Gray Work

Confessions of an American Paramilitary Spy

De: Jamie Smith

Narrado por: Jeff Gurner

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.

Best book to read before entering an Intel Job

If you want to get an idea of what it's like to own private intelligence and security company or become a paramilitary contractor, this book is the best one to read, in fact it might be one of the only books of its kind as the story of this man is a unique one!

Deceptive but Moderately Entertaining

The man reading this audio book is excellent. The author, on the other hand, is deceptive at best. There is a reason our wonderful country is hated, he is the reason. Claims to be a mult-millionaire.. .. I don't think so. He lost a law suit for swindling an elderly couple. He brags of ripping off 3rd world countries too. According to him, he trained the Army, Navy, Airforce and the Marines. Ultra right wing politics, you bet. I guess it's a good thing he is also minister who marries couples. Book is mildly entertaining. He should have just written it as fiction.

Great book

The narrators long dragged breath was a little distracting otherwise great book. I’d recommend to friends.

Very Good and Interesting

As a retired Soldier, I enjoyed this, very interesting. I am very familiar with contractors supporting the DoD and this provides a behind the scenes look at what I already knew.

Fun story but...

...this will trip your BS meter quickly. Parts of it read more like an Ian Fleming or Tom Clancy book. Within 10 minutes I had paused the story and spent an hour googling the author. It was an interesting tale.

In depth look into a true working patriot

Really enjoyed the book, it was very thorough in his descriptions of all his endeavors from his youth to his time in the CIA and everything in between. He was very well accomplished in his life served for country and for employer. I enjoyed his in depth breakdown of his training and how he would use it throughout his life. Just really enjoyed it and was very informative and insightful.

Riveting

Revealing, insightful, witty at times yet chilling. The author is a good man. Great read.

Great book

This is a look into a the way the world really works. while we enjoy our pseudo peaceful existence, the brave few, go through he'll and back to help preserve our fragile day to day journey.

Our complex world

When you think you have this confusing world figured out along with all the senseless fighting. Someone comes along makes is good part of it make sense.

interestin insight about things you should know

the narrator is fitting for this story. Jamie is a patriot in the truest sense.