The Invisible Soldiers: How America Outsourced Our Security

Publisher Marketing: The urgent truth about the privatization of America s national security that exposes where this industry came from, how it operates, where it's heading and why we should be concerned. Thirty years ago there were no private military and security companies (PMSCs); there were only mercenaries. Now the PMSCs are a bona-fide industry, an indispensable part of American foreign and military policy. PMSCs assist US forces in combat operations and replace them after the military withdraws from combat zones; they guard our embassies; they play key roles in US counterterrorism strategies; and Homeland Security depends on them. Their services include maritime security, police training, drone operations, cyber security, and intelligence analysis (as Edward Snowden has famously revealed). Even the United Nations employs them. When did this happen? The turning point came when the US found itself in a prolonged war with Iraq, but without adequate forces. So the Bush Administration turned to the PMSCs to fill the gap. Private contractors and subcontractors eventually exceeded the traditional troops. The industry has never scaled back. Ann Hagedorn profiles the members of Congress who recognize the dangers of dependence on PMSCs, but have been unable to limit them or even determine their true scope. She takes us to the exclusive club in London where the PMSCs were created, and she reveals the key figure in the evolution of the industry. She introduces us to a US Army general who studies new developments, such as PMSCs drone operations, and worries about PMSCs potentially fighting American troops. "The Invisible Soldiers" will inspire a national dialogue about a little-known international industry on which our security rests." Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 04/01/2014 pg. 66 (EAN 9781416598800, Hardcover) Publishers Weekly 06/23/2014 (EAN 9781416598800, Hardcover) - *Starred Review Kirkus Reviews 08/01/2014 (EAN 9781416598800, Hardcover) Library Journal 09/01/2014 pg. 127 (EAN 9781416598800, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  Hagedorn, Ann Ann Hagedorn has been a staff writer for "The Wall Street Journal" and has written for other publications, including "The Washington Post". She has taught writing at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. Her previous books are "Wild Ride, Ransom", "Beyond the River", and "Savage Peace". Contributor Bio:  Merlington, Laural Laural began working in regional theater as an actor at the age of 17. She has done over 20 years of stage work, and 16 years of audio book narration, having narrated over 100 titles in all genres. In addition, Laural has directed well over 100 audio titles, providing expertise on both sides of the microphone. In acknowledgement for years of excellence at her craft, Laural has received AudioFile's 'Earphones Award' many times over.