The memoirs of Frank Nunes record his time in the South African Army during the 1980s. We follow his adventures through his two years National Service as he tries to get into the Parabats, then gets sent to 8 SAI and to the Border.

From the Author:
"Life is full of change, either small personal changes or at times large unpredicted changes that seem to occur outside of our control. The important element in this, is the way in which we react and then deal with each of these when we meet them. This will not only determine the final outcome, but also have a lasting effect on your life moving forward. The mind interprets these forces and reactions to form an 'Altered State', something that human's are capable of recalling at will as a memory or a feeling of Deja Vu. From these events we learn hopefully that we need to leave that experience in the past but at the same time learn from it. Use it in the present and build a new way forward.
In my own life, conscription was not a choice, and I only got through it by using humour as a coping tool. At the same time for me it was a life changing event that taught to me how to accept responsibility, to value team work, camaraderie , trust, and that antaganism, violence and war are not good fixes to lifes problems. True forgiveness and the ability to work together on a common goal is paramount to success.
By the same token, humour and having fun throughout life is just as important, and presents itself everywhere, but one has to look for it to find it.. The military is full of humourous anecdotes and situations. I hope this book allows you to cope with your own Altered States and enable to stand back and if possible get through it with a more positive outcome." ( )