Hired Guns in the War on Terror
The book that started everything. If this selection had been taken more lightly or with less foresight, the Scorpions may never have survived and thrived as the All Tough Guy Book Club you've come to know and love.
I nominated this book since it was a timely subject as the War in Iraq was still a hot topic in early 2008 and the battle in Afghanistan continued to roll on. It was also a book about men that the SCORPS strive to be - tough, dedicated and loyal. Throw in some great stories from an embedded author who has a great history or writing compelling non-fiction and I felt we were good to go.
In my mind, it certainly did not disappoint. Licensed to Kill attempts to describe the murky role that private military contractors like Blackwater (now Xe Services, LLC) have in current military conflicts as armed services become pressed for resources and outsource a range of activities to the private sector. From tales of Billy Waugh, the legendary CIA operative, to current contractors rolling down Route Irish in Baghdad to hired guns in Afrida, this book gripped you early and held on.
It generated some great discussions among the newly formed SCORPS, who bounced ideas and philosphies off each other and learned about their fellow members. More importantly it set the tone for future meetings and the importance of disecting the book and providing critical feedback (several of the fiction-loving SCORPS felt this was a bit too heavy) and interesting questions.
Overall, a highly recommended book for those looking to get more insight into just how much influence this global corporations have on the wars of today.