Zero Footprint

The True Story of a Private Military Contractor's Covert Assignments in Syria, Libya, and the World's Most Dangerous Places

By: Simon Chase, Ralph Pezzullo

Narrated by: Eric Brooks

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

A dramatic insider account of the world of private military contracting.

Armored cars, burner phones, top-notch weaponry, and top-secret missions - this is the life of today's private military contractor. Like author Simon Chase, many PMCs were once the world's top military operatives, and since retiring from outfits like US Navy SEAL TEAM Six and the UK's Special Boat Service, they have devoted their lives to executing missions too sensitive for the government to acknowledge.

Chase reveals here for the first time the operations too hazardous and politically volatile to be officially sanctioned by his employers. Working on behalf of the CIA's Special Activities Division, the US Department of Defense, the US State Department, and British government entities, he takes on jobs that require zero footprint, with no trace of their actions left behind.

Chase delivers firsthand accounts of tracking Bin Laden in Afghanistan and being one of the first responders after the attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. We see his teams defuse terrorist bombs, guard dignitaries, and protect convoys traveling through perilous territory - and then there are the really big jobs: top-secret "zero footprint" missions for the US government that include searching for high-value targets and setting up arms shipping networks.

The missions in Zero Footprint will shock listeners, but so will the personal dangers. Chase and the men he works with operate without government backup or air rescue. If they die serving their country - they remain anonymous. There are no military honors or benefits. Contractors like Simon Chase are the unsung heroes in the war against terrorism, a strong but largely invisible force - until now.

©2016 Simon Chase and Ralph Pezzullo (P)2016 Hachette Audio

Realistic and honest!

I've enjoyed this book very much. The author seems very honest and genuine about his encounters. Nothing is sugar coated or boosting. He touches subjects on political debacles, family struggles, PTSD, and moral courage in combat.

Fascinating and well told

Intense chapters of the life of a best operator. Tragic and chaos all around him

Stunningly descripted

Well done, opened my eyes to the darkness of men. All the while Simon balances the good in men.

Very good book.

Well written, great story and very informative about the PMC world. Would recommend to others.

fantastic book

Very insightful, plus it is Written and narrated by a Brit which is always entertaining

Great book!

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and especially the content. Most of the world has no idea what PMC's go through or how much evil is in the world. Many also don't realize the fact that humanity does exist in these war-torn regions and people are just trying to live their lives. Sometimes it's ugly. Sometimes it's beautiful. Thank you, Mr. Chase, for sharing with us - especially the poignancy of the breakup with Mia and the loss of your friends and loved ones. Keep pushing forward with your head on a swivel and good luck!

Excellent insight into private military contractors

Great look into there sof life
Great narration and stories, they really are the unsung heroes

excellent book

very good book and narrator. author really covers everything in detail. take it from someone who worked this arena for 7 years and many if the same countries

Amazing, if true

It's a little hard to believe that this guy did all he did and was present at many important events. Is he telling the truth or is he Walter Mitty. My gut says that he was present for some and he is telling someone else's story in other parts. although the events were true, he wasn't present. I could be wrong.

that aside, I think it's an honest look at Private Military Contractors. They do a military/CIA role when they don't want to get involved or when US politicians want to pretend like they have no involvement.

The narrator was awesome. He really brought dialogue to life.

If you liked 13 Hours - You'll like this

What did you like best about this story?

I like books that I learn new things from. I learned a lot about private military contractors and it was very interesting to be taken "behind the scenes"

What does Eric Brooks bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought he did a great narration.

Any additional comments?

This was an excellent book. After listening to 13 Hours I found this book even more interesting. Benghazi is part of this book, but a small part. These contractors have been putting their lives on the line long before Benghazi. Yes, they get paid a lot of money, but their level of risk is just as high as military on the front lines but without support of governments (although one could argue that our own military doesn't have the support of our government). It was a unique look inside of the lives of military contractors professionally and personally.