The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits [Paperback]

Christopher P. Michel (Author), Norman Schwarzkopf (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Chris Michel is President of Military Advantage, the nation's largest military membership organization, with more than 6 million members. He is a former Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy. Following his operational tour, Chris worked in the Pentagon as Aide to the Chief of the Naval Reserve. An advocate for servicemembers and veterans, Chris is active in a host of charitable organizations serving the military community and currently serves on the board of the U.S. Naval Institute. Chris earned his commission from the NROTC program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was named a Distinguished Naval Graduate. He also holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School. This is his first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Original edition (November 29, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743269462
• ISBN-13: 978-0743269469
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #780,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chris is the Managing Director of Nautilus Ventures, a fund focused on supporting entrepreneurs in building great companies. He is also the Founder of Affinity Labs, a digital media company managing a portfolio of leading online professional communities. In 2008, Affinity Labs was acquired by Monster Worldwide (NYSE: MWW).

Prior to founding Affinity Labs, he founded Military.com, the nation's largest military membership organization. Military.com connects its 11 million members to the lifelong benefits of military service and provides public and private sector clients efficient access to the military market. Members trust Military.com for career, education and financial services. In 2004, Military.com was also acquired by Monster.

Chris also served as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. While on active duty, Chris flew as a P-3 Navigator, Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander in support of maritime interdiction operations in the Red Sea, NATO enforcement operations in the Adriatic, and counter-narcotics missions in Central America. Following his operational tour, Chris worked in the Pentagon as Aide to the Chief of the Naval Reserve.

An advocate for those who serve, Chris is a frequent speaker and has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Week, Financial Times, and other publications. He has also been a regular guest on CNN and other national radio and TV programs. In addition, he is the author of The Military Advantage (Simon & Schuster 2006, Naval Institute Press 2009).

Chris serves as a Director of Dale Carnegie, Ventana, and Alliance Health Corporations. He is also a Governor on the USO World Board. He's an advisor or investor in a variety of other companies including RepairPal, Powerset, Lab Pixies, MD Drinks, GoodTree, Red Answers, Mighty DB, CR Reality, GoodReads, Lookery, OffBeat Guides, Pangea 3, Affinity Circles, Four Rivers, Play Megaphone, Wize, etc... In addition, he's a Sector Advisor to Maveron LLC, a leading venture capital firm, and was recently appointed to the oversight committee for the Division on Earth and Life Studies (DELS), one of six study divisions of the National Academies.

He's also an accomplished amateur photojournalist. His photographs have been published in all kinds of media from magazines to books.

Chris earned his commission from the NROTC program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with high distinction and as the Distinguished Naval Graduate. In addition, he holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School and is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure-trove, December 16, 2005

By 

R. E. Rodriguez (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits (Paperback)

From the first to the last chapter, I was surprised at how easy this book was to read. The information was 'broken-down' from the usual bureaucratic jargon, to clear and understandable English, making it extremely user-friendly. As I studied through the military benefits that were outlined and then explained, I was amazed at the massive wealth of information and resources contained within the covers. To top it all off, the author provides margin notes throughout with 'Take Advantage' hints and contact information of key agencies and offices, which in itself helps cut down the red tape. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is now in the military or is a veteran. Dare I say, this is the closest thing to a 'Military Benefits Bible' that I've ever seen.

75 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why wasn't there one of these when I was active duty?!, November 20, 2005

By 

T. Aiello "Army Veteran" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits (Paperback)

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the book. It makes sense all of the complexity of military benefits in a way I've never seen done before. I can go right to sections that break it down so I can understand it easily. The side tips are especially helpful call-outs. Surprised at how many benefits are out there for the military. The VA loan and medical benefits sections are a must read. I'm buying a copy for my relatives who've served for sure!

43 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing resource, December 10, 2005

By 

Ed "A veteran" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits (Paperback)

Chris Michel really does "cut the red tape" in this handy book. Make no mistake: This information is not available as understandably anywhere else. Why do the detective work when Mr. Michel has done it for you? I just got the book a few days ago and I've already uncovered some benefits I never knew about.

This book is a "must read" for active duty members and veterans. Unsure what to get that military friend for Christmas or a birthday? This book would make a thoughtful gift.

Thanks to Chris Michel for creating an amazing resource.