Gray Work, Jamie Smith
Gray Work, Jamie Smith
26 Rating(s)
List: $29.99 | Sale: $21.00
Club: $14.99

Gray Work
Confessions of an American Paramilitary Spy

Author: Jamie Smith

Narrator: Jeff Gurner

Unabridged: 15 hr 18 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperAudio

Published: 06/30/2015


Synopsis

The first ever, first-person story of America's private, paramilitary contractors at work around the world-from a man who performed these missions himself and has decades of stories to tell. This is a fascinating tale-and potentially the first-to describe the work of American contractors, men who run highly dangerous missions deep inside foreign countries on the brink of war. It will lift the veil and detail the ultimate danger and risk of paramilitary operations (both officially government-sanctioned and not) and show us in very intimate terms exactly what private soldiers do when the government can't act or take public responsibility. GRAY WORK combines covert military intelligence with boots-on-the-ground realism, following Jamie Smith through his CIA training and work as a spy in the State Department, to his co-founding of Blackwater following 9/11, to his decision to leave that company. As the founder and director of Blackwater Security, Smith's initial vision has undeniably shaped and transformed a decade of war. He argues that this gray area-and its warriors who occupy the controversial space between public and private-has become an indispensable element of the modern battlefield.

About Jamie Smith

Jamie Smith served in the CIA before becoming the founding director of Blackwater Security. After earning a graduate degree, he went on to postgraduate studies at Boston University. In 2002, he started his own defense contracting company and has planned, led, and executed missions throughout the world from Africa to Asia and the Middle East.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Ti.Me on May 03, 2018

A mind-blowing journey into an extremely polarizing subject. Experienced through the rear view mirror of a guy who's worked and led paramilitary operations and training for decades, the book exposes uncomfortable truths, and a wealth of fun-to-learn facts about weapons, fighting, espionage, and cybe......more

Goodreads review by Matthew on May 16, 2017

An interesting book and from the "behind the scenes" aspect is was very interesting. However, the author's continual insertion of his political views made the book seem childish. At times it was like reading a political lecture book than a book about mercenaries.......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on March 05, 2017

Just finished 'Gray Work' by Jamie Smith. Well-written and entertaining, but unfortunately likely mostly made up.......more

Goodreads review by Jamie on March 09, 2017

Fascinating look at the underbelly of war in modern times. The pictures support the story and - despite the naysayers - it rings true. Sounds like a massive attempt to discredit the author and thereby his book by those who don't want the truth to come out about what the US does abroad. Further credi......more

Goodreads review by Paige on November 16, 2015

This was a fantastic look into the world of paramilitary work. Jamie's insights were captivating and his unashamed acknowledgement of his Christian faith was very refreshing. It's always encouraging to read the stories of men who fight the evil in our world but still maintain their faith and hope in......more