Incoming Governor-General Peter Cosgrove says he’s thrilled to be taking up the role ahead of his swearing-in ceremony next week.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce steps down on March 28.

Launching the Australia and the Vietnam War book at the war memorial in Canberra on Thursday, Major General Cosgrove said he didn’t want to overshadow Ms Bryce’s last few days.

“I’m thrilled to bits,” he told reporters.

“I’d like to give three cheers to (Ms Bryce).”

He said Ms Bryce had given him some advice about the job.

The Vietnam veteran said the book by official historian Peter Edwards provided excellent context explaining why 60,000 Australians were sent to a war in which 521 of them died.