This book had tons of information and great stories but it also had almost 3 pages of political jargon at the start of each chapter. If you can wade through the "commercials" for private contracting you will enjoy this book.

While Jeremy Schall's book on Blackwater is very well reported and informative, it is infused with anti-contractor bias, whereas Schumacher's account allows for the necessity of contractors to the military to fill voids left by U.S. (and other Western countries') policy. Pelton's book, while it contains some anti-contractor bias, is exciting and the best of the lot in my view.

While Jeremy Schall's book on Blackwater is very well reported and informative, it is infused with anti-contractor bias, whereas Schumacher's account allows for the necessity of contractors to the military to fill voids left by U.S. (and other Western countries') policy. Pelton's book, while it contains some anti-contractor bias, is exciting and the best of the lot in my view.

A Bloody Business looks at the world of the Private Military Contractor from the inside out. Col. Schumacher's views on the PMC and the niche that they occupy in the world of security are made fairly evident in the first chapter. He sees the contractor as the "redheaded stepchild" that performs an important and valuable task yet recieves no respect for carrying it out.
Schumacher's organization of the prose sometimes left me wanting. I found myself constantly saying "so what?" through out the reading. I would like him to have spelled out his point a little more. That being said, the Colonel's chapter on the trucking contractors was compelling to say the least. The journalistic style during this chapter really brings an interesting question to the forefront; What are we to do if civilians are killed in a combat zone? Why are they there in the first place? These questions unfortunately do not the space they deserve in the book, however the overall information that the Colonel provides makes it worthwhile.

I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I was pleasantly surprised. I initially had a very negative view of military contractors, mostly due to the media bias in our country. The book spells out what type of contractors serve in Iraq and what I enjoyed the most, gives personal accounts of the contractors who serve. I am considering taking a position as an International Police Officer in Iraq and I found the personal accounts of the officers who served there quite compelling.

The author remains very politically neutral, unlike recent books I have read about this subject, and lets the reader decide how he or she feels about the involvement of "civilians" in the warzone. I only wish he could have dug a little deeper and gathered more personal accounts, but this is still a good read nevertheless.

Gerry Schumacher brings the gritty world of security contractors into focus in this very informative book. War stories from actual contractors, re-told from the vantage point of a battle seasoned veteran. Plus, the experiences of a retired soldier who was in Iraq, met the people, and ran some of the missions. If you are looking for a political agenda, this is not your book:) If you are looking for a window into life in Iraq, this is an excellent collection of stories that changed my view about contractors and about what life in Iraq is like outside the spin zone.

Gerry Schumacher brings the gritty world of security contractors into focus in this very informative book. War stories from actual contractors, re-told from the vantage point of a battle seasoned veteran. Plus, the experiences of a retired soldier who was in Iraq, met the people, and ran some of the missions. If you are looking for a political agenda, this is not your book:) If you are looking for a window into life in Iraq, this is an excellent collection of stories that changed my view about contractors and about what life in Iraq is like outside the spin zone.

Not very well written, often redundent, but still a decent overall view of trials and tribulations of contractor life in a war zone.

If glorifying an illegal murderous private army now is the job of a retired officer, he's done a good job.

If glorifying an illegal murderous private army now is the job of a retired officer, he's done a good job.

Taking the book for what it is...one man's observations, it is an excellent book that allows you to grasp a better view of the contractors in Iraq.

While reading ' A Bloody Business ' by Colonel Schumacher I was taken on a real world, real time,ground level tour of the private military contractor's AO in Iraq. Colonel Schumacher was able to tell this story as only a former operator could. Taking advantage of his Special Forces background and obvious literary talent he uses both grit and sophistication to explain the partnership of government and private military/security companies on today's battlefields. ' A Bloody Business ' is a great read for current event discussion groups and a must read for those entertaining the thought of working as a security contractor overseas. Five Stars!

