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The Bremer Detail: Protecting the Most Threatened Man in the World
Baghdad, 2003: An elite group of private security contractors is charged with protecting the American who rules Iraq. In May 2003 President George W. Bush appointed Paul Bremer as presidential envoy to Iraq. Bremer banned the Ba'ath party and dismantled the Iraqi army, which made him the prime target for dozens of insurgent and terrorist groups. Assigned to protect him during his grueling sixteen-hour days were Blackwater security expert Frank Gallagher and a team of former Marines, SEALs, and other defense professionals. When they arrived, Baghdad was set to explode. As the insurgency gathered strength Bremer and the men who guarded him faced death daily. They were not in the military, but Gallagher and his team were on the front lines of the Iraq War. This fascinating memoir takes the reader deep behind the scenes of a highly dangerous profession.
285 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2014
33 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Frank Gallagher
21 books3 followersFrank Gallagher has more than twenty-five years of international experience providing personal protection, intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism operations, and security training in both the private security sector and the US Marine Corps. He served as director of security for former US Secretary of State Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, has created training programs for personnel traveling to high-threat areas, and is currently the executive vice president of Amyntor Group, LLC, an international security services and consulting firm serving government, corporate, and VIP clients.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 1, 2014
I can honesty say that I don't remember hearing about the big Blackwater scandal. Of course, I don't follow the news too much. I feel that the news that is reported is not a true and accurate account of events and is one sided. Not really freedom of speech. Plus it is so depressing to read the news anymore. All I see is crime, killings, and children dying. This is why I stick to the world of books. So anyways back to this book. If you have read my reviews then you are familiar with the fact that I enjoy reading military themed non-fiction books. I saw this book and was intrigued to know what it is like to protect the most threatened man in the world.
I have to say that it is no walk in the park. One of the funniest things I read was when Frank got the call to be part of the Blackwater team. He thought no big deal he would be gone for 30 days and come back. Man was he in for a rude awakening. I applaud guys like Frank and his team for what they do. It takes a special kind of person to risk their lives every day for someone else. I will know add people like Frank to my list of people to respect besides the military men and women. It is easy to honor the military as they are front and center but easy to forget about people like Frank. Again, you will never hear all the good things that these guys do but you will remember the bad from the scandal. This book really gave me a very insightful look into what it really is like to protect the most threatened man in the world.
Warning as there is language used in this book.
I have to say that it is no walk in the park. One of the funniest things I read was when Frank got the call to be part of the Blackwater team. He thought no big deal he would be gone for 30 days and come back. Man was he in for a rude awakening. I applaud guys like Frank and his team for what they do. It takes a special kind of person to risk their lives every day for someone else. I will know add people like Frank to my list of people to respect besides the military men and women. It is easy to honor the military as they are front and center but easy to forget about people like Frank. Again, you will never hear all the good things that these guys do but you will remember the bad from the scandal. This book really gave me a very insightful look into what it really is like to protect the most threatened man in the world.
Warning as there is language used in this book.
February 14, 2015
Given to me from Boog
July 3, 2019
3.5 Stars
Interesting story written by the agent in charge of the Blackwater detail assigned to protect the US ambassador following the defeat of Hussein’s military. This grew from literally a shoe string operation which was not well thought out to an impressive professional detail. The stress of protecting the ambassador is palpable. The book could have been trimmed down and I found the repetitive use of the same phrases to be a bit annoying. If you are interested in this history, it is a worthwhile read.
Interesting story written by the agent in charge of the Blackwater detail assigned to protect the US ambassador following the defeat of Hussein’s military. This grew from literally a shoe string operation which was not well thought out to an impressive professional detail. The stress of protecting the ambassador is palpable. The book could have been trimmed down and I found the repetitive use of the same phrases to be a bit annoying. If you are interested in this history, it is a worthwhile read.
July 8, 2023
A very good read. Fast and informative. Will you understand what it was like to protect a diplomat in Iraq? No, but you will know a lot more than when you started.
