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A Soldier First: Bullets, Bureaucrats and the Politics of War
Canada's most popular military leader since the Second World War tells his own story about our soldiers at war. In the summer of 2008, General Rick Hillier resigned his command as Chief of the Defence Staff of the Canadian Forces. You could almost hear the sigh of relief in Ottawa as Canada's most popular, and most controversial, leader since the Second World War left a role in which he'd been as frank-speaking, as unpredictable, and as resolutely apolitical as any military leader this country has ever seen.
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Hillier joined the military as a young man and quickly climbed the ranks. He played a significant role in domestic challenges, such as the 1998 ice story that paralyzed much of eastern Ontario and Quebec, and he quickly became a player on the international scene, commanding an American corps in Texas and a multinational NATO task force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. But it was his role as General Rick Hillier, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, that defined him as a Canadian public figure. In Afghanistan, Canada faced its first combat losses since the Korean War and every casualty suddenly became front-page news. A country formerly ambivalent or even angry about its role in the conflict suddenly became gripped by the drama playing out not only in the war zone of a country half-way around the world, but in the unfriendly conference rooms in the country's capital as Hillier pulled no punches, demanding more funding and more troops and more appreciation for the women and men fighting a war on foreign soil.
"A Soldier First" is a hard-hitting, frank account of Hillier's role in his own words. The man who never backed down from the Taliban or Canada's top political leaders tells all in what will be one of the most important books to come out of this country this decade.
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Hillier joined the military as a young man and quickly climbed the ranks. He played a significant role in domestic challenges, such as the 1998 ice story that paralyzed much of eastern Ontario and Quebec, and he quickly became a player on the international scene, commanding an American corps in Texas and a multinational NATO task force in Bosnia-Herzegovina. But it was his role as General Rick Hillier, Canada's Chief of the Defence Staff, that defined him as a Canadian public figure. In Afghanistan, Canada faced its first combat losses since the Korean War and every casualty suddenly became front-page news. A country formerly ambivalent or even angry about its role in the conflict suddenly became gripped by the drama playing out not only in the war zone of a country half-way around the world, but in the unfriendly conference rooms in the country's capital as Hillier pulled no punches, demanding more funding and more troops and more appreciation for the women and men fighting a war on foreign soil.
"A Soldier First" is a hard-hitting, frank account of Hillier's role in his own words. The man who never backed down from the Taliban or Canada's top political leaders tells all in what will be one of the most important books to come out of this country this decade.
513 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
15 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 29, 2016
Okay, i'm giving up on this one. There are just too many other books I'm interested in at the moment. I've made it halfway through this book and have enjoyed what I did read of it. Not the best written book, and a little dry at times, but it's a good insight behind the scenes. I remember hearing in the news about some of the items he discussed. It was interesting to hear the other side of the story. Sounds like the soldiers to be under his command were lucky to have served with him.
January 31, 2013
Really liked it! The title says it all..A Soldier First and a soldier to the end. He really stood up for his troops and always had their best interest at heart. He understood his men and women so well; he knew what motivated them, how to train them, and always got to the crux of the matter when discussing issues. He always stood up for what he believed was right for the troops and for our country. What a wonderful Canadian he is! We were so fortunate to have him as the leader of our armed forces.
February 18, 2012
A good read and an inside look at the Canadian army. But Hillier obviously found his calling as a general, not as an author :)
April 22, 2014
Self-congratulatory.
June 5, 2024
This is a surprisingly good book. Some books by Generals have too many acronyms, a lot of detail and a lot of very specific lexicon. Hillier has held several positions including commander of Canadian forces in Bosnia, and Afghanistan and Chief of Defense Staff for the entire Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Despite his broad experience and deep knowledge, he manages to keep the undefined acronyms and the military lexicon under control to make the book more readable. Hillier is clear on which politicians understand why we have Canadian Armed Forces (to kill) and who support the Canadian Armed Forces with the tools they need to execute all the tasks they are given. We are not told who they are, rather we are told how they act.
Hillier does what is needed before he is told. For example, during the 1998 ice storm that crippled Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Montreal and large areas of Quebec he was aware that military assistance would be required well before he was asked to contribute. As commander at Base Petawawa, he drove to Ottawa and discovered the extent and seriousness of the damage and initiated the movement of personnel and equipment to the damaged areas before he received the request. Initiating activity early allowed him to position and fine tune his resources where they were needed. When assigned to Bosnia, he immediately recognized the requirement as Peacemaking in lieu of Peacekeeping. As the UN was not equipped for that purpose, he urged NATO to step in. This took time but NATO collected military intelligence and supplied air and ground forces to stop the killing and forcefully gather heavy and personal weapons to prevent re-armament and ethnic cleansing.
