Notes From a Small Military - I Commanded and Fought with 2 Para at the Battle of Goose Green. I was Head of Counter Terrorism for the M.O.D. This is my True Story

by Major-General Chip Chapman

I COMMANDED AND FOUGHT WITH 2 PARA AT THE BATTLE OF GOOSE GREEN. I WAS HEAD OF COUNTER TERRORISM FOR THE M.O.D. THIS IS MY TRUE STORYStumbling 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 Falkands 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 though-provoking insight into a generation of soldiering in the late 20th century and beyond is set against the drumbeat of the social and educational rhythms of the Cold War to the nihilism of 9/11. Chip Chapman eventually manages to somehow climb the greasy pole to become a General.With echoes of David Niven's The Moon's a Balloon, Lelsey Thomas' Virgin Soldiers and the travelogues of Bill Bryson, Chapman captures the rawness, spirit and fortitude of the soldier in both peace and war.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Leah Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Major-General Chip Chapman takes the reader through many events with mild humour and expressive opinions amongst those he has worked with and the locations he has been. It did become rather repetitive towards the last 50 pages.

[Michael Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for anyone interested in the modern British Army. Also a surprisingly funny book!