General V. K. Singh served in the Indian Army for 42 years, retiring as Chief of Army Staff on 31 May 2012. His distinguished career saw him on the front lines of combat in the Indo-Pak War of 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh, and in Sri Lanka as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force. Considered one of the world's foremost experts in counterinsurgency operations, he is also known for the principled stand he took on many issues during his tenure, from arms procurement to the deployment of the army against the Maoists.

Trained at the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, V. K. Singh served in regions (and in roles) crucial to India's security. From his early days as company commander on the Line of Control in Poonch to commanding elite formations Victor Force in Jammu and Kashmir and the vast Eastern Command that shares international boundaries with Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh to his experience of military operations and exercises such as Blue Star, Brasstacks and Trident, General Singh's story makes for fascinating listening. Candid, compelling and occasionally controversial, this is the story of a straight-talking soldier not afraid to stand by his convictions.