Tim Wagman
Special Forces Association, Chapter 85

While reading ' A Bloody Business ' by Colonel Schumacher I was taken on a real world, real time,ground level tour of the private military contractor's AO in Iraq. Colonel Schumacher was able to tell this story as only a former operator could. Taking advantage of his Special Forces background and obvious literary talent he uses both grit and sophistication to explain the partnership of government and private military/security companies on today's battlefields. ' A Bloody Business ' is a great read for current event discussion groups and a must read for those entertaining the thought of working as a security contractor overseas. Five Stars!

Tim Wagman
Special Forces Association, Chapter 85

Schumacher's book is an easy yet engrossing read. He devotes time to various types of contractors (e.g. truckers). Good to get the perspective of non-shooters, but I wish he would have gone further into engineers, etc. at risk in-country. Minor points aside, he makes the case for WHY we need contractors, and he strips the shine off the "$1,000 per day" myth. His depictions are grimy, and real. If you're reading about Iraq, and questioning the seemingly impossible task of reconstruction, you must read this book.

This book does not get deeply into the politics of contracting. It does however present a good 'human' story of what contractors do.

Some readers may believe that contractors are there just for the money. But I think that Schumacher's portrayal of the individual contractor being motivated by a various factors including adventure, patriotism, etc as well as money is probably accurate.

Humanitarian Aid workers are a similar group and they are often motivated by similar factors.

I recommend reading this book along with Robert Pelton Young's book.

Col Schumacher explores the world of the civilian contractor in Iraq in a way that no one else has. He gives an honest, accuate portrayal of who we are and what we have done in Iraq. It is a great tribute to the brave warriors of the 1544th Transportation Company, Illinois National Guard that gave their all to escort our mail convoys in Iraq. I am honored to have worked on the trucking contractor section with Col Schumacher. His military background and insight makes this book a must read. Mark R. 'Uglypuppy' Taylor Convoy Commander - JMMT-I 2004-2005 'The Iron Pony Express'.



Author of
The Truth aboutt
Cafffeine

I've lived in Iraq for the past year and a half and while my job isn't quite as "sexy" as the books subjects, I do get to see a lot of the lifestyle first hand. I get to meet guys like this all the time. Colonel Schumacher nails story of the contractor right on the head... good job! When he gives you the "basics" of who contractors are, I could tell he was talking about "me".

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT GOING OVER SEAS YOU BETTER READ THIS BOOK FIRST

I just finished the book today. It took me only 3 days to finish it. Excellent book and it makes you wonder about the contractors that are killed who dont receive the proper attention in the media. I decided to look up information on the web and I was shocked to see that Donna Kearns (Police Trainer in Jordan) was killed in a vehicle accident in Jordan on August 2nd. So sad to see this.

Retired Memphis officer killed in Jordan accident
MEMPHIS - A retired police officer contracted to train Iraqi police recruits was killed in a traffic accident in Amman, Jordan, the Memphis Police Department has announced.

Retired Sgt. Donna Marie Kerns was killed in the accident sometime Wednesday.

Details of the accident were to be released later by the U.S. Department of State.

According to a news release from Memphis police, Kerns was a 26-year veteran who was among the first five women to be hired by the department in 1971.

She was also the first woman to be qualified as a hostage negotiator by the department and was recognized as a leading investigator of sexual assaults.

After leaving the Memphis department, Kerns traveled to several other countries to train officers and was on her second trip to the Middle East to train Iraqi police.

An element of private military companies is the rediscovered opportunity to join "the fight" without joining a public military organization. Reasons for taking the private route include being too old, too unfit, short-term goals (i.e. quick money, <1yr commitment, the experience, etc), flexibility of choice, or any number of other reasons. The fact is private military companies providing security, logistics, and other services in and around the modern battlespace is re-democratizing war.

Looking at the private military industry operating in Iraq, Colonel Schumacher reviews many of its varied components beyond the almost cliche private security details (the shooters). From construction to trucking to training and even the security contractors, the author profiles elements of the private military industry as under-appreciated, undervalued, and, in many of his examples, highly patriotic.

This is a book heavy on cheerleading for the private contractors as individuals without spending too much time on the question of the appropriateness of the industry. These men and women do not get the same insurance, logistic support, fire support, medical support, or equipment the public armed forces receive. In return, they get the opportunity to serve at their leisure, higher pay, and little recognition. This book attempts to correct the latter as "[n]either a glorification nor a cheap shot-riddled exposé", as the back of the dust cover describes it.

Indeed, most of the reviews on Amazon and other sites echo this sentiment: "...the incredible amount of dangers they face, often times it is more than money which motivates them. For the majority of the contractors, it is their chance to serve their country" and "[t]hey are no less patriotic, no less courageous, than people in the military."

Colonel Schumacher glosses over the issues behind the tremendous increase in using private military companies in the last decade. He largely attributes the availability of skilled security resources as a result of "Up-or-Out" policies, but this is a narrow reading of the realities. There is more there than that, especially military downsizing etc but like most of the political arguments, Schumacher oversimplifies to spend less time on the intellectual analysis (and long-term realities) and more on the daily realities of the contractor.

Interesting is his observation of the multicultural and multiethnic make up of PMCs, which reminded me of the democratic and ethnically blind pirates of the 17th Century as described in Benerson Little's excellent book, The Sea Rover's Practice. The comparison is not meant to suggest a similarity between pirates and private military companies beyond the organizational and motivational parallels between these non-state forces that operate with paradigms different from the societies they come from. One example is a more democratized operation that includes dropping the discrimination found in their contemporary societies -- if they are operating on the same team or ship that is.

When Schumacher does explore the raison d'etre of PMCs use, he has both hits and misses. One "hit" is when he writes: "[b]ecause contract operations do not get the visibility that military operations do, the true cost, in terms of lives and impact on US foreign policy is disguised. As a concerned public, we need to be far more aware and informed about where, when, and how the United States employs these firm."

However at the same time he misses the point by just including barely a page in his 262 page book on the political realities, but yet frequently returns to the point of the under-appreciated and under-supported contractor and their value. The latter is clearly the point he wants to make and does not want to delve into the politics behind their use like most other books on the subject. This is somewhat refreshing to a reader new to the subject but the human story should not outweigh the concern we the public should have over their deployment. The focus of the book is clearly to tell the story of the "unsung hero". Schumacher makes no attempt to connect private military contractors with the evolution of war, which isn't his purpose anyways.

That all said, the book really is a good read and good on first person (almost whole chapters are told by the participant with only setup by Schumacher) accounts. The focus on non-shooters is almost refreshing. At times reading like a novel, it is a quick read.

I was once asked for a reading list that included first-person accounts of private military companies in action. Just a few months ago, I was pressed to provide anything, but I'd include this on a reading list for another -- non-academic -- perspective.

A BLOODY BUSINESS: AMERICA'S WAR ZONE CONTRACTORS AND THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ tells of a new kind of American army overseas: one which is a private mercenary-run establishments which takes over as the U.S. military shrinks. The lives of such men and women who work in Iraq are controlled by few laws or regulations: they must rely on instinct and their own codes of conduct. Civilian contractors in Iraq number some fifteen thousand: their experiences and daily lives, recounted here, are riveting testimonies to their duties and hardships.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

I have been reading up on many books about the war in Iraq, but this is one of the best by far. Even though it is the story of the American contractor in Iraq, at heart it is still a war story, and a grand one at that.

Colonel Schumacher brings us deep into the unseen and unappreciated world of the American contractor and their work in Iraq. Many of the books coming out now, about the war in Iraq, tend to focus on the American military. As such I found this to be an interesting change of pace. Unfortunately, much of the American public (and the military members themselves) tend to have a rather negative view of the American contractor. To many a contractor is synonymous with being nothing more than paid mercenaries, greedy and trigger happy cowboys resented for their high salaries.

After reading this book I defy anyone not to have newfound respect for the American contractor. Indeed, with the incredible amount of dangers they face, often times it is more than money which motivates them. For the majority of the contractors, it is their chance to serve their country. Many of the stories read like a military thriller, of multiple ambushes survived, tragedies of friends killed, the camraderie of service. One of the most amazing stories featured in this book is of the night one of the mail truck convoys was hit by an IED and ambushed by insurgents. The convoy, a mix of civilian truck drivers along with their Military Police escorts, headed out of Baghdad International Airport, for their nightly mail delivery run to the various Forward Operating Bases. One of the contractors risked his own life, amidst flying bullets, to not only recover the troop's mail from the damaged truck, but to finish delivering it.

