “The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today” by Thomas Ricks as a follow-up; as it drives home the message that Stu Scheller tried to convey.
March 1, 2023
. . . this is a powerful book . . . P O W E R F U L . . .
ANY person desiring to be a Marine, needs to read this at a minimum twice before you sign your contract . . . it probably would be a good idea to read it at one more time; IF you plan to become an officer, you should double the number of times read . . .
. . . you do not get to pass any judgment until you have earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor . . .
. . . you definitely do not get to pass any judgment, EVER because you have not earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor . . .
. . . there will only ever be two seats at this table, a very mortal man who told his tale; the other, a very immortal man, who you might get to meet one day . . .
ANY person desiring to be a Marine, needs to read this at a minimum twice before you sign your contract . . . it probably would be a good idea to read it at one more time; IF you plan to become an officer, you should double the number of times read . . .
. . . you do not get to pass any judgment until you have earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor . . .
. . . you definitely do not get to pass any judgment, EVER because you have not earned your Eagle, Globe, and Anchor . . .
. . . there will only ever be two seats at this table, a very mortal man who told his tale; the other, a very immortal man, who you might get to meet one day . . .
August 22, 2023
This is a tough book to read. It could be the story of the unraveling of an individual due to PTSD or a courageous American hero. The former Lt. Col. in the Marines felt so strongly about America's messed up withdrawal from Afghanistan, that he proceeded to try to have senior military leaders held accountable. Continuing to hammer away at the brass, over the objections of his wife, his friends and his lawyers seems like he bordered on having a nervous breakdown. Lost his marriage, his position in the Marines and his retirement without getting the result he was hoping to get, made it seem pointless.
September 27, 2022
Crisis of Command provides detailed account of current state of affairs and military leadership. It is written from the perspective of a former Lt. Col. and Marine, Stuart Scheller. It is the voice of a valiant warrior who shares his experiences and who demands the need for moral leadership and accountability from top leaders. The author himself details his experiences and paid the price for taking a stand for accountability! This book is a must read and in my personal library as one that is heartfelt and relevant to All Americans who believe that accountability matters!
May 24, 2025
This book offers a deep dive into the systematic decay of the US military, of the prioritization of politics and nepotism over meritocracy, made tangible through the lived experiences of a decorated combat veteran who got to witness it first hand as it happened. This man sacrificed a life-long career to make his stand, all in pursuit of a simple objective: “I demand accountability.” This book is the product of the pursuit, and I believe it fleshes out his arguments well and makes his calls for reform clear.
January 25, 2023
A lot of questions answery
Why are we loosing wars? Bad leaders interested primarily in their own best interests rather their best interests through the common goal.
Why are service members commiting suicide. Same answer.
Why can't they recruit. Same answer.
Mr Scheller sacrificed much to bring the weakness out and we still have bad leaders. The ramifications for the future are not good. Hopefully he can rebuild a meaningful life. My opinion
Why are we loosing wars? Bad leaders interested primarily in their own best interests rather their best interests through the common goal.
Why are service members commiting suicide. Same answer.
Why can't they recruit. Same answer.
Mr Scheller sacrificed much to bring the weakness out and we still have bad leaders. The ramifications for the future are not good. Hopefully he can rebuild a meaningful life. My opinion
June 24, 2023
Great story, appreciated the candor. Highly recommend reading this account. Unless more people are willing to take a stand that risks their career, the US military is doomed to fail in the next large engagement… some might argue they’re already losing.
PS, Stu wasn’t the first since Vietnam to be charged with Article 88, and probably won’t be the last… it’s the new favorite weapon of leftists in the military injustice system to wield against conservatives who are serving…
PS, Stu wasn’t the first since Vietnam to be charged with Article 88, and probably won’t be the last… it’s the new favorite weapon of leftists in the military injustice system to wield against conservatives who are serving…
October 11, 2022
Bureaucracy
How much of what Schiller went through was bureaucratic: checking off the boxes during battle—not getting air support during an ambush, but getting it when the Taliban claimed to have a prisoner. And most of all, superior officers who were checking off the boxes to get themselves promoted.
How much of what Schiller went through was bureaucratic: checking off the boxes during battle—not getting air support during an ambush, but getting it when the Taliban claimed to have a prisoner. And most of all, superior officers who were checking off the boxes to get themselves promoted.
October 29, 2022
First book in a long time that I didn’t want to put down. I followed the author from his first video and would definitely follow him into battle. Stuart Scheller talks about the experiences he faced after posting his video all the way to his discharge. I highly recommend this book to anyone who witnessed the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and wanted to speak up. Stuart did it for everyone.
January 4, 2023
Amazing Book.....
To say that I enjoyed the book would not be accurate. I am not in the military, but I married a Navcad, which identifies my age as close as I care to.
This was a book I couldn't put down. My respect for the author is immense.
May God bless Mr Scheller, and God bless our American military.
To say that I enjoyed the book would not be accurate. I am not in the military, but I married a Navcad, which identifies my age as close as I care to.
This was a book I couldn't put down. My respect for the author is immense.
May God bless Mr Scheller, and God bless our American military.
November 24, 2023
was excited to read this book because it was a recommendation. the structure of the narrative is engaging, as Scheller dives deep to help the reader understand his thought process. his story is very moving and there are many leadership lessons to be learned from his experience, not only in the military but corporate America too. i recommend learning about Scheller’s story!
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