Based on unprecedented access to the Ghanaian military barracks and inspired by the recent resurgence of coups in West Africa, Agyekum assesses why and how the Ghana Armed Forces were transformed from an organization that actively orchestrated coups into an institution that accepts the authority of the democratically elected civilian government. Focusing on the process of professionalization of the Ghanaian military, this ethnography based monograph examines both historical and contemporary themes, and assesses the shift in military personnel from ‘Buga Buga’ soldiers – uneducated, lower-class soldiers, human rights abusers – to a more ‘modern’ fighting force.

Alfred W. Drayson "The Gentleman Cadet" covers the journey of Arthur Haldene, a younger guy who enters the elite Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. Set in 19th-century England, the unconventional follows Arthur's struggles and accomplishments as he navigates the rigorous education and companionship of military life. As Arthur seeks to earn the name "gentleman cadet," he meets hurdles both outside and inside the academy walls. Along along with his fellow cadets, Arthur struggles with instructional research, physical education, and the extreme subject imposed by using his superiors. Throughout all of it, he establishes long-lasting connections and learns vital training about honor, courage, and obligation. As Arthur rises via the ranks, he faces love, competition, and the brutal truth of military carrier. Drayson expertly depicts the camaraderie and friendships fashioned within the furnace of army training, taking pictures the essence of honor and sacrifice that defines the profession of hands. "The Gentleman Cadet" is a gripping tale of coming of age in the military, complete with journey, intrigue, and the eternal ideals of devotion and heroism.

Officers led and men followed; all were expected to do their duty without thought of reward. Enlisted men rarely penetrated the officer ranks and promotion owed more to money than merit. Then came the Crimean War.The incompetence and ineffectiveness of the senior officers contrasted sharply with the bravery of the lower ranks. Fuelled by the reports from the first-ever war correspondents which were read by an increasingly literate public, the mumblings of discontent rapidly grew into a national outcry. Questions were asked in Parliament, answers were demanded by the press why were the heroes of the Alma, Inkerman and the Charge of the Light Brigade not being recognised? Something had be done.That something was the introduction of an award that would be of such prestige it would be sought by all men from the private to the Field Marshal. It would be the highest possible award for valour in the face of the enemy and it bore the name of the Queen for whom the men fought.This is the story of how the first Victoria Crosses were attained in the heat of the most deadly conflict of the nineteenth century. It is also an examination of how the definition of courage, as recognised by the awarding of VCs, evolved, from saving the regimental colours at the Alma to saving a comrade in the No Mans Land before Sevastopol.

Color illustration on front cover of man in striped shirt, brown vest, hat and red bandana holding a pistol in his proper right hand with cartridge belt across his chest. At bottom of cover is smaller image of two mounted cowboys shooting at a man on the ground next to a wagon in front of a fort.