Afghanistan was bigger. As the Taliban returned, Canada took a major challenge in the south. With Hillier’s help, Canada was able to increase its capacity in heavy (C-17) and light (C-130J) air transport, tanks, heavy helicopters and desert gear that was required. Unfortunately, CAF also had to re-develop and execute care and transportation of wounded and killed. Canadian civilians, on their own. recognized and participated in the necessary transportation and respect. They also participated in the care of the families of the dead and wounded. Their participation encouraged the government to increase care for the families and wounded.
As Chief of Defense Staff, he realized that NATO was looking like a government. Most members wanted a say, many did not provide the troops or equipment they promised, nor would they allow their troops to engage in any action with risk. Hillier resigned before Canada left Afghanistan but felt that Canadian Troops were proud to be Canadian and Canadians had become proud of their troops.
Hillier left messages. Military acquisition takes far too long and places far too much emphasis on canadianization. Despite elected leaders setting plans, senior bureaucrats do not put enough energy on achieving the plan. They delay and twist and fight tooth and nail to increase their share of budget and resources, regardless of plan. Four and a half Stars.
Hillier does what is needed before he is told. For example, during the 1998 ice storm that crippled Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, Montreal and large areas of Quebec he was aware that military assistance would be required well before he was asked to contribute. As commander at Base Petawawa, he drove to Ottawa and discovered the extent and seriousness of the damage and initiated the movement of personnel and equipment to the damaged areas before he received the request. Initiating activity early allowed him to position and fine tune his resources where they were needed. When assigned to Bosnia, he immediately recognized the requirement as Peacemaking in lieu of Peacekeeping. As the UN was not equipped for that purpose, he urged NATO to step in. This took time but NATO collected military intelligence and supplied air and ground forces to stop the killing and forcefully gather heavy and personal weapons to prevent re-armament and ethnic cleansing.
Afghanistan was bigger. As the Taliban returned, Canada took a major challenge in the south. With Hillier’s help, Canada was able to increase its capacity in heavy (C-17) and light (C-130J) air transport, tanks, heavy helicopters and desert gear that was required. Unfortunately, CAF also had to re-develop and execute care and transportation of wounded and killed. Canadian civilians, on their own. recognized and participated in the necessary transportation and respect. They also participated in the care of the families of the dead and wounded. Their participation encouraged the government to increase care for the families and wounded.
As Chief of Defense Staff, he realized that NATO was looking like a government. Most members wanted a say, many did not provide the troops or equipment they promised, nor would they allow their troops to engage in any action with risk. Hillier resigned before Canada left Afghanistan but felt that Canadian Troops were proud to be Canadian and Canadians had become proud of their troops.
Hillier left messages. Military acquisition takes far too long and places far too much emphasis on canadianization. Despite elected leaders setting plans, senior bureaucrats do not put enough energy on achieving the plan. They delay and twist and fight tooth and nail to increase their share of budget and resources, regardless of plan. Four and a half Stars.
January 27, 2024
From the tough and competent Rick Hillier, A Soldier First, is a tribute to the last generation of proud soldiers serving the Canadian Armed Forces. Here is a man who never backed down from the Canada's top political leaders, or the Taliban, and who served as Chief of Defence Staff in Canada to change the way his country played the game. His outspoken hold-no-punches direct action mentality translates on the page as he recollects the early years of his career, the dark ages for the Forces, and the first time since Korea that Canada had become engaged in casualty producing conflict. He was a leader among the men and women he served, and the lessons recorded in this book will carry his legacy to any aspiring leader who has never had the good fortune to serve under his command. A Soldier First is a philosophy of overcoming.
December 8, 2018
I have had this on my "too read" list for a number of years and I have finally managed to eliminate it from said list with a good, solid reading week. As a Canadian, this soldier did a lot to enlighten the population to the going on of our troops involved in the ISAF coalition. The relation between military and government was very interesting. As the title implies, General Hillier discussed more of the disputes and differences of opinion between the two establishments in trying to find common ground in how to approach the goal of self government in the Afghanistan country.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to understand the frustration of running a war on all levels of structure.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to understand the frustration of running a war on all levels of structure.
