Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy

by Thomas B. Modly

Overview

Thomas Modly had an eclectic career in the military, academia, business, and government when he answered the call to service in 2017 and returned to the Navy where his career began. His experience, as chronicled in these pages, tells the story of Secretary Modly’s quest to advance the Department of the Navy’s preparedness for the challenges of this century. As Acting Secretary of the Navy he held fast to the mantra of “acting, not pretending,” and thus advocated aggressively for the Navy and Marine Corps’ future — a future he believed would be defined by uncertainty and unpredictability. Every Friday he wrote a personal message to the entire Department regardless of rank. Those messages were called SECNAV Vectors. Each Vector was intended to clearly communicate his priorities and to establish a rapport with all levels of the organization. The subject of each Vector was inspired by real events that occurred in real time. As these events unfolded , the Secretary’s unyielding emphasis on being prepared for unpredictable events are proven to be prescient as the Navy found itself, unintentionally, in the center of COVID-19 crisis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781642257021
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	03/21/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	520
Sales rank:	606,145
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Honorable THOMAS B. MODLY is an innovative leader with distinguished accomplishments in the military, academia, business, and government service at the highest levels. He recently served as the 33rd Under Secretary of the Navy, and for five months, as the Acting Secretary of the Navy. His leadership style was marked by his compassion for Sailors and Marines and their families, his propensity to challenge conventional wisdom, and his prioritization on the intellectual development of his subordinates. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree with distinction from the US Naval Academy, a master’s degree in Government from Georgetown University, and an MBA with honors from Harvard Business School. He is donating 100% of his proceeds from the sale of this book to charities supporting Navy and Marine Corps veterans and their families.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface

Prologue: THROUGH THE FOG
Chapter 1: THE WATERS AROUND ME
Chapter 2: GOOD TIMES
Chapter 3: SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE
Chapter 4: THUNDERSTRUCK
Chapter 5: THE CLOCK TICKS
Chapter 6: PAIN AND SORROW
Chapter 7: CRASHING BY DESIGN
Chapter 8: SACRIFICE
Chapter 9: RIPPLES
Chapter 10: SMOKE AND MIRRORS
Chapter 11: SOMETHING BETTER
Chapter 12: BROTHERS (AND SISTERS) IN ARMS
Chapter 13: ALL THAT COUNTS
Chapter 14: HEARTS RIPPED OUT
Chapter 15: RELAY RACING
Chapter 16: SLICES OF THE PIE
Chapter 17: ROCKING THE BOAT
Chapter 18: THE EDGE OF THE STAGE
Chapter 19: A POVERTY OF EXPECTATION
Chapter 20: SO STRANGE
Chapter 21: COURAGE
Chapter 22: COLLAPSE
Chapter 23: A DIRTY DAY
Chapter 24: SPEAKING LIFE
Epilogue: "BEAT ARMY, SIR!"

Illustration Credits

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, representing a state that is Navy proud, I observed Secretary Thomas Modly’s patriotic service to his country. From Annapolis plebe to Secretary, Vectors tracks Modly’s devotion and leadership under difficult times at home, abroad, and within the Pentagon. He is candid about the challenges we face as a nation and the way tough politics can alter and warp best intent and efforts. He’s also candid about his own successes and missteps, refreshingly so in a world of PR and spin. Vectors is a pinpoint picture of a moment in time offering leadership lessons transcending the moment. And it shows the Tom Modly I came to know — earnest, curious, doing his best amidst the din, striving to always improve.”
— Tim Kaine
United States Senator, Virginia


“Vectors is a masterpiece! Compelling, entertaining, and passionate. In this powerful book former Navy Secretary Modly uses stories to expose the pivotal importance of character in life’s decisions. A tenure marked by triumphs and heartbreaks, his book celebrates heroes encountered along his journey . . . heroes who give us hope that the nation and the Navy will conquer their inevitable challenges.”
— Honorable Barbara Barrett
Former Secretary of the Air Force and U.S. Ambassador to Finland


“Vectors brilliantly chronicles the leadership challenges and adversity faced by Secretary Thomas Modly as he was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight to lead the Navy. Among many of the courageous decisions he details in this book, Secretary Modly describes the naming of a nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN - 81) for Mess Attendant Doris (Dorie) Miller, an African American World War II hero who was awarded the Navy Cross for Gallantry at Pearl Harbor. This bold decision shattered Navy tradition and will forever honor enlisted Sailors and the achievements of African Americans in the naval service.”
— Julius S. Caesar
Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)


“Vectors is one man's heartfelt voyage across the often treacherous seas of government in the modern era. Honest and self-critical, Secretary Modly reinforces leadership lessons that apply to anyone seeking to inspire and motivate organizations to better prepare themselves for the uncertainties of the future. Those lessons apply equally to private and public sector executives who are committed to actively ‘ leading from the front ’ to drive greater alignment on purpose and mission.”
— Debra Crew
Chief Operating Officer, Diageo, plc; former CEO & President, Reynolds American