I hope one day the American public realizes the bravery and sacrifice of these contractors. Many of them face death and danger each and every single day and night going outside the wire, to deliver the mail, to supply the American war effort, to train American and Iraqi forces, to detect explosives, etc. Indeed, a case is made in the book that without these contractors, the war would not last a week. They are no less patriotic, no less courageous, than people in the military.

Highly recommended for all.

Col Schumacher's recent book, A Bloody Business, did a good job covering the different types of contractors operating in Iraq, such as Security, truckers, trainers, and Dog handlers. This book was both informative and entertaining. There were some edge of your seat stories concerning the security and trucking contractors. The security company that the Col. wrote about/spent time with was Crescent Security. They seemed a little fly by night but had some tough experiences over there. I found it interesting how they lived in Kuwait but kept their indigs and the company's weapons in Iraq. Every time they crossed over they had to stop and pick up/drop off their weapons. I admire the Col for actually going over there and spending time with the subjects on the ground. Too bad he couldn't cover the Afghan theater, maybe next time. Anyway, he did a great job and I look forward to reading any of his future writings. D.O.L

Anyone wishing to learn about civilian contractors in Iraq should buy this book. You will not be disappointed. It talks about private military contractors and truck drivers. It also talks about civilian contractors training the police and military forces of Iraq. There is also a section on Explosive Detention Dogs and there handlers and how to become a contractor. It's a great book and written perfectly. The stories in it are incredible and it show what they are facing over in Iraq and a day to day basis.

I have served with Gerry Schumacher in the Special Forces (Cold War), he, a war time type army officer. His book (Bloody Business) is an excellent report - summary of some history of military contractors; a working approach at the definition - distinction between support contractors vs. mercenary; who is in Iraq and what firms they represent (and what they do); the honor these men (and women) uphold; and a touch-idea of the peril of Iraq.

Ronald Sarhad,
Turlock, California

The author approaches the thorny subject of civilian contractors from many angles. He defines mercenaries as those who fight for money, yet others have personal void in their life that need be filled or those who missed the service when they were young and seek purpose in patriotism.

The book argues that civilian contractors have done miracles in places like Croatia, Sierra Lion, Vietnam, Columbia, and in places where national politics precludes expedient solution. It suggests that the future army might rely more on private contractors because of economic factors and expediency. It also addresses the moral objection by many on deploying civilian fighters without internationally unified code of military ethics. An example for such shortcoming is the story of three American contractors working in Iraq, came very close to killing their Iraqi captor, in addition to innocent civilians, in a rage over stolen trucks and money. Uniform police would not act that foolishly over stolen property (at least in civilized nations) as did those three Americans in a foreign land. Thus, the code of conduct in fighting becomes a personal prerogative rather than a community enforceable code.

The military upbringing of the author is depicted in the many slang expressions and words seldom found in literary work. The author's fascination of wars and battles and the people involved seems to stem for yearning for edgy living. In cold and unmoving conscience, the author equates life with few thousands of dollars . Some of those thrown in kill zones only earn what a middle class civilian worker earns in a sedentary occupation close to home.

The book also approaches mercenary work as a profession that adheres to some standards varying from an employment company to the another. He even claims that it is hard to land such deadly job and that referral by veteran mercenaries is dearly needed and valued and that its filters the unfit for the chaos of war zone.

The author attempts to cover historical origin of the mercenary profession. His historic narration of private military contractors is self made without any thorough research. For example, his claim that a Moslem Iraqi terrorist had hesitated to kill him by suicidal explosives could be attributed to the Moslem's fear that the spattered remains of the author's dog would spill on his dead body and prevents him from going to heaven, is a stretch.

Also, his explanation that shaking hand with the left insults Muslims because the left hand reserved for toilet is one of the common stereotypical smears taught to westerns. During the 1986 American-Egyptian combined military desert exercise, I lectured to the National Guard in Saint Louis, Missouri in the company of an Air Force major form USAFA. That when I first heard that stereotype form my host. Another Christian Syrian air force major dwelled on another stereotype of having multiple wives. Then, a female guard captain directed this question to me: why women were not allowed to marry multiple men? I was sweating!! Marrying multiple wives is not as simple as non-Muslims think. It is highly regulated to guarantee fairness and eliminate cheating. It all shows that stereotypes are hearsay that reflects the motive of its messenger. The left hand in a particular is not condoned by the Quran as a matter of uniform code of conduct.

Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

The author approaches the thorny subject of civilian contractors from many angles. He defines mercenaries as those who fight for money, yet others have personal void in their life that need be filled or those who missed the service when they were young and seek purpose in patriotism.

The book argues that civilian contractors have done miracles in places like Croatia, Sierra Lion, Vietnam, Columbia, and in places where national politics precludes expedient solution. It suggests that the future army might rely more on private contractors because of economic factors and expediency. It also addresses the moral objection by many on deploying civilian fighters without internationally unified code of military ethics. An example for such shortcoming is the story of three American contractors working in Iraq, came very close to killing their Iraqi captor, in addition to innocent civilians, in a rage over stolen trucks and money. Uniform police would not act that foolishly over stolen property (at least in civilized nations) as did those three Americans in a foreign land. Thus, the code of conduct in fighting becomes a personal prerogative rather than a community enforceable code.

The military upbringing of the author is depicted in the many slang expressions and words seldom found in literary work. The author's fascination of wars and battles and the people involved seems to stem for yearning for edgy living. In cold and unmoving conscience, the author equates life with few thousands of dollars . Some of those thrown in kill zones only earn what a middle class civilian worker earns in a sedentary occupation close to home. His historic narration of private military contractors is self made without any thorough research.

The book also approaches mercenary work as a profession that adheres to some standards varying from an employment company to the another. He even claims that it is hard to land such deadly job and that referral by veteran mercenaries is dearly needed and valued and that its filters the unfit for the chaos of war zone.

The author attempts to cover historical origin of the mercenary profession. Yet, his claim that a Moslem Iraqi terrorist had hesitated to kill him by suicidal explosives could be attributed to the Moslem's fear that the spattered remains of the author's dog would spill on his dead body and prevents him from going to heaven, is a stretch. Also, his explanation that shaking hand with the left insults Muslims because the left hand reserved for toilet is one of the common stereotypical smears taught to westerns. During the 1986 American-Egyptian combined military desert exercise, I lectured to the National Guard in Saint Louis, Missouri in the company of an Air Force major form USAFA. That when I first heard that stereotype form my host. Another Christian Syrian air force major dwelled on another stereotype of having multiple wives. Then, a female guard captain directed this question to me: why women were not allowed to marry multiple men? I was sweating!! My answer was that marriage imposes commitment and eliminates the interference of government in personal matters. Women could not support multiple men, while a man could. Anyway, marrying multiple wives is not as simple as non-Muslims think. It is highly regulated to guarantee fairness and eliminate cheating. Why any man would cheat if kept so busy all week long? It all shows that stereotypes are hearsay. The left hand in a particular is not condoned by the Quran as a matter of uniform code of conduct. That is similar to ritual of speaking softly and respectfully during eating, or not shouting at old people or parents that were emphasize in the Quran too.

Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

The author approaches the thorny subject of civil contractors from many angles. He defines mercenaries as those who fight for money. Yet, others have personal void in their life that need be filled or those who missed the service when they were young and seek purpose in patriotism.

The book argues that civil contractors have done miracles in places like Croatia, Sierra Lion, Vietnam, Columbia, and in places where national politics precludes expedient solution. It suggests that the future army might rely more on private contraction because of economic factors and expediency. It also addresses the moral objection by many of deploying civilian fighters without internationally unified code of military ethics. An example for such shortcoming is a story of three American contractors working in Iraq, came very close to killing their Iraqi captor, in addition to innocent civilians, in a rage over stolen trucks and money. Uniform police would not act that foolishly over stolen property as did those three Americans in a foreign land. Thus, the code of conduct in fighting becomes a personal prerogative rather than a community enforceable code.