August 21, 2014
“The Bremer Detail: Protecting The Most Threatened Man In The World” by Frank Gallagher is a first hand account of the formation through conclusion of the protective detail assigned to Paul Bremer, the presidential envoy to Iraq. Frank Gallagher, a former Marine and personal protection expert who worked as the director of security for former US Secretary of State Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, was hired by Blackwater as a private security contractor and put in charge of the detail assigned to protect Bremer. This is his story, told in his words.
I enjoyed Gallagher's straightforward account of the successes, frustrations, and failures during his time in Iraq. The mission that started as a 30 day stint away from home became a year of grueling duty in the desert. He shares stories of those he worked with, both the professionalism and the camaraderie they shared. But he also tells of those who didn't make it and washed out for various reasons. The frustrations with the politics and bureaucracy of the organization also shines through in parts.
As someone who has worked in various security positions, I especially liked Gallagher's insistence on professionalism, and how he was proud of the mission. He had this to say about it, “I again reminded myself that we had not lost the ambassador, had not had a member of the team killed or injured, and we had not fired a single shot or killed or injured anyone in the course of our mission. I was satisfied and proud.” He couldn't say that about the rest of the Blackwater details, and he was quick to point out the difference with his detail and those others, and how they often wanted to associate with the Bremer Detail as it was known for setting the standard. And the standards were not those of gun slinging "Rambos," but rather professionals who protected their principle without blazing gunfire.
Sure, the book is told from Gallagher's point of view, and he admits there were many who didn't like him, so they might disagree. But that's the case with any memoir. The book is endorsed by Bremer who says Gallagher and his team literally saved lives, including his. It is a quick engaging read, and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to know about the role of the top Blackwater team in Iraq, or just about executive protection in general.
I enjoyed Gallagher's straightforward account of the successes, frustrations, and failures during his time in Iraq. The mission that started as a 30 day stint away from home became a year of grueling duty in the desert. He shares stories of those he worked with, both the professionalism and the camaraderie they shared. But he also tells of those who didn't make it and washed out for various reasons. The frustrations with the politics and bureaucracy of the organization also shines through in parts.
As someone who has worked in various security positions, I especially liked Gallagher's insistence on professionalism, and how he was proud of the mission. He had this to say about it, “I again reminded myself that we had not lost the ambassador, had not had a member of the team killed or injured, and we had not fired a single shot or killed or injured anyone in the course of our mission. I was satisfied and proud.” He couldn't say that about the rest of the Blackwater details, and he was quick to point out the difference with his detail and those others, and how they often wanted to associate with the Bremer Detail as it was known for setting the standard. And the standards were not those of gun slinging "Rambos," but rather professionals who protected their principle without blazing gunfire.
Sure, the book is told from Gallagher's point of view, and he admits there were many who didn't like him, so they might disagree. But that's the case with any memoir. The book is endorsed by Bremer who says Gallagher and his team literally saved lives, including his. It is a quick engaging read, and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to know about the role of the top Blackwater team in Iraq, or just about executive protection in general.
August 8, 2015
This book was like sitting down at the bar with a bunch of guys and listening to war stories. I loved it. It took me back to those days when, as a program manager, I visited my contractor team in Baghdad and listened to their stories. They were not protective detail like Gallagher but they had plenty of stories to tell.
Frank Gallagher does an excellent job of keeping it real and keeping it interesting. You can rest assured that they never had a boring day. It takes a special type to do the job they did. They are basically adrenaline junkies so boredom is not an option for them.
Back in 2003-2004 the country of Iraq had no official government. The Coalition Provisional Authority was established and J. Paul Bremer was appointed as ambassador. For the first time ever an American civilian was running the government of another country. This did not set well with some Iraqis and certainly not with the insurgents. Bremer became the most threatened man in the world. This threat carried over to the Blackwater detail leader who was responsible for the detail team. That leader was Frank Gallagher.
The book was hard to put down as tense month followed tense month. The detail team's goal - keep Bremer alive. Allow Bremer to do his job without even thiking about what his protectors were doing. Gallagher had the additional responsibility of looking after his men. He did a phenomenal job of protecting Bremer whose safety always came first and dealing with the needs of his men. These guys have strong egos. Some men assigned to the detail did not pass muster and were quickly put on a return flight home. Everyone had to be top notch. Mess up and someone could die. Not an option!
