The Complex: How the Military Invades Our Everyday Lives

by Nick Turse

Book Overview

"Fascinating, no matter where you place yourself on the ideological spectrum."-- Wired Now in paperback, a stunning breakdown of the modern military-industrial complex--an omnipresent,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805078967
• ISBN13: 9780805078961
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Metropolitan Books
• Length: 290 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

The Complex is not all it is cracked up to be

The main premise of the author is clear yet misdirected and often times misses the mark on clarification and verification. Book does provide facts, but many are obvious and does not take investigative reporting. Attempt at making this a conspiracy laden script falls woefully short for opened minded readers.

Even Eisenhower Didn't See This Coming

This is a fast paced compelling read. Packed with startling revelations that will horrify some, while wowing others. Nick Turse opens our eyes, as to how pervasive the Military Industrial Complex has become in our lives. He lifts the curtain on billions of dollars of Pentagon waste that Americans tolerate without question. He details for the reader the extent of how the military has garrisoned the globe. Sounding a warning to teens that "Uncle Sam Wants You" and will do almost anything toward that end, makes this mandatory reading for young men and women as well as their parents. Sci-fi, buffs might find cool the idea of militarized moths, or spying spiders, but the programs Dr.Turse sheds light on, are cause for grave concern. Throughout the book the author's clever wit is apparent and the level of research admirable. If you think the Military Industrial Complex is all guns, planes, missiles and tanks you should read The Complex. If you think that we as citizens are in control of the military you must read The Complex.

Useful Information, Difficult to Read

As a former highly paid employee of a the Military Industrial Complex I found this book to be accurate and full of useful information. I have always said if the average American understood the incompetence, waste and corruption that riddles this parallel economy they would refuse to pay their taxes. The information presented in this book bears this out. However, the book is a bit difficult to read as it is so full of data.

Read The Complex

On Jan.17, 1961, outgoing President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of the moral hazard created by the tight relationship between the congress and military, which have the power to wage war, and the corporations who prosper from military escalation. Eishehower warned that,"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together." Eisenhower's speech was delivered over 48 years ago and he would, no doubt, be disappointed in this nation for not heeding his words. Not only has the complex grown in strength and power but it has spread to now include hundreds of corporations, all feeding at the trough of death and destruction. Turse, who holds a doctorate from Columbia University, writes in straight forward and direct language, laying out the playing field of brands we are all familiar with from the food, entertainment, technology, consulting and other industries that have great incentive to see our military grow and spend. Finally, Turse gives us a view to where this is all going in terms of advanced weaponry and military tactics to recruit anyone who can draw breath to use as cannon fodder for the US's global adventures. Take Eisenhower's advice and take a few minutes to make yourself "alert and knowledgeable". A good place to start is by reading Turse's book.

An important read.

An important read for all Americans. Well written, with an immense amount of details about, who, what, when and where the money goes. Obviousely a great deal of research went into this book, but it is written in such a way that you don't get bogged down in the details, they become a fluid part of a well told story. Open almost any page, and the documented, outragous spending and corruption, will stare you in the face. Nick Turse has put together a well documented account of the DoD, tax payer funded, feeding trough, that should alarm every American. At times he shows a flair for the humorous, ( the choices are, laugh or cry )but there is nothing at all funny about this book. A must read for all elected officials, ( and the press )who are not already well entrenched in the fleecing of America.

Even Eisenhower Didn't See This Coming

This is a fast paced compelling read. Packed with startling revelations that will horrify some, while wowing others. Nick Turse opens our eyes, as to how pervasive the Military Industrial Complex has become in our lives. He lifts the curtain on billions of dollars of Pentagon waste that Americans tolerate without question. He details for the reader the extent of how the military has garrisoned the globe. Sounding a warning to teens that "Uncle Sam Wants You" and will do almost anything toward that end, makes this mandatory reading for young men and women as well as their parents. Sci-fi, buffs might find cool the idea of militarized moths, or spying spiders, but the programs Dr.Turse sheds light on, are cause for grave concern. Throughout the book the author's clever wit is apparent and the level of research admirable. If you think the Military Industrial Complex is all guns, planes, missiles and tanks you should read The Complex. If you think that we as citizens are in control of the military you must read The Complex.