The military upbringing of the author is depicted in the many slang expressions and words seldom found in literary work. The author's fascination of wars and battles and the people involved seems to stem for yearning for edgy living. He equates life with few thousands of dollars in cold and unmoving conscience. Some of those thrown in kill zones only earn what a middle class civilian worker earns in a sedentary occupation close to home. His historic narration of private military contractors is self made without any thorough research.

The book also approaches mercenary work as a profession that adheres to some standards varying from employment companies to the other. He even claims that it is hard to land such deadly job and that referral by veteran mercenaries is dearly needed and valued and that its filters the unfit for the chaos of war zone.

The author attempts to cover historical origin of the mercenary profession. Yet, his claim that a Moslem Iraqi terrorist had hesitated to kill him by suicidal explosives could be attributed to the Moslem's fear that the spattered remains of the author's dog would spill on his dead body and prevents him from going to heaven, is a stretch. Also, his explanation that shaking hand with the left insults Muslims because the left hand reserved for toilet is one of the common stereotypical smears taught to westerns. During the 1986 American-Egyptian combined military desert exercise, I lectured to the National Guard in Saint Louis, Missouri in the company of an Air Force major form USAFA. That when I first heard that stereotypical comment form my hosting major. Another Christian Syrian air force major dwelled on another stereotypical stigma of men having multiple wives. Then, a female guard captain directed a question to me about why women were not allowed to marry multiple men. I was sweating!! My answer was that marriage imposes commitment and eliminates the interference of government on personal freedom. Women could not support multiple men, while a man could. Anyway, marrying multiple wives is not as simple as non-Muslims think. It is highly regulated to guarantee fairness and eliminate cheating. Why any man would cheat if kept so busy all week long? It all shows who propagates the stereotype. The left hand in a particular is not condoned by the Quran as a matter of uniform code of conduct. That is similar to ritual of speaking softly and respectfully during eating or not shouting at old people or parents that were emphasize in the Quran too.

Mohamed F. El-Hewie
Author of
Essentials of Weightlifting and Strength Training

This book is an actual and factual account of what has happened to our brave civilian contractors working inside Iraq...

The details and the incidents these people have come across in their daily lives just trying to earn an income for themselves and their families is one of 'life & death'...

I have read this book twice now from 'cover to cover' and would strongly suggest others read it as well...

The factual accounts of incidents that have occurred in Iraq and the brave men and women who have been there have not been accurately reported by our mainstream news media...

You'll get a new resolves and feeling for what others have sacrificed keeping our brave Military troops supplied, equipped and well fed by those civilians who risk their lives just to do so...

'The Captain'
[...]

What a tribute to the patriotic warriors that continue to risk life and limb in Iraq and Afghanistan. This book truly explores the desire of Americans to continue to serve overseas in the service of their country. It was emotionally overwhelming for me to read about their experiences, masterfully written by Col. Schumacher. This is a must read for anyone who has served their country and fought for the guy next to him.

Recent combat operations have produced a whole new library of non-fiction books about combat operations, many from new authors with new perspectives. Col. Gerry Schumacher is one of those new authors and this is one of the best of the new books. Schumacher is a retired "Green Beret" who (unlike many authors) actually went to Iraq to do his research while doing "ride-alongs" with the people he describes. He brings a Green Beret commander's quirky, realistic, pragmatic, view of the world and its people to his story and tells the tale in a graceful, disciplined way. His admiration and affection for the people he describes does not prevent him from an honest evaluation of them and their roles on the modern battlefield. I did not expect to admire the subjects of this book but came away from BLOODY BUSINESS thinking that they are all a bunch of unsung heroes. Highly recommended for those who like action-packed non-fiction.

