PATUXENT RIVER, Md. –
By Jason France
Review by Sarah Balian
Back in September 2024, I took a solo camping trip a few hours away from my home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Surrounded by colorful aspen trees and the mountainous landscape behind Pikes Peak, I settled into a camp chair after a day of hiking with the book I had brought along: “Five Million Steps,” by Jason France.
France retired from the Air Force in 2021 after 31 years of active duty. Shortly thereafter, just after turning 50, he embarked on a through-hike of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). In “Five Million Steps,” France takes us with him on the five-month journey, including not only 489,000 feet of elevation gain and a myriad of physical challenges, but also the relationships he built along the way. Also at the core of the book, he reflects on his life and career.
In his final USAF position, the author was the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Transportation Command, responsible for the morale and welfare of over 120,000 service members. To provide context on the selective nature of his final position: U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant positions are congressionally limited to one percent of the force. Of this, only another one percent are selected for Command Chief. Even fewer go on to serve at the Major Command level, and just a handful of those rise into Combatant Command-level positions. But despite the exclusivity and importance of his final military rank and position, France presents his book with humility and vulnerability. Throughout the book, he weaves in not only leadership lessons from his time in service, but also shares his personal challenges as a professional and a human. Along with his PCT journey, the author weaves in the story of his life, including some of his greatest personal and professional challenges. His anecdotes range from the hilarious (receiving and using his trail name) to the personal (his commitment to family as a son, spouse and father).
One of the most impressive (and harrowing) stories of service he shares is his journey through Army Ranger School. It is notoriously difficult to be accepted into the training—only six Air Force members per year are selected to attend. France spent six years pursuing his opportunity, attending four rigorous selection courses, enduring numerous setbacks and overcoming three major injuries before finally earning his Ranger Tab in 2000—an example of the grit and perseverance he showed throughout his career and on his PCT hike.
The author’s PCT journey also includes a courageous reflection on his mental health struggles, a difficult and critical topic to approach for many service members. France’s multiple military deployments took a toll, and signs of post-traumatic stress were starting to affect work and family life. Like many people in military leadership positions, he delayed treatment—not wanting to take time for himself when his focus was caring for others. His transparency around these challenges and willingness to share them with the reader exemplify the strength it takes for a person to ask for and receive assistance, in an arena historically stigmatized for military members—especially for those in positions of authority.
The author seamlessly weaves together his journey to and through military service with his PCT through-hike. His journey of personal growth from life’s challenges and setbacks is reflected in his trail journey—through each pass he summits and injury he overcomes to reach the Canadian border. France also stresses the importance of disconnecting from work stress and taking time out for ourselves, no matter what positions we hold in our work lives. Overall, “Five Million Steps” is not just another book about hiking—it’s the personal story of a servant leader, sharing his odyssey for the benefit of others.
Sarah Balian is a recently retired 25-year U.S. Air Force veteran. She lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she continues her two careers as an international affairs specialist and professional musician.
