From a family with a long military background Frank O'Brien joined the Australian Army as a fifteen year old boy soldier. It was the beginning of a career that would last for three decades. He experienced a range of duties, experiences and challenges as both a career soldier and officer, which were way beyond his initial motivation to learn a technical trade. That career saw him deployed to South Vietnam with the Australian Task Force and to the Middle-East with the United Nations. Frank's fascinating story does not end with his resignation from the Army. He also recounts his continued endeavours in the world of private enterprise. The Competitor provides an extraordinarily informative story of what has motivated one man's life of challenge and service.