Acknowledgments

ORI BRAFMAN:

Its only appropriate that a book about chaos would have its share of, well, chaos. It was written on military bases late at night, in cafs across San Francisco, and in New York apartments involving treasure chests of jewelry and the Secret Service. Im indebted to everyone whos made this entire journey possible.

Judah Pollack has been a partner involved in every bit of the writing process through thick and thin since the books inception, and Im fortunate to have benefited from his unrelenting curiosity, his tireless dedication, and his creative mind, which is an extraordinary incubator for ideas. Rom Brafman, as always, prevented the process from becoming overly chaotic and is the most supportive and selfless brother anyone could hope for. Kelly McVicker was an instrumental part of the writing and editing process and encouraged, inspired, and offered bits of magic when I needed them most. Steve Rotkoffs insights into the army were invaluable, and Im grateful to have had him as a friend through this process. Hilary Roberts and her red pencil continue to make me sound more refinednot an easy feat. I appreciate the discerning eyes of Alison Roberts, Heather Gunther, and Lori Matheson, who lent their time to read the manuscript at various stages along the way.

Im fortunate to have gotten to know General Martin Dempsey. His leadership gives even a Berkeley person like me faith in the military. Dave Horan has been a trusted guide and has offered enormously helpful advice. Maxie McFarland and Greg Fontenot were key in bringing my program to the army. Im continually grateful to the soldiers and officers who participated in the program, as well as the soldiers and families across the nation who continue to serve.

Esther Newberg and her team at ICMLiz Farrell, Kari Stuart, and Zoe Sandlercontinue to be unwavering champions. I cant imagine a better team to have on my side. Similarly, Roger Scholl has been a creative ally and gracious editor. His team at Random Housepublisher Tina Constable, editor in chief Mauro DiPreta, publicity and marketing director Tara Gilbride, publicist Ayelet Gruenspecht, production editor Cindy Berman, editorial assistant Derek Reed, interior book designer Songhee Kim, and jacket designer Drue Dixonhave been a joy to work with.

Throughout the writing process, Ive been bolstered by the support of family and friends: Tsilla and Hagay Brafman, Nira Chaikin, Josyn Herce, Megan and John Hutchinson, Lisa Kimball, Cort Worthington, Ron Ricci, Chip Colbert, Jason Thomas, Matt Brady, Denise Egri, Amy Pospiech, Dina Kaplan, Noah Kagan, Matt Miller and Katie Brown, David Blatte, Corey Modeste, Aviva Mohilner, Jessica Laughlin, Liz ODonnell, Sara Olsen, Josh Rosenblum, Mark Schlosberg, Michael Breyer, Amy Shuster, Rachman Blake, Pete Sims, Rudy Tan, Pam and Roy Webb, Kimberly Wicoff, Melanie Yelton, Barrett Horne, Ron Martin, and so many others. Im fortunate to have you in my life.

JUDAH POLLACK:

First I must thank Ori Brafman, for asking me what I was working on, for then inviting me on this trip, and for captaining the ship through storms and doldrums. To my formal guides, Rosenberg, Benjy, Isa, Cort, Lisa. And to my informal ones, Allan, Barrett, Olivia. To my ladies of genius, Sera and Meg, for letting me sit in. And to those patient souls, otherwise known as my family, for listening: Darci, Kate, Dov, Michael, Debarati, Noah, Hugh, Mom, and Dad. And to Tara, for loving me.