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

Civilian Warriors is a easy to read book that takes you inside the life of Erik Prince. While it is very informative and gives the reader an inside look at the life of Blackwater, and gives you a look at the what the political machine has become. I could feel the bitterness that Mr. Prince has towards certain government agencies, and individuals within those agencies. However, I cannot say that I blame him.If you're looking for a different perspective of how the world of private contractors works, the challenges they face, and the type of work they do, this is a great book to read.

The contents of this book fully demonstrates the idea that, with "things" historical, accuracy increases with distance. I think it important to hear the other side in this, up until now, largely one-sided discussion over the role of PMCs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prince lays out a solid defense of and argument for the existance of PMC and that these contracted forces, rightly used, provide a necessary service for the United States; providing logistical and manpower support that the current American force structure is unable to provide.The author opens for the reader a window through which one can catch a glimpse of the bzyentime path through which both the Department of State and the Pentagon make decisions and develop guidelines through which contractors must operate (State's guidelines to PMC's included the brand of sunglasses individual contractors were to wear!).I came away from this book with a more complete perspective on the role of PMC's and an informed appreciation of the individual dedication and sacrifice of the men and women who ably served this country as private citizens in the war on terror.

If one were to have an informed opinion/point-of-view on contractors use in war zone and specifically on Blackwater then this is required reading.Erik Prince gives an honest take from his position on the company he built and that America needed while also, in my opinion, blowing the lid off of the negative press his company received all these years. I read this book after reading other military books [The Way of the knife, The Red Circle, Honor and Betrayal] and it offered me a completely different look on how far the Government is willing to go to seek (political) cover and hang folks to dry. Overall, Erik Prince does a fine job explaining and offering historical context, very personal accounts and admitting flaws, and perspective...it's really up to the reader to decide to either absorb or ignore after 'hearing' from the other side - the proverbial horse's mouth.I would recommend reading The Way of the Knife as a companion to give a reader an idea of the other half that Erik Prince alludes to but cannot explicitly mention, namely the CIA assassination program via surrogates like Blackwater. In retrospect, the fact remains that despite how divisive contractors are in the war on terror with people, politicians, POTUS...they are still being employed and contracts renewed, even Blackwater or Academi as it is now known. That in itself speaks for itself.

I read with interest the Blackwater autobiography penned by the company’s founder Erik Prince. I recall an attorney once telling me that we all live in a three-story house – his side, her side and the truth residing somewhere in the middle. I thought about this characterization more than a few times in the course of reading this book.Litigation is unfortunately something that the author knows too well. ‘Civilian Warriors: The Inside Story of Blackwater’ is the author’s effort at setting the record straight. My war in the USAF was the Cold War. The author’s is Iraq and Afghanistan. My bad guys then were The Red Brigades, Bader Meinhof, the PFLP and others. To be sure, Blackwater had a presence in more theaters of conflict. However, the principal focus for the book is the insurgent and Al Qaeda activity in the primary mid-eastern areas of the globe of which most of us are familiar from the news.The book opens with an historical narrative of the author’s roots; his family, the strong influence of his father, faith in God, expectations for himself and the power of an idea – one that became Blackwater.Prince is extraordinarily candid in terms of his interpersonal marital relationship(s) and what may be characterized as errors of judgment in this area of his life. However, this is balanced by the pride he feels at the building of an organization that is rooted in both patriotism and entrepreneurship.There is a sincere effort by Prince to explain the difference between his view of Blackwater as an organization and the portrait painted by the media and some politicians. However, there is a tendency in the narrative to cast the company and author as recurrent victims. Given the polarizing nature of Washington politics there is likely some truth to this. However, in combat mistakes are made. Lives are lost. This is the nature of war. The further tragedy lies when lessons from those mistakes are not learned and subsequently repeated.I do not feel the book offers a revisionist history. This is a good thing. Blackwater and its re-branded entities (i.e. Xe, etc.) have been a force for good; rescue and security efforts by the company in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is just one example. However, it does portray the dichotomy inherent when entrepreneurial management of an outside contractor and its culture collide with opposing forces of a political bureaucracy. It’s the belief of this reviewer that our efforts abroad are not only better for the existence of PMC (private military contractors), but would be fatally compromised without them. I want these guys covering my 'six'.

Always wanted to know about Blackwater. This book tells it like it is. Its amazing one man's vision to build. Plus how much money is handed over in contacts. Plus the battles on the Battlefield and courts.

Amazing work done by Blackwater in support of the coalition. Fantastic book from both a military perspective and one of a security professional. An example of what can be done with will and balls.

Great read, from the horses mouth as it were.

Erik Prince was the founder of Blackwater, the American military and security contracting firm which was active in Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places. The firm became much maligned in the press and some circles of the US government over its actions while under contract to US government departments and agencies.This book is Erik Prince's answer to Blackwater's many critics as well as a history of the company from Prince's viewpoint.It's actually quite an interesting book. Prince has many interesting things to say about Blackwater's operations and some very thought provoking comments about the past, present and potential future role of private military contractors and security firms in war, UN peace keeping, disaster relief and other operations.Overall, a worthwhile read.

Very, very well written, hats off to whoever helped structure and put thoughts to paper. It was a joy to read!Great Story from a true Patriot, hard worker and a Doer. Semper fidelis*unfortunately amazon sends books on poor packaging and the edges were worn.