I loved reading of the ballet-like movement of the drivers - how the lead car and follow car always smoothly moved into position to protect the car with the ambassador. These drivers were magical. As he says in the book, speed was critical for safety. With the military all I encountered was a very fast drive along the airport road in an MRAP. There was none of the artistry exhibited by Bremer's team.
The book is action packed. His descriptions are so real I could visualize myself back there. So grab a beer and kick back. You are off on an exhilarating ride.
Frank Gallagher does an excellent job of keeping it real and keeping it interesting. You can rest assured that they never had a boring day. It takes a special type to do the job they did. They are basically adrenaline junkies so boredom is not an option for them.
Back in 2003-2004 the country of Iraq had no official government. The Coalition Provisional Authority was established and J. Paul Bremer was appointed as ambassador. For the first time ever an American civilian was running the government of another country. This did not set well with some Iraqis and certainly not with the insurgents. Bremer became the most threatened man in the world. This threat carried over to the Blackwater detail leader who was responsible for the detail team. That leader was Frank Gallagher.
The book was hard to put down as tense month followed tense month. The detail team's goal - keep Bremer alive. Allow Bremer to do his job without even thiking about what his protectors were doing. Gallagher had the additional responsibility of looking after his men. He did a phenomenal job of protecting Bremer whose safety always came first and dealing with the needs of his men. These guys have strong egos. Some men assigned to the detail did not pass muster and were quickly put on a return flight home. Everyone had to be top notch. Mess up and someone could die. Not an option!
I loved reading of the ballet-like movement of the drivers - how the lead car and follow car always smoothly moved into position to protect the car with the ambassador. These drivers were magical. As he says in the book, speed was critical for safety. With the military all I encountered was a very fast drive along the airport road in an MRAP. There was none of the artistry exhibited by Bremer's team.
The book is action packed. His descriptions are so real I could visualize myself back there. So grab a beer and kick back. You are off on an exhilarating ride.
September 12, 2014
The Bremer Detail - review copy received through Net Galley
This is a true account of Frank Gallagher - a former US marine, employee of Blackwater and head of Paul Bremer's security detail in Iraq.
Readers may recall that Bremer was in effect the American viceroy in charge of Iraq after the 2003 invasion. I'm sure everyone reading this will have heard of Blackwater, a company whose name became synonymous with scandal, so much so that it changed it's name twice (to XE and then later Academi).
I have to admit that I came to this book with certain prejudices. As someone whose politics are left of centre and as a UK citizen I don't have a particularly positive opinion of America's adventures in Iraq. Nor do I have a sympathetic view of Blackwater who I have always considered to be gung-ho mercenaries.
This book however made me completely re-evaluate my opinions of at least some of those working for Blackwater, which is testament to the humanity and skill with which the author tells his tale.
Frank Gallagher takes the reader through his time as head of Bremer's security detail from the early days of teething trouble to the end, when the operation ran like a well oiled machine.
Throughout he pulls no punches in his criticism of Blackwater HQ who continually attempted to cut costs and not provide necessary manpower. Nor does he hesitate in criticising other contractors for gung-ho unprofessionalism, including those working on other Blackwater contracts.
The most impressive thing he relates however, is how his team never lost anyone to enemy action, nor did they kill anyone. This when they were protecting the man who was possibly more at risk than any other in the world, including the President.
The book gives enough detail of the tactics and professionalism of his team to explain to the reader how this was achieved and one is left with deep respect for both his teammates and for Frank himself.
All in all this was a brilliant book and I would recommend it to anyone, whatever their views of the Iraq invasion.
I give it 5 stars.
This is a true account of Frank Gallagher - a former US marine, employee of Blackwater and head of Paul Bremer's security detail in Iraq.
Readers may recall that Bremer was in effect the American viceroy in charge of Iraq after the 2003 invasion. I'm sure everyone reading this will have heard of Blackwater, a company whose name became synonymous with scandal, so much so that it changed it's name twice (to XE and then later Academi).
I have to admit that I came to this book with certain prejudices. As someone whose politics are left of centre and as a UK citizen I don't have a particularly positive opinion of America's adventures in Iraq. Nor do I have a sympathetic view of Blackwater who I have always considered to be gung-ho mercenaries.
