Cowboys Over Iraq

Leadership from the Saddle

By: Jimmy Blackmon, General David H. Petraeus US Army - Ret. - foreword

Narrated by: Shawn Compton

Cowboys Over Iraq tells the amazing story of leadership, innovation, initiative, and a brotherhood that was forged in the crucible of combat during the invasion of Iraq.

"What does it take to fly and fight with America's Air Cavalry? That's the story of Cowboys Over Iraq. You'll meet bold personalities right out of a Hollywood movie. You'll be right there as Jimmy Blackmon and his fellow Cavalry troopers track down and tangle with determined foes. You'll experience the highs of triumph and the lows of bitter loss. Most importantly, you'll see how and why Jimmy Blackmon learned hard-won leadership and battle lessons in the deadly skies of Iraq. Strap in. Hang on. Get ready to go hunting with the Air Cav." (Daniel P. Bolger, lieutenant general, US Army, Ret.)

"A great [book] by an exceptional combat aviator, leader, and writer! Jimmy Blackmon captures brilliantly the enthralling story of the air cavalry unit that was the eyes and ears of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the fight to Baghdad and throughout the first year in Iraq." (General David Petraeus, US Army, Ret.)

©2020 Jimmy Blackmon (P)2020 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

New perspective

I found this audiobook to be very interesting and informative about the importance of light rotor wing aircraft in the second Iraq war. Definitely recommend it!

a look into the battle experiences of Kiowa pilots

As a combat veteran of Iraq 2004-2005 and a crew chief in 1/25 aviation I was able to relive some experiences of my tour through this book. with the Kiowa now retired the light armed scout is no longer on the battlefield. the aircraft being designed to replace it is a mosh mash of technology and somewhere between a Kiowa and a Blackhawk and in my opinion will not be able to complete either role it was designed for. this book is a look into the last of the light air scouts a discipline that started at the end of Korea and now has died in Iraq. while the Blackhawk is iconic and the apache is powerful the Kiowa served as the eyes and ears of the war in Iraq. to the author I salute you and thank you for this book and I hope many more people read this and enter into the story of a little acknowledged part of army aviation

Awesome depiction of the life of an air CAV trooper

This was an amazing story. I lived many parts of this story and I know almost all of the people mentioned in the book. I could see all of the places mentioned because I had been there. Well worth purchasing. The only problem I have is with the performer reading the story. He mispronounced names, places and had no understanding of military acronyms.

An Excellent Read

This book I thought was amazing through and through. From the war stories to the subtle and not so subtle leadership lessons that you can take away from this book. This book is a great listen, and Thanks to all who have served and sacrificed

Addictive, entertaining and insightful

While nothing compares to hearing an author speak their own words, Shawn Compton did an excellent job telling these stories of camaraderie, bravery and practical jokes. There were many parallels to civilian life and Jimmy Blackmon was gracious enough to leave space for us to make those connections ourselves as he recounted his time in Iraq. You feel the respect Jimmy holds for his team and his recollections of his life to that point in time consistently add texture & value to the story. Well done!

COL Schiller was truly one of the greatest!

An excellent story about 2-17 CAV and its extraordinary troopers at the beginning of the war. Even more spectacular is the story of COL Steve Schiller. An superlative combat leader who inspired and mentored an incredible number of successful Officers and NCOs. He should have been a four star General.

True, life stories and lessons that the author will not forget!

A book that explains the life that our soldiers go through to protect our country while sacrificing their families and their own personal gain. Lessons that are learned and taught while having to deal with the emotional ups and downs of true, every day service and commitment.

Content

Reader and content. Good information told well. Definitely worth your time. Pls take the time you need listen

TM is just a bit too much

Thank you for all you did the war stories were the best. Thank you.
The little details of stories, I go into great extend our distracting