November 22, 2024
A very enjoyable easy read which gave me a good insight into the CF and it’s battle with politicians and bureaucrats hogtying their budgets and interfering unnecessarily with it’s running. Thankfully it seems despite this there are actually some good politicians and bureaucrats that haven’t totally lost their common sense and can still do the right thing.
September 2, 2024
Inspiring
This book is truly inspirational and should be read by every young Canadian in high school as should Sunray a book about Nichola Goddard by Valerie Courtney. I believe our young people would be well served by being exposed to what true Canadian heroism really is.
This book is truly inspirational and should be read by every young Canadian in high school as should Sunray a book about Nichola Goddard by Valerie Courtney. I believe our young people would be well served by being exposed to what true Canadian heroism really is.
January 5, 2020
A fantastic view of the modern Canadian military from an incredible mans career and point of view. Eye opening and inspiring to service members and their families. A must-read for any Canadian military member or anyone wanting to enlist, to understand the history and present-day challenges the military is facing. General Hillier is a leader we needed, compassionate, tough as nails, and hilarious as a Newfie could be. Really enjoyed this book, can’t wait to read his second book on leadership.
September 1, 2010
An excellent chronicle of the life and ideologies of one of Canada's finest soldiers. Gen. Rick Hillier details the myriad of political incompetencies that once plagued the Canadian Military system, and he documents the leadership role he undertook in overhauling the flawed 'peacemaker' system to make Canada one of the most respected combat forces in Afghanistan.
Written with the systematic and tactical insight of a military General, and combined with the flair of a grassroots, blue-collar Newfie whose passion for the military and those who serve is evident throughout the book. This book is a great read for all Canadians interested in the Afghan mission and the state of our foreign and military policy, irregardless of their position about the War on Terror.
Written with the systematic and tactical insight of a military General, and combined with the flair of a grassroots, blue-collar Newfie whose passion for the military and those who serve is evident throughout the book. This book is a great read for all Canadians interested in the Afghan mission and the state of our foreign and military policy, irregardless of their position about the War on Terror.
December 18, 2016
I found this book quite interesting. As a retired Canadian Army officer, I was impacted by much of what Hillier had to say. I recall wrestling with trying to do my job and come up with ways to "make things right" for soldiers, but they got done in the end. I think he did a lot of things right and set the stage for Walt N who followed him.
I missed serving under General Hillier a couple of times and wish I had.
I enjoyed the insight he provided and think that it is a worthwhile read for someone who served during this period.
I missed serving under General Hillier a couple of times and wish I had.
I enjoyed the insight he provided and think that it is a worthwhile read for someone who served during this period.
December 16, 2011
Excellent! I don't really know any other way to describe this book.
General Hillier, is straight talking down to earth Newfoundlander who single handily raised the morale amongst the troops he commanded. He was not afraid to get his boots dirty in order to get the job done!
General Hillier, is straight talking down to earth Newfoundlander who single handily raised the morale amongst the troops he commanded. He was not afraid to get his boots dirty in order to get the job done!
July 23, 2011
An easy read, interesting because I served in the Canadian Forces during the same time frame as General Hillier, mind you my experiences are somewhat different. Still, I recognize the issues he highlights. Not my favourite biography, but still interesting.
October 2, 2012
Ever run an 85,000 person company? Neither have I, but I got lots of insight on how it's done. Personal leadership, vision, and hard work. If you want to see what it looks like read this book.
(And if you want to learn more about leadership, read biographies. It's the best way.)
(And if you want to learn more about leadership, read biographies. It's the best way.)
February 13, 2010
Interesting, although not a book, which grips your attention very political, and revealing will plow on at a chapter at a time pace
April 6, 2010
great look at politics of Canadian Forces
April 3, 2010
Excellent. A little slow moving at first, but the positivity and passion make up for it. Definitely worth the read.
December 6, 2011
I just started, and it's awesome!
This book was amazing and one I think Canadians really should read!
This book was amazing and one I think Canadians really should read!
February 15, 2013
Excellent!! Rick hiller grew up in a newfoundland Outport next to my hometown Community so was an interesting read for me!!
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June 3, 2013One of the most respected officers in the Canadian Forces. I have always admired General Hillier. The book is fantastic. It gives you an officers point of view on how the CF operates.
February 12, 2016
Great read!
This is a great look into the CAF and what it takes to lead such a massive public entity. Very enjoyable.
This is a great look into the CAF and what it takes to lead such a massive public entity. Very enjoyable.
April 26, 2010
Very fun and informative read. He's an awesome man.
January 1, 2014
Every Canadian should read this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews