This timely book examines how the South African National Defence Force has adapted to the new security, political and social environment since 1994. In South Africa's changed political environment how has civilian control of the military been implemented and what does this means for `defence in a democracy'? This book presents an overview of the security environment, how the mission focus of the military has changed and the implications for force procurement, force preparation, force employment and force sustainability. The author addresses other issues, such as the effect of integrating former revolutionary soldiers into a professional armed force, and the effect of affirmative action on meritocracy, recruitment and retention. She also examines the politically sensitive issue of military veterans, looking at the difficulties they face in reintegrating back into society and finding gainful employment. In addition she explores how the SANDF has embraced certain democratic imperatives, such as gender equality and mainstreaming; and the rise of military unions and why a confrontational, instead of a more corporatist approach to labour relations has emerged. Finally, she looks at the issues of HIV/AIDS and the consequences this holds for the military in terms of its operational effectiveness. In closing, some of the key events that have caused the SANDF to become ""lost in transition and transformation"" are highlighted, spelling out some lessons learnt and what this means for the future of defence, security and civil-military relations.