This book is based on the journal maintained by the author while he was on his tour of duty with the United Nations Mission in East Timor and subsequently United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor from July 1999 to June 2000. It is timely that this book be published for it provides a wealth of knowledge that can be valuable for officers who intend to serve the United Nations in any upcoming mission. The extent of the author’s experience, during his tour of duty that he shares with us in this book, cuts across a vast span of duties and responsibilities that may not be taught in any training institution to prepare oneself to face a mission. On 12 October 2000, “the Elie Wiesel Ethics Award was presented to the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) of which” the author “was a member in recognition of its extraordinary work in conducting the popular consultation. In the face of grave danger, the work of UNAMET staff, both national and international, was a commendable display of dedication to the ideals of international civil service.”

Lt Col Ajaya Kumar received his commission into the Royal Malaysian Signals Regiment on 15 June 1978. He is currently a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Defence and Management Studies at the National Defence University of Malaysia.