A Bloody Business: America's War Zone Contractors and the Occupation of Iraq

by Gerry Schumacher

As the U.S. Army shrinks, a private army steps into the breach. A Bloody Business offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes and into the ranks of this mercenary force (numbering as many as 15,000 today) who guard supply convoys, train foreign soldiers, provide security for foreign leaders and dignitaries-and whose workplaces are the most dangerous hot spots on the planet.  With its insights into who these men are, what drives them, where they come from, how they prepare, and what they do, this book provides a uniquely close-up and complete picture of the private army behind America’s military muscle. The author interviewed security contractors and their families, high-ranking coalition officials, and was in Iraq, where he witnessed how private soldiers fought ambushes, trained Iraqi forces, escorted high-level officials in dangerous conditions, and saw the contractor side of the Iraq war. Includes action on the supply lines and front lines of this unique conflict, and the stories of the contractors who live it every day.    

Genres: Military Fiction, War, Nonfiction, Politics

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2006

Reviews

[Terry Cornell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost two books in one. Part of the book goes through what it takes to be a contract trucker, trainer or security contractor in Iraq. The other part is actual stories of contractors working there. The book also contains an index of security and training companies working in Iraq and other countries and contact information. The informational part of the book is dry, but the stories of actual security and convoy work are edge of the seat reading. In addition to the author interviewing contractors state side, he also road along on some truck convoys in Iraq. A quick read and interesting book.

[Bryn D · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. A general overview of private military contractors, what they do and don't do. A pretty good book that defends their reputation as being just a bunch of mercenaries. This book had some personal war stories that were interesting but confusing as the author went from writing in the past tense to the present. Nothing remarkable here.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colonel Schumacher's book was quite relevant at the time of its release, though it has not aged well. I've recently used several quotes from it in items which I've written, and it would be a valuable resource for anyone wishing to research the use of security contractors in the War on Terror, particularly around '05/'06.

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read it earlier this year just before all this Blackwater scandal stuff erupted. Disturbing but intriguing.

[Brian Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting overview of military contractors in Iraq's war zones.

[Mikel · Rating 5 out of 5]

bueno