Soldiers Of Fortune: A History of the Mercenary in Modern Warfare

by Tony Geraghty

The freelance solider, or mercenary, whether fighting for money or reputation or an adopted cause, has always been a fascinating and controversial phenomenon. Now, as a result of the situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, he has become not simply a mercenary but a vital part of modern and privatized warfare. For some, he is a heroic figure, doing the work governments are too squeamish to admit to; for others, he is a bloodthirsty killer. In Tony Geraghty’s starling history, he sheds new light on their activities, which has until now been shrouded in secrecy. Many of the soldiers have spoken to the author about their experiences for the first time, revealing details of operations that have never before been reported in the media.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2009

About the author

Tony Geraghty is a British-Irish writer and journalist. He served in the Parachute Regiment, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his work as a military liaison officer with U.S. forces during the Gulf War (1991). He has been a journalist for The Boston Globe and was the Sunday Times Defence Correspondent in the 1970s.

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting. It's not the kind of book I would want to read again, but it was worth reading at least once.

[Clayton Hall]

It is a very interesting book. The only thing that I didn't like was the authors costant bashing of the American military, PMCs and CIA. He was very quick to point out what he felt was our short comings and mistakes. He needs to be reminded that throughout the 20th and now 21st century America has supplied the bulk of the fighting force in nearly all NATO operations. He also needs to be reminded that after we kicked the British out of our own country we then bailed them out of two other wars they would have lost without our help.

[Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was surprised by this book. I didn't expect to get into it as much, yet I couldn't put it down and finished it over a week-long work trip.

Reading Geraghty is like sitting by the fire listening to Grandad. Sometimes he rambles, the claims made stretch the provided support a little too far, but ultimately you get some great stories. Even though he takes liberties with his evidence, Geraghty's overall message obviously has merit. And it doesn't hurt that he quoted my agency about five times (although he only got our name right twice...).
The book gets most interesting when discussing Iraq and Afghanistan. I was amazed by the stories he shared. I was also surprised at how many of the PSC's are from countries other than UK/US/SA. Who knew that Peruvians and Colombians make up most of the Green Zone contractors?
Overall a worthwhile read, especially if you are interested in what the future holds for Private Security Contractors.

[Radiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Geraghty presents the motivations behind the PMC’s involvements in conflicts [profit, of course], their growing roles in conflicts, and presents his research in a straightforward writing style which I found engaging. He traces the history of mercenary agents in conflicts in the Congo and Angola, to Oman, Yemen, the ugly war in the former Yugoslavia up to Iraq and Afghanistan and subsequently, raises questions on the seemingly indiscriminate policies governing the use of private contractors and lack of accountability governing them.

I did not expect to be unable to put the book down. It is filled with interviews, research and personal experiences speaking to famous (and infamous) mercenaries. Overall, I did enjoy it, especially where he raises questions about the future of PMCs.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cry Havoc and let slip the dogs of war. I found this read very interesting since I dealt with many of the organizations discussed. The private security company or mercenary organization was a distinct facet of the US/UK efforts in Iraq. I dealt daily with these organizations and learned how to handle them. I found much of the discussion here similar to conversations I had with senior military officers and civilians. I recommend reading this book mainly since I believe the private military organizations are a permanent player now in all future conflicts.

[Chris Morrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I remembered more of this, but what I do recall was an interesting read about PMC/PSC jobs mostly in the African arena over many years, the telling of motivations for the contractors, contractees and 'other side' in the conflicts.

[Chris Bauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insider's view of PMC businesses, how they have evolved and changed with the times. As much about profit margins and business as anything else. Which makes perfect sense. Lots of interesting insights into the geopolitical games that nations play as well.

[Greynomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good reference for what happens in the dark side