Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World

Admiral William McRaven served in the United States Navy from 1977 to 2014, holding various ranks and roles including Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, before retiring to serve as the Chancellor of the University of Texas.

Born in Pinehurst, North Carolina in 1955, McRaven is son of Colonel Claude McRaven, a fighter pilot who served in combat during World War II. McRaven studied at the University of Texas—where he was also a member of the naval ROTC—before entering the Navy for SEAL training. He went on to serve during the Persian Gulf War, participating in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, and was involved in the Global War on Terrorism, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. He is best known for overseeing and directing the operation that eventually led to the capture of Osama Bin Laden in 2011. McRaven has won numerous commendations for his valor and service, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.

McRaven earned a Master’s degree at the Naval Postgraduate School. His thesis, The Theory of Special Operations, focused on why special operations strike teams often succeed against larger forces in fortified positions, arguing that special forces are at “advantage when they have a simple plan, carefully concealed, realistically rehearsed and executed with surprise, speed, and purpose.