Soldiers Without Borders by Ian McPhedran is about what some members of the SASR (Australian) get up to when they think they're heading towards their 'use by date' in the Australian army. It includes members the New Zealand SAS, as well.
It's interesting, but disappointing. It interesting in the fact that the SAS soldiers trained in this part of the world are amongst the best in the world. It goes into 'acceptable' detail on ex-SASR members in the United Arab Emirates military and what they're up to. It glimpses at some stories from some ex-soldiers and the sort of missions they might do - without giving anything away, or really confirming they actually are doing it - in private security in mostly undisclosed areas - but generally hinted at Middle East...
Ya know what I'm getting at. Such amazing access to some of the largest private security contractors in the hottest war zones ON.THE.PLANET and no real payoff.
I got shafted by the price, again, but I didn't get me a 'reach-round'. It's like getting as far as the panties then hearing, "I'm waiting for marriage". Sigh.
It's still one for the collection, but stick it near the top of the shelf. I'm glad Mr McPhedran didn't step on any toes. He might grow a set oneday and publish some stories, and not just resumes.
Friday, 16 January 2009
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A VC yesterday!
ReplyDeleteA VC yesterday!
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be nice to know the story behind it?.
ReplyDeleteYeah the whole book had kind of disjointed feel to it. It would just start to get interesting and then switch subjects.
ReplyDeleteIn 2004, Bill went to work in Libya as security detail for an Italian oilfield company, and his stories curled my hair. Particularly in regard to ex-US soldiers.
ReplyDeleteNow to get the reach around vision out of my head, lol.
lmao. Soz Kate.
ReplyDeleteYeah I bet. It'll be something else I'm sure.
Naut ~ Glad I wasn't the only one.
*gives you a reach around*
ReplyDeleteHey, I couldn't help it. I do it to my husband all the time.. ha!
Nice package ;)
"He might grow a set oneday and publish some stories, and not just resumes."
ReplyDeleteIsn't that what nom de plumes are for?
You know something generic & not identifying like maybe John, then a city name or something?
Exactly. Or even change the damn country they're in.
ReplyDeleteDoll ~ roflmao
It's very hard. But the choice of joining a PMC or going really private is very difficult. my brother got screwed with one of the last mobs he was with. What was meant to be a standrd close protection job for foreign office johnnies in Saudi quickly turned into taking that bloody highway from basra, north every two weeks, a couple of IED's later and he needed to move on.
ReplyDeleteLook, I knew 2 old time mercs (who played in the late 60's, 70's) the pay was generally in cash (and not a lot of it) and the equipment not the best. Nowadays they expect medivac, fire support and legal indemnities. Not quite the same...