Try free for 30 days

  • Civilian Warriors

  • The Inside Story of Blackwater and the Unsung Heroes of the War on Terror
  • By: Erik Prince
  • Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
  • Length: 13 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (66 ratings)

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Civilian Warriors cover art

Civilian Warriors

By: Erik Prince
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $26.99

Buy Now for $26.99

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

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

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

What listeners say about Civilian Warriors

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    44
  • 4 Stars
    13
  • 3 Stars
    7
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    42
  • 4 Stars
    12
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    39
  • 4 Stars
    14
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

excellent

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good to hear from the otherside for once.

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant insight

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Insight into the Iraq War

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great book

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Alternative Narrative shows 2 sides.

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!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story

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

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

payback

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.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.