Johan Raath

Probably the best book about being a security contractor in Iraq that I’ve ever read. Author is a South African who worked for a number of companies (including one of the largest, Triple Canopy) in a variety of senior operational roles, drawing from his experience in South African Special Operations. Vivid and accurate descriptions about life and challenges; I worked with some of the same companies (as a vendor and client) and in the same places, although doing much less exciting stuff. show more The only things that are missing are that a lot of the specific incidents described (logistical and bureaucratic challenges) might have been high (or low) points, but the same kind of stuff happened every day to some degree — the “Groundhog Day” aspect wasn’t so clear in the book. show less