Civilian Warriors

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

By: Erik Prince, Erik Prince - introduction

Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

The founder of Blackwater offers the gripping, previously untold story of the world’s most controversial military contractor
Blackwater is one of the most misunderstood companies of our time. As Erik Prince, its founder and former CEO, writes:

“Hundreds of American citizens employed by private military contractors, or PMCs, would lose their lives helping our government wage wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, only to have their memory tarnished by the unfair and/or ignorant depiction of PMCs as profiteers, jackbooted thugs, or worse.”

Because of the secrecy requirements of Blackwater’s contracts with the Pentagon, the State Department, and the CIA, Prince was unable to speak out when his company’s opponents spread false information. But now he’s free to tell the often shocking story of Blackwater’s rise and fall.

Blackwater hired Special Forces veterans and others with the skills and courage to take on the riskiest security jobs in the world. As its reputation grew, demand for its services escalated. Its men eventually completed nearly 100,000 missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Prince’s narrative includes newly-revealed details about many controversial events. It debunks myths that have been spread by TV shows and movies. It honors our armed forces while challenging the Pentagon’s top leadership. Above all, it will make people rethink exactly who the “good guys” and “bad guys” have been since 9/11.

Critic reviews

“Prince’s book belongs on the shelf next to the memoirs of the other Iraq and Afghanistan war chieftains…. we need Prince’s story to help us understand the history of the post- 9/11 wars and the myriad roles contractors played in these conflicts.”—The Washington Post

Excellent and Enlightening.

Would you listen to Civilian Warriors again? Why?

Absolutely, I've listened to several chapters more than once.

Any additional comments?

I have business partners and several colleagues who have worked with Mr. Prince in the past. Their stories mirror the descriptions provided in this book and add credible details. If you were to base all of your opinions about Blackwater and Erik Prince on the media, you would be sorely mistaken. It's an excellent, and long overdue, insight into an often misunderstood and misaligned industry.

Read this book without bias!

This is a must read! Be sure to read this and not be entrenched with rumors about Blackwater's infamy and scandles. This book goes into details the capabilities of the services of the private sector and the fallacies of Government. (Which we often confused the two in terms of results.)

Really a true story?

An interesting probe to the heart of private military and security industry by a real.insider Eric Prince.Niece peace.CIA havo to be satisfied.

A great read/listen.

Nice to see the truth get out about this amazing company. Mr. Prince is a great American citizen.

Incredible book, great narrative and story

Loved this book. It has so much useful information though. Will definitely listen to it again. Great insight into the world of private military contractors and its most emblematic one: Blackwater. Also the chapters about Erik Prince's life were very moving.