War Dog: Fighting Other People's Wars - The Modern Mercenary in Combat

by Al J. Venter

Book Overview

Mercenaries have been around since the dawn of civilization, yet today they are little understood. While many modern freelance fighters provide support for larger military establishments, others wage... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932033904
• ISBN13: 9781932033908
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Casemate
• Length: 609 Pages
• Weight: 2.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A monumental effort that pays off

Mr. Venter's book will be a text that people reference when discussing the wars in Africa during the 1990's for years to come. His first hand insight makes the book journal like in it's prose as well as an excellent historical document. There is an intimacy that Mr. Venter creates while talking about the lone Sierra Leonian gunship pilot Nellis that made me felt as though I had spoken to the man in person. In looking at the activities carried out by Executive Outcomes during this period of time, Venter provides a picture that is clear, concise, and above all easy to read. His depth of knowledge and historical context provide an essential read to those interested in what can be called the proto-PMC of Executive Outcomes. I hope that another book is forthcoming.

First Hand Account of Mercs

I waited and waited for this book to come out. I wasn't disappointed. It covers the modern mercenary world from a a first had account. The primary focus of the book is on mercs in Africa. The author spent a significant amount of his time with these mercenarys, occassionally even going on missions with them. The book is long, getting into details that other books have skimmed over for lack of information. I only give this book 5 stars because he covers a subject to a depth I haven't seen since the 80s mercs books. I'm tempted to give it 4 stars though because the writer skips around, referencing future chapters and re telling the same story several times. However if you are into true mercenarys this is the one and only book to get. I collect books on African mercenarys but this is my reference and encyclopedia book on the subject.

Unique insight into military contracting; sobering tutorial on modern Africa

This is a remarkable book. It turns like a thriller, yet the reader also is being educated from a first-hand observer of the sorry state of modern, post-colonial (sometimes proto-colonial) African states. If hiring professional soldiers is what it takes to do something--anything--to ameliorate the "Wretched of the Earth" and the biblical suffering in underdeveloped basketcases, then let's by G-d do it.

From one who was there and in the book...

All I can say is reading this was a very emotional experience as I relived some of those memories from Ventor's book, War Dog. It is not only a work of truth but an amazing story of historical facts that should be read by anyone who truly wants to understand the nature of modern, post cold war conflict and how closely integrated international economy is with these small wars. He also, speaks not only of the 'contrary to popular opinion' fact, that most modern mercs were former distinguished soldiers who left their service and continue to serve with more honor than many civilians will ever know or have. Mercs who also were smart enough to see a way to make some money doing what they were already good at from years of service. Mercs who risk their lives for causes, not just money, and that many of these causes, still actually serve the good of their own homelands through indirect means. Also, they understand that many of their enemies are not out for anything other than pure greed and will stop at no inhumane horror to attempt achieving this. Using child soldiers, hacking off limbs of old people with dull machetes, taking bets and then cutting the babies out of pregnant women to see if it's a boy or girl that falls out... These mercs understand what no politician or self professed peace lover will ever understand or be able to say, much less take action on...And that is that some people in this world are not kind, but ruthless and the only way to stop them is with force... And that's what this book is all about, these men who choose to lay their lives on the line, sure for some money, if they live and when they get paid (if ever), but mostly for a cause they believe in, in places most can't even fathom and in ways, many will never understand, until they live it. These men fall in love with a woman, or a country, or an ideal and often, money is the least of their motives. Read for yourself and form your own opinion. This is the closest to ground truth anyone can ever get without actually going there and living through it- if they live though it. For me, my tour in Africa in some ways, was one of my quietest in terms of combat actually fought, as my wars were in other places. But, in terms of the blood shed and horrors of inhumanity, I've seen nothing like these wars. And, I've seen nothing like the brave men I met there. The Russian crews I served with were some of the best ever and the South African men I met and worked with there, make many heros look small in comparison. To those men go the real honors and salutations. And to Ventor for capturing it, so that their stories will be told, the truth will be know, people can understand and maybe, just maybe, someone somewhere, who is in a position to make a change, might just do so and in that, all our efforts combined, will make a difference. A good read, a better book and a great story for everyone who seeks to understand where we are and where we're going. Salute! >>----->

Independent warriors with a conscience

Al Venter takes you behind the headlines, to show the wannabe's and ex-miltary what is really like to be a freelance warrior. A world where you can trust no one, the pay is usually low, the food/water is bad, you probably won't have the proper equipment, medical care is very limited to non-existant and no one is watching your back. More times then not, you are on your own, so don't expect the cavalry to come to your rescue. Its not a life for those that depend on others for extra firepower, medical or logistical support. You have to be really dedicated to a cause to choose mercenary work as a profession. It certainly isn't for the money or fame.