In Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War, Robert M. Gates offers a candid and introspective look into his tenure as Secretary of Defense, providing readers with an unparalleled perspective on two administrations and their defining wars. Gates delves into the significant controversies of his service, including the Iraq and Afghanistan surges, interactions with Iran and Syria, and issues surrounding Guantánamo Bay and WikiLeaks. The memoir captures his experiences in war zones, his personal anguish over military casualties, and the intense moments in the Situation Room during the bin Laden raid. Gates recounts his journey from a career with the CIA and National Security Council to his pivotal role in shaping U.S. military policy, navigating battles with Congress, and serving as a crucial advisor to Presidents Bush and Obama.