This book however made me completely re-evaluate my opinions of at least some of those working for Blackwater, which is testament to the humanity and skill with which the author tells his tale.
Frank Gallagher takes the reader through his time as head of Bremer's security detail from the early days of teething trouble to the end, when the operation ran like a well oiled machine.
Throughout he pulls no punches in his criticism of Blackwater HQ who continually attempted to cut costs and not provide necessary manpower. Nor does he hesitate in criticising other contractors for gung-ho unprofessionalism, including those working on other Blackwater contracts.
The most impressive thing he relates however, is how his team never lost anyone to enemy action, nor did they kill anyone. This when they were protecting the man who was possibly more at risk than any other in the world, including the President.
The book gives enough detail of the tactics and professionalism of his team to explain to the reader how this was achieved and one is left with deep respect for both his teammates and for Frank himself.
All in all this was a brilliant book and I would recommend it to anyone, whatever their views of the Iraq invasion.
I give it 5 stars.
December 10, 2016
I'm interested in how one runs a bodyguard group, so I was interested in this book. The first half of the book gave a good overview of how the Bremer detail operated and the challenges Frank Gallagher faced to successfully run the group and protect Bremer. This continued in the second half but he also described some details of hard decisions in dangerous situations and attempts on Bremer's life. The writing was filled with the stress, frustration, and pride he felt. While he didn't give the names of the people he bad mouthed in the book, his contempt for anyone not up to his standards got tiring even if I understood why he fired or was frustrated with them.
He used a lot of bad language and talked about women from a "macho man"/"rock star" point of view, which I didn't care for. He said he has a lot of respect for the women in the Green Zone--almost always said while describing women whom he believed were living out their sexual fantasies with his team. However, the language he used gave me the impression that he viewed most women as objects to be used, and he justified his attitude with the belief that they desired this treatment. Anyway, he painted a convincing portrait of what the job was like and what a great achievement it was.
Update, side note: I just finished reading the memoir "The Last Rescue" by Howard Wasdin. I guess the "rock star" attitude is fairly common. From page 125, "How had I fallen so far, treating women like objects created to adore and admire me? Would I treat one of my sisters that way? When had I gotten so disrespectful?"
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
He used a lot of bad language and talked about women from a "macho man"/"rock star" point of view, which I didn't care for. He said he has a lot of respect for the women in the Green Zone--almost always said while describing women whom he believed were living out their sexual fantasies with his team. However, the language he used gave me the impression that he viewed most women as objects to be used, and he justified his attitude with the belief that they desired this treatment. Anyway, he painted a convincing portrait of what the job was like and what a great achievement it was.
Update, side note: I just finished reading the memoir "The Last Rescue" by Howard Wasdin. I guess the "rock star" attitude is fairly common. From page 125, "How had I fallen so far, treating women like objects created to adore and admire me? Would I treat one of my sisters that way? When had I gotten so disrespectful?"
I received this review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
September 30, 2014
Frank Gallagher got a call from Blackwater to join the newly forming detail to protect Paul Bremer in Iraq for 30 days. Soon after arriving in country, he became the agent in charge and stayed the entire mission.
The book unfolds over the timeline of the 313 days Gallagher is in Iraq. He describes the daily schedule and what his team did. There are funny stories and serious stories. He also describes friction with Blackwater, both with headquarters who have no idea what is really happening on the ground and tension with non-Bremer detail Blackwater contractors.
Gallagher's purpose in writing this book is several fold. The name Blackwater became sullied through the course of multiple contracts in Iraq. The Bremer detail should not be painted with the same brush. Gallagher worked hard to maintain a professional staff and there were no shots fired during their watch. To a lesser extent, I think he wanted to share how hard Paul Bremer worked to create a stable government for Iraq. Some of his decisions are questioned now, but there is no question how dedicated he was with his time and potentially his life.
It's a straight-forward read. Interesting to pair with Erik Prince's book Civilian Warriors.
