Rep. Mike Waltz, a retired colonel and the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress, will be releasing a new book in the fall of 2024 titled “Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret.” The book, scheduled to be published by St. Martin’s Press on Oct. 22, will dive into the mindset required for success in combat, business, and politics. Waltz, who has served multiple tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa, shares tough lessons learned during his military service, including dramatic experiences like the tough decision to spare a child acting as a spotter for the Taliban.
Former President Donald Trump has praised Waltz’s military expertise, with Trump acknowledging him as a key Republican voice on defense and foreign policy matters during the 2024 national election cycle. In his upcoming book, Waltz plans to share the mindset he honed in the military and how those principles can help individuals overcome everyday challenges in politics, business, and life. He emphasizes Green Beret principles such as conflict resolution, discipline, self-control, determination, persistence, and bold leadership.
During one of Waltz’s tours in Afghanistan, he faced a challenging situation where a young boy was spared from harm after he refused to give permission for a sniper to take him out. Waltz’s book also explores another intense incident where the Taliban hanged a different boy in front of his family for not being willing to fight for them. These difficult experiences in war shaped Waltz’s approach to decision-making and moral integrity, which he hopes to share with readers in “Hard Truths: Think and Lead Like a Green Beret.”
Jack Carr, a former Navy SEAL sniper and bestselling author, commended Waltz for his sacrifices and contributions to America, noting that veterans like Waltz provide hope for the future. Carr highlighted Waltz’s understanding of maintaining the moral high ground, both in combat and in Congress, and applying lessons from the past to create a better future. Waltz, who is also the author of “Warrior Diplomat: a Green Beret’s Battles from Washington to Afghanistan,” has been decorated with four Bronze Stars, two with valor, for his actions in combat.
Waltz’s book aims to illustrate the importance of Green Beret principles in navigating challenges in various aspects of life, drawing from his extensive military career and time in Congress. The book’s content will offer insights into leadership, decision-making, and maintaining moral integrity in difficult situations. Through sharing his personal experiences and lessons learned, Waltz hopes to inspire and empower readers to overcome obstacles and make a positive impact in their own lives, echoing the values of discipline, determination, and bold leadership instilled in him during his time as a Green Beret and a military veteran.
As a congressman, Waltz represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District and continues to be a prominent voice on defense and foreign policy matters. His upcoming book release is highly anticipated, with early praise from notable figures like former President Trump and bestselling author Jack Carr. Waltz’s dedication to serving his country, both in the military and in Congress, reflects a commitment to upholding values of integrity, leadership, and sacrifice, qualities that are poised to resonate with readers seeking inspiration and guidance in achieving success and overcoming challenges in their own lives.
