I Am Soldier of Fortune: Dancing with Devils

by Robert K. Brown, Vann Spencer

Robert K. Brown, former Green Beret, after a bizarre military career that succeeded in getting him kicked out of Special Forces not once but twice, and completing the Command and General Staff College without a security clearance, while meantime being wounded in Nam, finally found his true calling as a publisher.Thirty-eight years ago he launched an upstart magazine from his basement called Soldier of Fortune, which pushed the bounds of journalism to its limits with his untamed brand of reportingOCoa camera in one hand, a gun in the other, and soon thereafter he discovered that heOCOd established a worldwide community. His wildly popular, notorious magazine became an icon for action-seekers in the U.S. and around the world. In this long-awaited book, Brown tells his own story, taking the readers into combat zones where he and his daring combat journalists, or fearless dogs of war, trotted across the globe. His rogue warrior journalists embedded themselves with anti-Communist guerillas or freedom fighters, often training and fighting with rebels against oppressive regimes. In their revolutionary journalistic style, they created the action and then wrote about it. Generals and leaders of exotic armies welcomed the SOF visitors and led them or allowed them to tread into unchartered territory. Brown himself accompanied teams to work and fight with the Rhodesians; the Afghans during the Afghan-Russo war, Christian Phalange in Lebanon; ethnic minority Karens in Burma; the ethnic tribes fighting the Communist government of Laos; the army of El Salvador; and the armed forces of struggling Croatia. Brown sent medical teams, often into the jaws of danger, to Burma, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Afghanistan, Bosnia, El Salvador and Nicaragua, and also into Peru after a devastating earthquake.In short, the Soldiers of Fortune went where even the U.S. government feared to tread, and they did it with gallant style, not fearing risk but welcoming the challenge, as long as they felt the cause was right and needed to be reported. In this book the exploits of Brown and his veteran teams are revealed for the first time in all their gonzo glory, even as the U.S. military, public, and polite diplomatic society sometimes shunned their endeavors.This is the story of Robert BrownOCOs dogged quest, in journalism as well as warfare, to Slay Dragons, do noble deeds and never, never give up.

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Biography, Middle East, Africa

566 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2013

About the author

Lt. Colonel Robert K. Brown, U.S. Army (Ret.) founded of Soldier of Fortune magazine in 1975 after returning from service in Vietnam. He also co-founded the publishing house, Paladin Press, and was a leader in the effort to account for the missing American POWSs in Southeast Asia. Still the publisher and editor-in-chief of SOF, he currently lives in Boulder, CO.

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say first off that this man and his magazine, Soldier of Fortune, inspired me to join the military at a time that it was not popular to do so. Heck as a teen I wanted to go to Africa and be a soldier in the RLI, A Man Amoung Men, as it were. Anyway I was excited to read this book for those reasons. The book is an anecdotal memoir of Robert K. Brown, fairly easy to read, at times a bit difficult to follw due to the writing style and the anecdotal accounts. It is a solid 3.5 to 4 stars though. The story of his life up through Vietnam I found quite interesting. As well as his time in Africa. I would definately recommend the book to those people familiar with SOF, but others may not find it that interesting.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an amazing and easily read tale of dangerous adventures reminiscent of Fitzroy Maclean with the practical insight of David Hackworth. It is immensely informative about a wide range of conflicts, many of which get little coverage beyond shallow journalism.

[Louie Armendariz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly compelling story

This is a fascinating story of a man and a publication that had a major impact in post Vietnam America. I found the behind the scenes insight into US foreign policy extremely interesting.

The only negative comment that I have is the editing. There are numerous typos, extra spaces and redundant statements in this manuscript. These did not deter me in my reading, but may be problematic for others.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truth is stranger than fiction

Fascinating and interesting book about Robert K Brown and Soldier of Fortune. This guy has done quite a bit. Enjoyed reading about his various adventures. His book presented a side to different conflicts you normally don't see elsewhere.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting details here on obscure conflicts. I wish there had been more Africa content. No doubt Brown had a wild life.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn this dude is solid.
whack commies in Nam, Africa, Middle East and in South America.
Nice story.

[Mojohand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting account of Robert K. Brown's life and the birth of Soldier of Fortune magazine.

[DMurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fight against socialism and communism is always great.

[Nicky Billou · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book, a real time history of one of America's most iconic warriors, of the battle to keep the tree of liberty watered and alive. I highly recommend it!

[Vincent Andersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I didn't (couldn't) actually finish this book, I still give it two stars because the author has led a fascinating life. Unfortunately, he's a terrible writer.
This reads like the (very) rough draft of a decent book...

[reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

great story

[Mark Levandoski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into the publishers life. A bit light on details but good reading nevertheless.

[Charlie Weakland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting background on Col. Brown & Soldier of Fortune magazine.