The book unfolds over the timeline of the 313 days Gallagher is in Iraq. He describes the daily schedule and what his team did. There are funny stories and serious stories. He also describes friction with Blackwater, both with headquarters who have no idea what is really happening on the ground and tension with non-Bremer detail Blackwater contractors.
Gallagher's purpose in writing this book is several fold. The name Blackwater became sullied through the course of multiple contracts in Iraq. The Bremer detail should not be painted with the same brush. Gallagher worked hard to maintain a professional staff and there were no shots fired during their watch. To a lesser extent, I think he wanted to share how hard Paul Bremer worked to create a stable government for Iraq. Some of his decisions are questioned now, but there is no question how dedicated he was with his time and potentially his life.
It's a straight-forward read. Interesting to pair with Erik Prince's book Civilian Warriors.
April 28, 2015
Excellent book which details the protection of Paul Bremer, presidential envoy to Iraq in 2003 by an elite group of former military and law enforcement.
If you want the no holds barred, straight up version of the Blackwater team that made up The Bremer detail this is it. It was refreshing to hear facts straight from this man rather than the news/media version.
Mr Gallagher writes in detail of the daily operations of this amazing group of men; giving the reader first hand knowledge of what really went on. Most important to me was the fact that Frank Gallagher held his team to higher standards (which should be the norm)and shows the world that not all Americans are loud and obnoxious.
This team worked hard and played hard as everyone should but kept to the code. Working under extreme circumstances with very little support and great personal sacrifice The Bremer Detail managed a miracle under the extreme conditions they were subject to.
I was made aware of this book from Goodreads First Read and was lucky enough to win a copy. I highly recommend it and will be giving it to friends.
If you want the no holds barred, straight up version of the Blackwater team that made up The Bremer detail this is it. It was refreshing to hear facts straight from this man rather than the news/media version.
Mr Gallagher writes in detail of the daily operations of this amazing group of men; giving the reader first hand knowledge of what really went on. Most important to me was the fact that Frank Gallagher held his team to higher standards (which should be the norm)and shows the world that not all Americans are loud and obnoxious.
This team worked hard and played hard as everyone should but kept to the code. Working under extreme circumstances with very little support and great personal sacrifice The Bremer Detail managed a miracle under the extreme conditions they were subject to.
I was made aware of this book from Goodreads First Read and was lucky enough to win a copy. I highly recommend it and will be giving it to friends.
December 13, 2014
An immersive day to day account of Frank Gallagher's 300 day job of protecting as the book title claims "The most threatened man in the world". Gallagher has a very informal style of narrating, giving a personal action based account of the events unfolding. With all due credit,he doesnt utter a word about the politics involved . He only talks of his job at hand.
He tries his best to dispel the "mercenary=bad" tag. A blow by blow operational account of what it takes to protect someone in a war zone. Because of the style of narration and the setting, the flow is gripping and intense.
But apart from a few key names,the other personalities dont stick due to the disjointed nature of narration.
To his credit, Gallagher declares that he is a proud Type A workaholic who will rise to meet a challenge regardless of the risk.
A must read for everyone.
"Yesterday is gone, a fleeting memory. Tomorrow may not come. But today - today is the most important day of our lives. today is all that counts.Look ahead to tomorrow and you could lose focus on today. Then there will be no tomorrow"
November 2, 2014
I have to admit that I went into this book with skepticism. I did not agree with the politics of Presidential Envoy Paul Bremer and his Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA).
However, this book does not focus at all on the politics, only on the adventures and tactics of the elite Blackwater squad that was assigned to protect Bremer. I really felt the tension as Frank Gallagher leads his detail in trips into the Red Zone and deal with internal Blackwater politics. It read like Black Hawk Down which is one of the best books on modern war that I've read. It was a fast fun read and I would recommend it.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
However, this book does not focus at all on the politics, only on the adventures and tactics of the elite Blackwater squad that was assigned to protect Bremer. I really felt the tension as Frank Gallagher leads his detail in trips into the Red Zone and deal with internal Blackwater politics. It read like Black Hawk Down which is one of the best books on modern war that I've read. It was a fast fun read and I would recommend it.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
September 1, 2016
I won this uncorrected proof from Goodreads.
