An interesting read with some valuable insight, but the author fails to note that this theoretical approach can have it’s value scuttled with the slightest preconception of a desired result, and actually commits that offense in his discussion.
That is a good point. Most people who get to the top where they can present an analysis to JCS or a president would have already compromised much of their personal integrity. The people holding such exalted positions would often be so infected with the disease, they would not have the courage to hire
those who would give an honest evaluation.
I get to pretend I was above such compromises, because I held only one CFO position before I retired. In my case the college that hired me was near bankruptcy, and they recruited a really good man as president who wanted a hammer even if his fingers got whacked once and a while.
I think my best incite for how dilutional these relationships can be was from reading about my own war in Dereliction of Duty and The Day It Became the Longest War.