ThankQ for the military explanation. Actually, my only 1st hand knowledge of military officers _was_ a USN Captain & retired at that rank. Good man, now gone and one who would never, ever countenance DS tactics. A true patriot. So, I find the equivalency of ranks enlightening.
He died in 2003 and would have been furious, appalled and betrayed at the entire zer0 administration and what our country has become. As much as I miss him, I’m often grateful he never had to see this horror.
I have a general military question for you: what percentage of military officers do you think know how the DS compromising strategy operates? Do the moral people just accept they will only rise so far unless they accept certain assignments? I understand from your post that there are exceptions and DS is limited.
DS influences are usually at the higher levels, JCS or the major commands. That's where all the money lies. Also where procurement decisions are made.
Do the moral people just accept they will only rise so far unless they accept certain assignments?
Of course, there are paths to command billets and they are competitive with few exceptions. Earlier someone had mentioned combat positions as a place to shunt the non-compliant. The problem is that if you aren't killed you will likely succeed and return as a bigger problem for the DS.
The vast majority of the officers IME in the Corps are all moral when fidelity to the country and the Corps is the question. I've seen more than a few ass kissers and butt sniffers as well but they tend to flameout in magnificent fashion, or are disdained by their compatriots after their service. Unfortunately for them they live longer after service than their time in. Most of the time when the choice has to be made to do the right thing or not the right way is pretty clear and it is marked with no promises as opposed to doing the expedient or wrong thing.