Duty

As the book's title implies, its primary theme is the concept of duty, which can take on many forms. In this case it refers to the author's sense of duty to serve his country when called. In the book's opening chapter, Gates clearly states that while serving as president of Texas A&M University, he had no intention of returning to Washington in any capacity. In fact, he turned down an earlier offer to join the Bush 43 administration as Director of National Intelligence. Although he took considerable time and effort to consider that offer, he did not hesitate when he was approached about becoming Secretary of Defense, stating that, "We have kids dying in two wars. If the President thinks I can help, I have no choice but to say yes. It's my duty."

Throughout the book, Gates returns to the idea that serving as Secretary of Defense...