We Were Blackwater: Life, death and madness in the killing fields of Iraq - an SAS veteran's explosive true story

The 2003 Iraq invasion is the untold story of the private security contractors who fought their own war against a brutal insurgency. Barrie Rice's gripping account of his time with Blackwater delivers a compelling slice of reality, the inside story of the private contractor's war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

The aftermath of the 2003 Iraq invasion is a story that has yet to be fully told, particularly from the perspective of the private security contractors who fought their own war against a brutal insurgency. These individuals risked their lives and limbs, often working side by side with the US military but often being more exposed to danger. Despite their bravery and dedication, they never received the hero's welcome that their fellow soldiers did upon returning home. Instead, they remained in the shadows, often for valid reasons, but their story would soon change forever.

On March 31, 2004, a security convoy was ambushed in Fallujah, resulting in the tragic deaths of two American operators. The company involved in this incident, Blackwater, would become notorious for its role in the war. This is the untold story of the security industry and its private war, recounted by SAS veteran and New Zealand national Barrie Rice. Rice's visceral, no-holds-barred account of his time with Blackwater brings the reader into the heart of the conflict, providing a compelling insight into the lives of the contractors and the challenges they faced.

Through his experiences, Rice confronts both the war and himself, reflecting on the moral and ethical dilemmas that he faced while serving in Iraq. He describes the intense training that the contractors underwent, the close bonds that they formed with their fellow soldiers, and the harrowing moments of combat. Rice also sheds light on the political and economic factors that contributed to the privatization of security in Iraq, as well as the controversial role that Blackwater played in the conflict.

This gripping account delivers a compelling slice of reality, offering an inside look at the private contractor's war. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of corporations, the nature of warfare, and the human cost of conflict. Barrie Rice's story is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who served in Iraq, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of telling these stories and understanding the complexities of the war.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 162 x 244 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785908149