After leaving the Marine Corp, Frank Gallagher was hired to head the security for Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kissinger, both domestic and internationally. With this experience under his belt he was recruited by Blackwater, a private firm contracted by the DOD to head the security team for Paul Bremer, the U.S. Ambassador to Irag. Although Gallagher was not officially part of the military during this assignment, he and his former marines and seals were thrown into the heart of the action while moving Bremer to official meetings. This book is a real eye opener as to the skill and devotion of these guys. I can enthusiastically recommend this book.
After leaving the Marine Corp, Frank Gallagher was hired to head the security for Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kissinger, both domestic and internationally. With this experience under his belt he was recruited by Blackwater, a private firm contracted by the DOD to head the security team for Paul Bremer, the U.S. Ambassador to Irag. Although Gallagher was not officially part of the military during this assignment, he and his former marines and seals were thrown into the heart of the action while moving Bremer to official meetings. This book is a real eye opener as to the skill and devotion of these guys. I can enthusiastically recommend this book.
August 12, 2015
Great book about the author and his experience in protecting the U.S.ambassador to Iraq.
I truly enjoyed this book and the author tells it like is. He was hired to do a very difficult job and because of many dedicated people like him. He was able to complete his assigned mission and provide protection for the U.S. ambassador in a very hostile environment. All of this at great cost of family time and sometimes with limited resources. You have to have a tremendous ego and patience to put up with other people, who are only concerned with their own concerns. I recommend this book to all because of the historical prospective.
I truly enjoyed this book and the author tells it like is. He was hired to do a very difficult job and because of many dedicated people like him. He was able to complete his assigned mission and provide protection for the U.S. ambassador in a very hostile environment. All of this at great cost of family time and sometimes with limited resources. You have to have a tremendous ego and patience to put up with other people, who are only concerned with their own concerns. I recommend this book to all because of the historical prospective.
August 17, 2015
The author has told his side of the story in a very straight forward and informal way. For all of us civilians who have previously seen a detail protecting any important dignitary and wondered what constitutes the intricacies of concentric security rings, vehicle convoys and the planning that goes in all these would find it interesting.
It also underlines the hazards and the conflicts involved in allowing private establishments like BlackWater in combat zones as a supplement to country's own armed forces as many a times business needs take precedence over matters of national importance.
It also underlines the hazards and the conflicts involved in allowing private establishments like BlackWater in combat zones as a supplement to country's own armed forces as many a times business needs take precedence over matters of national importance.
July 7, 2016
No kidding
At first I expected to love this story. But after I got into it, he drowned me in this carp about type A personality guys, with killer bodies, and dangerous jobs who deserved to live above all restrictions. Obviously he bought that philosophy but he's not convincing me. Why couldn't he simply tell the truth without turning it into a dime novel. Wasn't the truth strong enough to stand alone? Don't waste your time or money.
At first I expected to love this story. But after I got into it, he drowned me in this carp about type A personality guys, with killer bodies, and dangerous jobs who deserved to live above all restrictions. Obviously he bought that philosophy but he's not convincing me. Why couldn't he simply tell the truth without turning it into a dime novel. Wasn't the truth strong enough to stand alone? Don't waste your time or money.
October 21, 2014
Great firsthand account of the man who headed the detail to protect Paul Bremer. Fast-paced, interesting, opinionated, and exhilarating to say the least. This is a great read for anybody interested in Iraq post 2003, the military/government relationship, and those that were there in the mix. I received it via the Goodreads Giveaway program.
March 20, 2016
Detailed book about the day-to-day job of protecting Bremer. No politics, just the job at hand.
Sometimes he's all over the place... Switching gears apparently out of the blue.
But a very interesting read to see what they went through.
Sometimes he's all over the place... Switching gears apparently out of the blue.
But a very interesting read to see what they went through.
August 24, 2016
Excellent reality in the war zone!
Very excellent and detailed book of real men doing an almost impossible job in t h e mist of a war. Good history of Blackwater. Couldn't put it down after I started reading.
Very excellent and detailed book of real men doing an almost impossible job in t h e mist of a war. Good history of Blackwater. Couldn't put it down after I started reading.
March 9, 2017
a real page turner. Excellently written.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews