We Were Blackwater

Barrie Rice's memoir offers an unflinching account of private military contracting in Iraq during one of the most turbulent periods in modern warfare. As a former Special Air Service (SAS) veteran who transitioned into the world of private security with Blackwater, Rice provides readers with a perspective that bridges elite military operations and the controversial realm of private military companies that operated extensively in Iraq following the 2003 invasion.

The narrative draws from Rice's experiences working as a security contractor in Iraq, a role that placed him at the intersection of combat operations, corporate interests, and the chaotic reconstruction efforts that characterized the occupation. Blackwater, later renamed Xe Services and then Academi, became one of the most prominent and controversial private military companies operating in Iraq, and Rice's account contributes to the broader understanding of how these organizations functioned on the ground.

Rice's military background in the SAS provides credibility to his observations about tactical operations and the nature of armed conflict. The British Special Air Service is widely recognized as one of the world's premier special operations forces, and veterans of this unit bring a particular set of skills and perspectives to private security work. This experience informs his analysis of the security situations he encountered and the decisions made by contractors operating in high-threat environments.

The book delves into the daily realities faced by security contractors tasked with protecting personnel, convoys, and facilities in Iraq. These operations often involved navigating roads known for improvised explosive devices, responding to ambushes, and operating in urban environments where distinguishing between civilians and combatants proved exceptionally difficult. Rice describes the constant tension between completing missions and surviving in an environment where threats could emerge from any direction.

One of the memoir's significant contributions lies in its exploration of the psychological impact of sustained combat operations. The reference to madness in the subtitle hints at the mental toll exacted by repeated exposure to violence and life-threatening situations. Contractors often worked for extended periods without the structured support systems available to conventional military personnel, and the book examines how this affected decision-making, relationships, and mental health.

Rice addresses the moral complexities inherent in private military contracting. The industry emerged as a significant force multiplier for coalition operations in Iraq, but it also raised questions about accountability, rules of engagement, and the appropriate use of armed personnel operating outside traditional military command structures. Contractors occupied a gray area—neither fully military nor civilian—which created unique challenges regarding oversight and legal jurisdiction.

The memoir also provides insight into the business side of private security in conflict zones. Contractors were motivated by financial compensation significantly higher than military salaries, and this economic dimension shaped the industry's growth. However, the book explores how money alone could not compensate for the risks undertaken or the experiences that would leave lasting impacts on those involved.

The interpersonal dynamics among contractors receive attention throughout the narrative. Teams often comprised veterans from various military backgrounds and nationalities, creating diverse groups with different training philosophies and operational approaches. Building cohesion and trust in such environments proved essential for survival, and Rice examines how these relationships formed under extreme pressure.

Rice's account contributes to the historical record of the Iraq War by documenting a dimension of the conflict that remained less visible than conventional military operations. Private contractors numbered in the tens of thousands at the height of operations in Iraq, yet their experiences received less documentation than those of regular military forces. Memoirs like this one help fill gaps in understanding the full scope of the war.

The book does not shy away from controversial incidents or the criticisms leveled at private military companies operating in Iraq. Blackwater in particular faced intense scrutiny following several high-profile incidents, and the company became emblematic of concerns about the privatization of warfare. Rice's position as an insider provides a ground-level perspective on the organizational culture and operational pressures that shaped contractor behavior.

For readers interested in military history, the Iraq War, or the evolution of private military companies, this memoir offers valuable firsthand testimony. It presents the experiences of those who operated in Iraq's most dangerous areas while grappling with the unique challenges of private security work. The combination of special operations background and contractor experience gives Rice a distinctive vantage point from which to examine this chapter of modern warfare.