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American to the Corps: Iraq, Bosnia, Benghazi, Snowden: A Marine Corps Intelligence Officer's Incredible Journey
American to the Corps presents a firsthand account of many of the most high-profile national security events of the last thirty years as experienced by LtCol. Jonathon P. Myers, United States Marine Corps. LtCol. Myers, through a combination of skill and circumstance, found himself at the center of many of the most prominent events of the last several decades, including the American response to the terrorist attacks in Benghazi; the rescue of Capt. Scott O'Grady from Bosnia; the investigation of the theft of classified information by Edward Snowden; the investigation of spy Robert Hanssen; the war against South American drug trafficking cartels; and the invasion of Iraq. The son of career CIA agents and hailing from an extended family of high-level intelligence operatives, Myers was at the epicenter of the action for three decades. His accounts provide a no-holds-barred, humorous, and sometimes emotional look behind the veil of secrecy of modern day national security, intelligence, and Marine Corps training and operations.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2021
36 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 21, 2022
Leadership, Mission, and Making a Difference
I wasn’t able to put this book down upon cracking the cover open and reading the first few pages. It’s a story that begins with the early years and family life of LtCol Meyers and his desire to become a United States Marine.
Nearly everyone who serves in the US Armed Forces becomes caught up in making history, and their contributions range from minor to highly significant. LtCol Myers was in the latter group, and he demonstrated uncanny recall of the details about missions and personnel. His writing style brings the reader into the moment and makes one feel like a participant.
The stories within the book are highly entertaining and provide eyewitness details that otherwise would not see the light of day. In short, if you read this book, you will be exposed to information that you probably have neither read nor heard elsewhere.
I especially liked the descriptions of workplace dynamics. Most organizations expect that everyone will “toe the line” in order to foster harmony, and for good reasons. Admiral Arleigh Burke said, “It takes a good man to occasionally disagree with his superiors.” And that “A man who agrees with his superiors all of the time will agree with the enemy on the battlefield.” LtCol Myers shows how speaking up is risky but occasionally necessary.
LtCol Myers seemed to gravitate toward challenging assignments, and he didn’t follow the routine paths of his peers. That is the beauty of his story. He indirectly shows the reader how his sense of self and putting the mission first placed him in challenging situations that matched his personality and leadership style. One can clearly see that his expertise, drive, and sense of mission allowed him to rise through the ranks. Then, as he reached the pinnacle of his career, he was hand-picked for high visibility assignments where he flourished.
Perhaps the most vital takeaway message from “American to the Corps” is that doing what is right can be painful, but despite the challenges, one person can make a difference – even shape history.
I highly recommend this book.
I wasn’t able to put this book down upon cracking the cover open and reading the first few pages. It’s a story that begins with the early years and family life of LtCol Meyers and his desire to become a United States Marine.
Nearly everyone who serves in the US Armed Forces becomes caught up in making history, and their contributions range from minor to highly significant. LtCol Myers was in the latter group, and he demonstrated uncanny recall of the details about missions and personnel. His writing style brings the reader into the moment and makes one feel like a participant.
The stories within the book are highly entertaining and provide eyewitness details that otherwise would not see the light of day. In short, if you read this book, you will be exposed to information that you probably have neither read nor heard elsewhere.
I especially liked the descriptions of workplace dynamics. Most organizations expect that everyone will “toe the line” in order to foster harmony, and for good reasons. Admiral Arleigh Burke said, “It takes a good man to occasionally disagree with his superiors.” And that “A man who agrees with his superiors all of the time will agree with the enemy on the battlefield.” LtCol Myers shows how speaking up is risky but occasionally necessary.
LtCol Myers seemed to gravitate toward challenging assignments, and he didn’t follow the routine paths of his peers. That is the beauty of his story. He indirectly shows the reader how his sense of self and putting the mission first placed him in challenging situations that matched his personality and leadership style. One can clearly see that his expertise, drive, and sense of mission allowed him to rise through the ranks. Then, as he reached the pinnacle of his career, he was hand-picked for high visibility assignments where he flourished.
Perhaps the most vital takeaway message from “American to the Corps” is that doing what is right can be painful, but despite the challenges, one person can make a difference – even shape history.
I highly recommend this book.
May 12, 2021
Inspiring Account of an American Patriot!
