Imperial Grunts

On the Ground with the American Military, from Mongolia to the Philippines to Iraq and Beyond...

By: Robert D. Kaplan

Narrated by: John H. Mayer

A fascinating, unprecedented first-hand look at the soldiers on the front lines on the Global War on Terror.

Plunging deep into midst of some of the hottest conflicts on the globe, Robert D. Kaplan takes us through mud and jungle, desert and dirt to the men and women on the ground who are leading the charge against threats to American security. These soldiers, fighting in thick Colombian jungles or on dusty Afghani plains, are the forefront of the new American foreign policy, a policy being implemented one soldier at a time. As Kaplan brings us inside their thoughts, feelings, and operations, these modern grunts provide insight and understanding into the War on Terror, bringing the war, which sometimes seems so distant, vividly to life.

Praise for Imperial Grunts

“Robert Kaplan has brilliantly captured the story of today’s U.S. military operating in far-flung places on strange missions. Imperial Grunts is the most insightful and superbly written account of soldiering in the New World Disorder to date. It is a must read for all Americans.”—General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps (Ret.)

“Kaplan infuses us with a sense of hope about the future. Through astonishing observations, truths, and stories, Imperial Grunts introduces a brand-new way of thinking about the enduring virtue of the American spirit.”—George Crile, author of Charlie Wilson’s War

“No recent book so well or so vividly portrays the challenges of the modern United States military. With an impressive grasp of the complexities of military missions worldwide, Robert Kaplan exposes the reader to the world of the modern soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine. A must read for both civilian and military leaders.”—General Barry R. McCaffrey, United States Army (Ret.), Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies, United States Military Academy
©2005 Robert D. Kaplan; (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Imperial Grunts is vintage Robert Kaplan, combining a deep appreciation of history and wonderfully vivid writing with an infectious wanderlust.”—Max Boot, Senior Fellow, National Security Studies, the Council on Foreign Relations, author of The Savage Wars of Peace

“Splendid! This is the finest work in print about today’s American fighting men and the challenges they face around the globe. Kaplan’s courage in researching this book under combat conditions is complemented by his integrity and great literary skill. Imperial Grunts simply could not be better.”—Ralph Peters, author of Beyond Baghdad

“One of the most important books of the last several years. Robert Kaplan uses his prodigious energy and matchless reporting skills to takes us on to the front lines with the new warrior-diplomats who use weapons, imagination, and personal passion to protect and advance the interests of the United States. This is a generation every American should come to know.”—Tom Brokaw

One of the best books ever

If you like world history or just want to know what military's have done through out history and how they effect us today this book is a MUST

Stories worth telling but not told by media

A sober, illuminating collection that provides some badly needed affirmation for our grunts on the ground. Take a stereotype, any stereotype--of our guys, allies or the enemy--and this book smashes it to pieces. Unvarnished, disturbing, engrossing.

Love the historical context provided, as well as the absence of flag-waving and back-slapping.

One passage, which took place in Columbia, upset me so much I couldn't get it out of my mind. It inspires an odd confluence of emotions: compassion for those I can personally never help, and a desire for retribution against those who were once victims themselves.

Highly Recommended.

Excellent

Excellent combination of historical reference, current events and analysis. I will encourage my son, and Army officer, to read this.

Fought my way to the end

Interesting information; extravagant premise; overweening arrogance. The author could not restrain himself from displaying his learning, which is nearly as great as he thinks it is. I almost gave up many times, but the core content kept me going. The author never used a short or even long word if he could look up a new one. Pretentiousness run wild.

completely engaging and informative

In Imperial Grunts, Kaplan takes you to various parts of the world, giving you a wonderful history of each, then current events, then a look at the country through the eyes of the special forces. Having known some of the special forces men personally this report seems completely credible. This book has opened my eyes to much of the world by looking at what is happening on the ground. I was truly educated by this book and it was a pleasure to read.