TDS Time Machine | Secretaries of Defense

In 'Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War', Robert M. Gates recounts his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Defense, offering insights into his service under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The book provides a candid look at his experiences managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his interactions with the White House, Congress, and the Pentagon. Gates shares his personal reflections on leadership, policy decisions, and the challenges of war.

Known and Unknown: A Memoir is Donald Rumsfeld's autobiographical account of his half-century career in American politics and government. The book covers his early political roles, service in the Nixon and Ford administrations, and his tenure as Secretary of Defense during the Bush administration, including the post-9/11 wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. It reveals previously undisclosed details and documents, offering Rumsfeld's candid perspectives on major historical events and figures. The memoir also addresses controversies such as Abu Ghraib and Guantánamo Bay, and reflects on the challenges of transforming the U.S. military for the 21st century.