When I heard about this book, I was initially drawn in by the Snowden and Benghazi teaser. While I found those chapters riveting (not to mention eye opening), I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book in its entirety. I have extended family serving in the USMC and Navy, and this book served to humanize them and their professions for me. Until I read this book, I had always thought the lives and experiences of service members revolved only around warfighting. While that is obviously huge part of their job, the work they do is much more dimensional than I assumed it to be. Myers' account of events in his career made me laugh out loud at some points, and pricked at my eyes during others. It also made me think that maybe I should have pursued a military career as well. I can't imagine any other job field providing the same breadth and depth of experience that Myers received in his. His ability to thrive in challenging environments from childhood through retirement is remarkable, and I enjoyed reading each and every account in this memoir. I like how each chapter stands on its own, so if you need to put the book down, it's easy to do so without having to remember where you were. I must admit, however, that I read this nearly straight through because I found it so entertaining. I strongly recommend this book, and plan to purchase some additional copies to share with friends and family.
An excellent account by an author who understands the subject matter as a person and professional. Highly recommended.
When I heard about this book, I was initially drawn in by the Snowden and Benghazi teaser. While I found those chapters riveting (not to mention eye opening), I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book in its entirety. I have extended family serving in the USMC and Navy, and this book served to humanize them and their professions for me. Until I read this book, I had always thought the lives and experiences of service members revolved only around warfighting. While that is obviously huge part of their job, the work they do is much more dimensional than I assumed it to be. Myers' account of events in his career made me laugh out loud at some points, and pricked at my eyes during others. It also made me think that maybe I should have pursued a military career as well. I can't imagine any other job field providing the same breadth and depth of experience that Myers received in his. His ability to thrive in challenging environments from childhood through retirement is remarkable, and I enjoyed reading each and every account in this memoir. I like how each chapter stands on its own, so if you need to put the book down, it's easy to do so without having to remember where you were. I must admit, however, that I read this nearly straight through because I found it so entertaining. I strongly recommend this book, and plan to purchase some additional copies to share with friends and family.
An excellent account by an author who understands the subject matter as a person and professional. Highly recommended.
November 16, 2021
I thought this was an excellent book, particularly for those of us who have not had military experience and training. Jon Myers' life in the Marine Corps, training and various postings was an eye-opening, exciting account of his 32 years prior to retirement.
Of special importance were opportunities that detailed Jon's time in places like Africa, where he soaked up the cultural nuances and became an acknowledged expert, relied on by top military advisors including the White House. It was depressing to read how one facet of his hard work at the State Department, with the "Toys for Tots" campaign, was undermined by Hillary Clinton and her minions; she was also the one (along with top generals who could not make a decision) that contributed to the Benghazi debacle.
Jon also provided his take on why the Snowden theft of classified information was so devastating; that he was motivated by petty self-interest and revenge rather than "protection for the American people" as he claimed.
This book was a well-written, concise account of an American Marine's journey during service to his country. I recommend it.
Of special importance were opportunities that detailed Jon's time in places like Africa, where he soaked up the cultural nuances and became an acknowledged expert, relied on by top military advisors including the White House. It was depressing to read how one facet of his hard work at the State Department, with the "Toys for Tots" campaign, was undermined by Hillary Clinton and her minions; she was also the one (along with top generals who could not make a decision) that contributed to the Benghazi debacle.
Jon also provided his take on why the Snowden theft of classified information was so devastating; that he was motivated by petty self-interest and revenge rather than "protection for the American people" as he claimed.
This book was a well-written, concise account of an American Marine's journey during service to his country. I recommend it.
January 24, 2022
So at first this book was slightly hard for me to really get into because the author comes across as a bit of a, ehhhhhh, show off maybe to put it nicely ha! But i’m SO glad we have men like him in the military to stand up to evil & I left the book with a new respect for all our military. I already respected our military, but it definitely deepened my appreciation for them and my appreciation of America! God bless America. I would definitely read another book by him!
September 22, 2021
Unique marine story
The incredible life story of a very unique marine. From Iraq to Africa he was involved in a very different job of USMC intelligence. I had a hard time putting book down and was sad when it ended.
The incredible life story of a very unique marine. From Iraq to Africa he was involved in a very different job of USMC intelligence. I had a hard time putting book down and was sad when it ended.
June 8, 2022
The self described Forrest Gump of Marine Intelligence
Like "Moving Mountains" by Gus Pagonis, an interesting tale of an unconventional career.
Well worth reading for those interested in world affairs, recent military history, politics and intelligence.
Like "Moving Mountains" by Gus Pagonis, an interesting tale of an unconventional career.
Well worth reading for those interested in world affairs, recent military history, politics and intelligence.
July 3, 2021
If it had not been for my dogs needing attention, I would not have once put this book down! I cannot recommend it enough!
January 15, 2025
Ok read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews