Once is Happenstance...

Twice is coincidence, the third time is Enemy Action.

I'm not generally inclined to see conspiracies around me. Most of life is happenstantial. Odd things do occur, sometimes more than once.

But, the ship-busting activities of the last few years do give me reason to doubt that this is just happenstantial. We've lost multiple ships in a relatively short time period - Bon Homme Richard, a sub, and the Navy cruiser Antietam. Plus some other "incidents" that resulted in damage, injuries, and, in some cases, loss of life.

SOME of it could be the caliber of military we have been soliciting. Most, like my son, were of the same ability levels as those formerly serving. But, too many are being recruited for reasons other than competence or character. That, and the dubious incentives for promotion, have contributed to the loss of morale and disinclination to stay in service for the long haul. Many of today's military are leaving when their enlistment is up, biding their time until they qualify for retirement, or actively seeking out other opportunities in civilian life while still employed.

What they are not doing is making waves. They are keeping their heads down, and going through the motions of compliance. So, until they are either faced with an unacceptable command, or they have a graceful exit, they are not openly complaining.

All of which makes it impossible to tell what level of resistance is present.