“In Vectors, Secretary Modly provides an insider’s view of the institutional, cultural, and political factors that impede organizational agility in the Navy and government in general. Building agility in large, complex organizations requires a holistic approach including flexible resource allocation; setting and sticking with strategic priorities; free information flow to create a shared context; a culture that combines empowerment with accountability and tolerates failure; a capable cadre of distributed leaders; and a sustained, change-minded focus from senior leadership. Vectors shines a light on the intervention points — including procurement, officer training, and prioritization — that can, and must, be leveraged to enhance the Navy’s agility in coming decades.”
— Donald Sull
PhD Co-Founder CULTURE - X, Senior Lecturer and Director Strategic Agility Project, MIT Sloan School of Management


“Vectors describes Secretary Modly’s personal journey from the United States Naval Academy to the top civilian leadership post of the Navy, with many interim stops along the way. I always enjoyed reading his weekly Vectors, each of which had a special meaning, intended to reach down to the very deckplates of the United States Navy. Secretary Modly’s depiction of events is honest, forthright, and self-deprecating, and he offers ten pieces of valuable advice to future leaders and policy makers. I was particularly struck by Number 6: “When emotions are raw, particularly your own, empathize more, and lecture less...” Great advice for those granted the privilege of leading others in war, peace, business, government, and life in general.”
— James Foggo
Admiral, United States Navy (Retired), Former Commander of Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander of Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy


“Secretary Modly’s candid description of the challenges facing the Department of the Navy in this century should not be ignored. The requirement to change and adapt to create a more agile defense ecosystem is undeniable. Despite the COVID-enhanced controversy surrounding his departure, his frequent communications with the entire Department through his SECNAV Vectors and his commitment to creating enhanced educational opportunities for our Sailors and Marines as outlined in this book will be his enduring legacy.”
— Glenn Walters
General, United States Marine Corps (Retired), President, The Citadel, Former Assistant Commandant United States Marine Corps

Editorial Reviews

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, representing a state that is Navy proud, I observed Secretary Thomas Modly’s patriotic service to his country. From Annapolis plebe to Secretary, Vectors tracks Modly’s devotion and leadership under difficult times at home, abroad, and within the Pentagon. He is candid about the challenges we face as a nation and the way tough politics can alter and warp best intent and efforts. He’s also candid about his own successes and missteps, refreshingly so in a world of PR and spin. Vectors is a pinpoint picture of a moment in time offering leadership lessons transcending the moment. And it shows the Tom Modly I came to know — earnest, curious, doing his best amidst the din, striving to always improve. ”
— Tim Kaine
United States Senator, Virginia

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, representing a state that is Navy proud, I observed Secretary Thomas Modly’s patriotic service to his country. From Annapolis plebe to Secretary, Vectors tracks Modly’s devotion and leadership under difficult times at home, abroad, and within the Pentagon. He is candid about the challenges we face as a nation and the way tough politics can alter and warp best intent and efforts. He’s also candid about his own successes and missteps, refreshingly so in a world of PR and spin. Vectors is a pinpoint picture of a moment in time offering leadership lessons transcending the moment. And it shows the Tom Modly I came to know — earnest, curious, doing his best amidst the din, striving to always improve.”
— Tim Kaine
United States Senator, Virginia


“Vectors is a masterpiece! Compelling, entertaining, and passionate. In this powerful book former Navy Secretary Modly uses stories to expose the pivotal importance of character in life’s decisions. A tenure marked by triumphs and heartbreaks, his book celebrates heroes encountered along his journey . . . heroes who give us hope that the nation and the Navy will conquer their inevitable challenges.”
— Honorable Barbara Barrett
Former Secretary of the Air Force and U.S. Ambassador to Finland


“Vectors brilliantly chronicles the leadership challenges and adversity faced by Secretary Thomas Modly as he was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight to lead the Navy. Among many of the courageous decisions he details in this book, Secretary Modly describes the naming of a nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN - 81) for Mess Attendant Doris (Dorie) Miller, an African American World War II hero who was awarded the Navy Cross for Gallantry at Pearl Harbor. This bold decision shattered Navy tradition and will forever honor enlisted Sailors and the achievements of African Americans in the naval service.”
— Julius S. Caesar
Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)


“Vectors is one man's heartfelt voyage across the often treacherous seas of government in the modern era. Honest and self-critical, Secretary Modly reinforces leadership lessons that apply to anyone seeking to inspire and motivate organizations to better prepare themselves for the uncertainties of the future. Those lessons apply equally to private and public sector executives who are committed to actively ‘ leading from the front ’ to drive greater alignment on purpose and mission.”
— Debra Crew
Chief Operating Officer, Diageo, plc; former CEO President, Reynolds American


“In Vectors, Secretary Modly provides an insider’s view of the institutional, cultural, and political factors that impede organizational agility in the Navy and government in general. Building agility in large, complex organizations requires a holistic approach including flexible resource allocation; setting and sticking with strategic priorities; free information flow to create a shared context; a culture that combines empowerment with accountability and tolerates failure; a capable cadre of distributed leaders; and a sustained, change-minded focus from senior leadership. Vectors shines a light on the intervention points — including procurement, officer training, and prioritization — that can, and must, be leveraged to enhance the Navy’s agility in coming decades.”
— Donald Sull
PhD Co-Founder CULTURE - X, Senior Lecturer and Director Strategic Agility Project, MIT Sloan School of Management


“Vectors describes Secretary Modly’s personal journey from the United States Naval Academy to the top civilian leadership post of the Navy, with many interim stops along the way. I always enjoyed reading his weekly Vectors, each of which had a special meaning, intended to reach down to the very deckplates of the United States Navy. Secretary Modly’s depiction of events is honest, forthright, and self-deprecating, and he offers ten pieces of valuable advice to future leaders and policy makers. I was particularly struck by Number 6: “When emotions are raw, particularly your own, empathize more, and lecture less...” Great advice for those granted the privilege of leading others in war, peace, business, government, and life in general.”
— James Foggo
Admiral, United States Navy (Retired), Former Commander of Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander of Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy


“Secretary Modly’s candid description of the challenges facing the Department of the Navy in this century should not be ignored. The requirement to change and adapt to create a more agile defense ecosystem is undeniable. Despite the COVID-enhanced controversy surrounding his departure, his frequent communications with the entire Department through his SECNAV Vectors and his commitment to creating enhanced educational opportunities for our Sailors and Marines as outlined in this book will be his enduring legacy.”
— Glenn Walters
General, United States Marine Corps (Retired), President, The Citadel, Former Assistant Commandant United States Marine Corps

“Vectors is a masterpiece! Compelling, entertaining, and passionate. In this powerful book former Navy Secretary Modly uses stories to expose the pivotal importance of character in life’s decisions. A tenure marked by triumphs and heartbreaks, his book celebrates heroes encountered along his journey . . . heroes who give us hope that the nation and the Navy will conquer their inevitable challenges. ”

— Honorable Barbara Barrett
Former Secretary of the Air Force and U.S. Ambassador to Finland

“Vectors brilliantly chronicles the leadership challenges and adversity faced by Secretary Thomas Modly as he was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight to lead the Navy. Among many of the courageous decisions he details in this book, Secretary Modly describes the naming of a nuclear aircraft carrier (CVN - 81) for Mess Attendant Doris (Dorie) Miller, an African American World War II hero who was awarded the Navy Cross for Gallantry at Pearl Harbor. This bold decision shattered Navy tradition and will forever honor enlisted Sailors and the achievements of African Americans in the naval service.”

— Julius S. Caesar
Rear Admiral, United States Navy (Retired)

“Vectors is one man's heartfelt voyage across the often treacherous seas of government in the modern era. Honest and self-critical, Secretary Modly reinforces leadership lessons that apply to anyone seeking to inspire and motivate organizations to better prepare themselves for the uncertainties of the future. Those lessons apply equally to private and public sector executives who are committed to actively ‘ leading from the front ’ to drive greater alignment on purpose and mission. ”

— Debra Crew
Chief Operating Officer, Diageo, plc; former CEO President, Reynolds American

“ In Vectors, Secretary Modly provides an insider’s view of the institutional, cultural, and political factors that impede organizational agility in the Navy and government in general. Building agility in large, complex organizations requires a holistic approach including flexible resource allocation; setting and sticking with strategic priorities; free information flow to create a shared context; a culture that combines empowerment with accountability and tolerates failure; a capable cadre of distributed leaders; and a sustained, chan ge - minded focus from senior leadership. Vectors shines a light on the intervention points — including procurement, officer training, and prioritization — that can, and must, be leveraged to enhance the Navy’s agility in coming decades. ”

— Donald Sull PhD
Co-Founder CULTURE - X,
Senior Lecturer and Director Strategic Agility Project,
MIT Sloan School of Management

“Vectors describes Secretary Modly’s personal journey from the United States Naval Academy to the top civilian leadership post of the Navy, with many interim stops along the way. I always enjoyed reading his weekly Vectors, each of which had a special meaning, intended to reach down to the very deckplates of the United States Navy. Secretary Modly’s depiction of events is honest, forthright, and s elf - deprecating, and he offers ten pieces of valuable advice to future leaders and policy makers. I was particularly struck by Number 6: “When emotions are raw, particularly your own, empathize more, and lecture less...” Great advice for those granted the privilege of leading others in war, peace, business, government, and life in general. ”
— James Foggo
Admiral United States Navy (Retired), Former Commander of Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander of Allied Joint Forces Command, Naples, Italy

“Secretary Modly’s candid description of the challenges facing the Department of the Navy in this century should not be ignored. The requirement to change and adapt to create a more agile defense ecosystem is undeniable. Despite the COVID-enhanced controversy surrounding his departure, his frequent communications with the entire Department through his SECNAV Vectors and his commitment to creating enhanced educational opportunities for our Sailors and Marines as outlined in this book will be his enduring legacy.”

— Glenn Walters
General United States Marine Corps (Retired), President, The Citadel, Former Assistant Commandant United States Marine Corps

From the Publisher