Manual of the Mercenary Soldier: A Guide to Mercenary War, Money, and Adventure

by Paul Balor

Whether you're a retired soldier, a seeker of adventure, or simply one who wants to gain insight into today's soldier of fortune, this manual covers everything you need to clients and accounts, how to assume the "chameleon mode," money and survival, psywar ops, shock warfare and classic SOF cities. Seasoned professional mercenary Paul Balor reveals the experiences, tricks of the trade and hard-learned lessons that have kept him alive for more than four decades.

Genres: Nonfiction, War

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1988

Reviews

[Dan Mildbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in 1988, yet very relevant today. The author describes how the mighty US Military and other Western Armies are over equipped and continuing to head in the wrong direction of warfighting while ignoring low intensity conflicts in favor of having mercenaries fight the battles. The book is also a "how-to" manual for an inspiring mercenary soldier. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the "how-to" portion of the book. But the author's words regarding western military policy still ring true today, as the West has lost several Low Intensity Conflicts since 1988, yet continue down a path of preparing for a major war with a near peer force, something which is unlikely to happen in the next 50 years.

[K.T. Samois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly enjoyed this riot of a read from a crusty mercenary and his morbid humor. Slightly dated but so many quotes and lines hold up well.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got this when I was enrolled in the military book club. This is a bit dated but its a good and quick read for folks who just want to get a sense of "modern" soldiering.

[Deli Isle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, full of interesting anecdotes and helps somewhat illuminate the dark underbelly of international affairs in the (third) world post WWII. Very engaging, I could hardly put it down.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tongue-in-cheek perspective on how to be a soldier of fortune. Funfunfun.