"Stumbling from a university anarchist meeting into a career in the army, Chip Chapman is aware of how consciously incompetent he is. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst confirms his worst fears. He is eventually let loose on 6 Platoon of 2 PARA and, via the Falklands War, manages to elevate himself to a position of conscious competence and save his career. Snapshots on all aspects of military life, and government decision making, show the military at work and play. This hilarious, touching, informative and thought-provoking insight into a generation of soldiering in the late 20th century." --Publisher's description.

Originally published : 2013.

Lions led by donkeys -- Joining the Reg : P Company and parachuting -- Men at war : the Falklands 1982 -- The 'Toms' -- Following the flag : Wives, girlfriends and hangers-on -- Nicknames -- Training and education -- Discipline -- Foreign travel and allies -- The Ministry of Defence -- Generalship, command and leadership -- La vie militaire.