Elsie P. Pickett documents her early life, collegiate education, wide ranging military service, and later civilian career. Pickett primarily discusses her career in the United Army Women's Army Corps [WAC] during the Cold War and Vietnam Era. She tells of the challenges of commanding troops, running the Entertainment Division of Fort Bragg, and preparing for the possibility of war with the Soviet Union in Europe." Additionally Pickett tells of growing up in Robeson County, North Carolina, and details her interaction with members of the Lumbee Indian tribe. She also describes her collegiate education, obtaining her graduate degree, and meeting future WAC general Mildred Bailey." Other topics include Pickett's involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis, her marriage, her travels in Europe, and her description of the living conditions of service members in France.