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Civilian Warriors

The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror

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Civilian Warriors

By: Erik Prince
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
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About this listen

The founder of Blackwater offers the gripping, previously untold story of the world's most controversial military contractor.

Blackwater is one of the most misunderstood companies of our time. As Erik Prince, its founder and former CEO, writes:

"Hundreds of American citizens employed by private military contractors, or PMCs, would lose their lives helping our government wage wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, only to have their memory tarnished by the unfair and/or ignorant depiction of PMCs as profiteers, jackbooted thugs, or worse."

Because of the secrecy requirements of Blackwater's contracts with the Pentagon, the State Department, and the CIA, Prince was unable to speak out when his company's opponents spread false information. But now he's free to tell the often shocking story of Blackwater's rise and fall.

Blackwater hired Special Forces veterans and others with the skills and courage to take on the riskiest security jobs in the world. As its reputation grew, demand for its services escalated. Its men eventually completed nearly 100,000 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Prince's narrative includes newly revealed details about many controversial events. It debunks myths that have been spread by TV shows and movies. It honors our armed forces while challenging the Pentagon's top leadership. Above all, it will make people rethink exactly who the "good guys" and "bad guys" have been since 9/11.

©2013 Erik Prince (P)2013 Penguin Audio Afghan & Iraq Wars Military Military & War Military Science True Crime White Collar & Corporate Crime Middle East War Crime Armed Force Espionage Iran Africa

Critic Reviews

"Prince’s book belongs on the shelf next to the memoirs of the other Iraq and Afghanistan war chieftains...we need Prince’s story to help us understand the history of the post- 9/11wars and the myriad roles contractors played in these conflicts." (The Washington Post)

All stars
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excellent. need more books like this showing what is really happening in the world.

excellent

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Eric's story is great to listen too and a good insight into the world of PMC's

Good to hear from the otherside for once.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the realist and pragmatist that is Eric Prince. He brought a level headed facts based account that straightens the record of Blackwater. I recommend this book.

Brilliant insight

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This book really opened my eyes to what was going on in the war, and gave some good context to what is happening in the region today. It was a big mess, the whole affair, and it helps to shed light on what made it a mess, how and why.
Albeit the vein the book is written in is from the contracting profession, which is both limiting in some aspects and throws the curtains wide in others.
It should also be noted the authors political leanings and attitudes, especially toward business, show he just wanted to do the best job at the cheapest rate in order to provide excellent service. All of these entrepreneurial qualities are what make countries and businessmen a big pillar in any society. It's unfortunate his customers were a government body, who in the end only used him and his company as political capital to shield themselves from public outcry.
All in all it's a fascinating read and serves as an excellent warning about war, politics, business and the nature of governments.

Insight into the Iraq War

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It was good to hear the other side of the story rather than just the media's version of events.
Very enjoyable and well written.

Great book

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I went into this story carrying the percieved narrative of the evil Blackwater mercenaries. Very surprised that I was so easily led by the conspiracy of media bias!

Alternative Narrative shows 2 sides.

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I found it a very informative and easy listen would be better with a little more war stories

Good story

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Short and sweet
This title is an opportunity for Mr. Price to strike back at his detractors and he does. There is a sprinkling of, behind the curtain stories but for the most part its a he said tale from a man clearly angry at his inability to command the Public relations and a democratic party. I liked the guy and he is clearly a man of substance and vision. I hated to rate it so poorly but I just could not see my way clear.

payback

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While there is some interesting information, the majority of the book is whinging and whinning about Blackwater's unfair treatment.

A lot of Whinging

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