Situation Normal A.F.U.: A Flatfooted Soldier Tells All (SNAFU) is an hilarious autobiographical account of the Vietnam era. Readers might initially wonder why the need for yet another military memoir about these times., But they will find this account fresh and unique-there is an outstanding sense of irony and humor in the author's approach to the military. Nordstrom's tongue-in-cheek style lends an unexpected flavor to the events, often translating military challenges and experiences into a wry, satirical look at the Army's impact on its soldiers:
"There was another interesting thing I discovered about standing all the time. I heard somewhere that the horse and giraffe are the only animals that can sleep standing up. If that's true, I should be in the Guinness Book of Records, as I'm living proof that, given enough incentive, humans can do the same. . . . My aversion to standing for any length of time had another unintended, but positive, consequence; I found an occupation doing paperwork that also required an ability to dictate business letters, which doesn't hurt if you want to be a writer. . . . Thus, in a world searching for answers, I can recommend that everyone cultivate the arts of standing in line and sleep deprivation. Doing so will prepare them for any eventuality, from writing a novel to repelling an invasion."
The book navigates the author's fate, changing duties, and Academy training regimens. Readers receive a review of daily routines, military politics, the author's choices and decisions vital to his survival, and original methods of either beating or working with the system:
"Wanting to get ahead of the curve, I spent my meager savings on a spare set of boots, new fatigues, skivvies, and other articles that went into our wall and footlockers, and Instead, lived out of laundry bags which contained clean clothes. So, while other less prepared soldiers were busy spit shining the shoes they scuffed up during the day, I spent my time studying things like how to harass the troops (just kidding), fundamentals of leadership, radio communications, reading maps and using compasses (called orienting)." And despite nearly being kicked out of the Academy for fist-fighting (a recurrent problem), Nordstrom managed to graduate with honors.
The author highlights changing technology and Army approaches past and present, providing discussions which will prove thought-provoking to modern military participants as well as those who have never served. For example, while explaining why GPS has replaced the need for the survey training, SNAFU keeps the reader's attention by explaining how it is possible to be in two places at the same time!
The author's ability to relate military protocols, incidents, accidents, ironies and interpersonal relationships via his wry and witty persona will appeal to military participants and their families as well as those who may have never seen an Army base or served in any branch of the military. And while some may criticize the lack of social commentary on the horrors of war, many will find this approach refreshing.