I honestly could not put this book down, i'm in the middle of about four different books but saw this one and could not say no and was finished with it in two days. As a man who has been there and seen those things, i always envied and admired the private contractors over there and might possibly seek employment in that sort of job. The book is excellent, exploring everything from some of the controversies and concerns of PMC's, what it takes to get with a PMC, what you can expect being a PMC, and thats only the first third of the book, the personal stories about the truck drivers, trainers, and security contractors is the heart and soul of the book and gives you a interesting and deep look into these men and women who still serve their country in another capacity and perform tasks that put less a burden on our already strained military, while making a nice profit for themselves, all in all a excellent book!

Being one of the charactors in Gerry's book my opinion might be slightly biased, but I found that he was able to deliver the message we as contractors have been saying. We are just trying to support our military & governments desires as objectively as possible. There are just some jobs that contractors are better suited for, to free up our troops to acheive their missions. We ask for no awards, citations, or publicity. Just the satisfaction of a job well done. Colonel Schumacher has done that with this book, pulling no punches. We have made mistakes, along with our government & military. But he has explained why we are neccessary to in order for Iraq succeed as a new nation. If you have any doubts as to why American contractors are in a war zone to begin with, buy this book.

When my son decided to become a security contractor in Iraq, I had lots of questions, but I didn't know anyone who could answer them. I wish "A Bloody Business" had existed back then. It gives vivid descriptions of the kinds of people who do these jobs, the precautions they take, and the incredibly dangerous situations they find themselves in. Schumacher's book should be read by anyone who wonders what a friend or family member will be doing and why he or she is choosing such a dangerous job.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Not only was it extremely educating as to the role of civilian contractors, life in Iraq and the harsh realities of war, but also an enthralling look into the personal feelings and experiences of those committed to this venturesome "bloody business". Schumacher masterfully acquaints you with these men and women in a way that quickly endears you to them. You fear for them as you read of their harrowing accounts, grieve their losses, as well as feel joy when learning they successfully made it through what could have easily been a life-taking situation. Including pictures of many of these individuals was a wonderful touch, making it yet more personal. I found myself quite disappointed when reaching the end of the book! I would highly recommend this as first-rate reading, not to be missed!

Fascinating insight into what's it like to live and work as an American contractor in Iraq. This is the real life picture you don't get in the standard news. Schumacher's style vividly gives you the look-sound-feel-smell of this life and more understanding of the cultures and how they interact. Extremely enjoyable and educational reading. You get to know the characters as they go through unbelievable daily experiences, then you look at their pictures and realize this is all real!

Thanks to Col. Schumacher for finally presenting a first hand look at the particular sphere of civilian contractors. With this book, he does not judge politically, but introduces true feelings and actions not yet portrayed by other media "personalities". If a person is not dedicated to this work, he/she should definitely not be doing it. It is another way of serving and protecting, not yet fully recognized in the mainstream. Schumacher recognizes this - Bravo!

As a woman who does not know much about civilian contractors, this book was given to me by a good friend. After looking at the cover I was skeptical. But it's a great book!! Not only do you begin to understand the importance of civilian contractors but you befriend them. The author has shown great insight into the operation and history of civilian military contractors. I have learned so much and have a new respect for the work of the civilian contractors. I have actually gone back and reread many of the chapters. I truly recommend this book. This is definitely an example for those who are unsure to not "judge a book by its cover."

With "A Bloody Business", Col. Gerry Schumacher has taken you into the world of the American contractor in Iraq. The reader will get an indepth study into the life of the trucking, training and security contractors which until now has not been shared in the mainstream media.

We are dedicated, hardworking men and women who served our country along side the greatest military in the world. I spent eighteen months in Iraq as a civilian truck driver, running mail missions with the 1544th and 497th Transportation Companies.

"A Bloody Business" is a detailed, objective account into our lives and our families you won't find any where else.

Mark R. "Uglypuppy" Taylor

Convoy Commander

Baghdad, Iraq 2004-2005

Good friends with a Dustin, Jake, Danny, Chazz, Mikey...just to name a few...some of the people that he wrote on in the book. Got to read a copy that Jake recieved before the release. Awesome book!! If you like this style of book, a must read!!!