[QUOTE=HuggyU2;1589264 . . . The question is "is it too late?" . . . .
Is that guy on the ground a politician, staffer, or lobbyist?
Or is it a Soldier, Intel Officer, or leader?[/QUOTE]

Huggy is right. Too often we loose capability because senior military officers "are told" what the priorities are (often based on politics) and then the politicians "patronize them" by thanking then for their help in determining the "new capabilities."

We live in a democracy where generals and admirals report to a civilian commander in chief - and I would not change that. It does not make it less painful when you know that many dedicated and experienced career military officers/NCOs are "grinding their teeth."

That includes many of us who are retired military.