Imperial Grunts

On the Ground with the American Military, from Mongolia to the Philippines to Iraq and Beyond...

By: Robert D. Kaplan

Narrated by: John H. Mayer

A fascinating, unprecedented first-hand look at the soldiers on the front lines on the Global War on Terror.

Plunging deep into midst of some of the hottest conflicts on the globe, Robert D. Kaplan takes us through mud and jungle, desert and dirt to the men and women on the ground who are leading the charge against threats to American security. These soldiers, fighting in thick Colombian jungles or on dusty Afghani plains, are the forefront of the new American foreign policy, a policy being implemented one soldier at a time.

As Kaplan brings us inside their thoughts, feelings, and operations, these modern grunts provide insight and understanding into the War on Terror, bringing the war, which sometimes seems so distant, vividly to life.

Praise for Imperial Grunts:

“Robert Kaplan has brilliantly captured the story of today’s U.S. military operating in far-flung places on strange missions. Imperial Grunts is the most insightful and superbly written account of soldiering in the New World Disorder to date. It is a must read for all Americans.” (General Anthony C. Zinni, United States Marine Corps (Ret.))

“Kaplan infuses us with a sense of hope about the future. Through astonishing observations, truths, and stories, Imperial Grunts introduces a brand-new way of thinking about the enduring virtue of the American spirit.” (George Crile, author of Charlie Wilson’s War)

“No recent book so well or so vividly portrays the challenges of the modern United States military. With an impressive grasp of the complexities of military missions worldwide, Robert Kaplan exposes the reader to the world of the modern soldier, sailor, airman, and Marine. A must read for both civilian and military leaders.” (General Barry R. McCaffrey, United States Army (Ret.), Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies, United States Military Academy)

©2005 Robert D. Kaplan (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"His on-the-ground reportage makes for riveting reading. He provides vivid and highly chilling accounts of the dangers faced by members of the American military in places like Falluja in Iraq and Colombia's Arauca Province, even as he leaves the reader with a keen appreciation of the expertise and versatility of Special Forces units." (The New York Times)

"An experienced military journalist has created this worthwhile portrait of American ground troops, mostly in elite units, working with the armed forces of other countries to fight terrorism, to be sure, but actually doing a job once done by the Roman legions." (Booklist)

"One of the most important books of the last several years." (Tom Brokaw)

One of the best books ever

If you like world history or just want to know what military's have done through out history and how they effect us today this book is a MUST

Excellent book

For those of you that are fascinated by history in general or the war on Terror and the American military's role in it; you will find this to be a wonderful book.

Authors and journalist these days get "a pass" by the public for filing their stories as if they have first hand experiences of the events. In fact, too much of what is written these days is composed in the comfort of a hotel based on interviews and gossip with the participants.

This book is the result of years of first hand experiences living with the troops that are on ground around the world fighting the War on Terror. It interleaves the day to day experiences of the soldiers and marines with a more global perspective that puts it all into context.

The author's attention to detail and ability to paint a picture of exotic places or a simple soldier's meal really took me away to my days as a trooper. You can practically see the tiredness in the soldier's eyes; you can hear the clatter of the gear as they walk, and you can smell the gun oil, dried sweat and the indescribable odor of ammunition.

If you want to know more of what its like to be an American soldier in the 21st century, get this download.

Insight in intricate operations

Excellent book, this book really bring into focus the problems middle management in the current US Army as well of the army of it's friends (my country).

Kaplan does critically describe the role of the foot soldiers on the ground and what the political/media influence on this.

I don't think there is another book that goes that deep. It also gives a look how the embedding functions in the US Army.

Altough political correct the story is not, It does tell a yet untold story.

Stories worth telling but not told by media

A sober, illuminating collection that provides some badly needed affirmation for our grunts on the ground. Take a stereotype, any stereotype--of our guys, allies or the enemy--and this book smashes it to pieces. Unvarnished, disturbing, engrossing.

Love the historical context provided, as well as the absence of flag-waving and back-slapping.

One passage, which took place in Columbia, upset me so much I couldn't get it out of my mind. It inspires an odd confluence of emotions: compassion for those I can personally never help, and a desire for retribution against those who were once victims themselves.

Highly Recommended.

Excellent

Excellent combination of historical reference, current events and analysis. I will encourage my son, and Army officer, to read this.

Fought my way to the end

Interesting information; extravagant premise; overweening arrogance. The author could not restrain himself from displaying his learning, which is nearly as great as he thinks it is. I almost gave up many times, but the core content kept me going. The author never used a short or even long word if he could look up a new one. Pretentiousness run wild.

completely engaging and informative

In Imperial Grunts, Kaplan takes you to various parts of the world, giving you a wonderful history of each, then current events, then a look at the country through the eyes of the special forces. Having known some of the special forces men personally this report seems completely credible. This book has opened my eyes to much of the world by looking at what is happening on the ground. I was truly educated by this book and it was a pleasure to read.

Swashbuckling tale that will change your perspective

A very well researched and thorough personal account of the US military around the world. While there are a few inaccuracies they are minor and the thesis is interesting that imperialism isn’t sought after rather it happens upon a nation in the act of projecting power and protecting interests. Kaplan is a great author and I look forward to reading more of his books.

Must Read

Mr. Kaplan has captured the true spirit of America's warriors. He gets into their minds and is able to retell what he learns with compassion, accuracy and makes it all enjoyable.

Not what I thought

What did you like best about Imperial Grunts? What did you like least?

Few of the stories.

What do you think your next listen will be?

something with more of a story to it.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

not much. the story its self was little off. the description was a little off, but the book was still ok.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

maybe.