[alexander_busek]

Have you ever seen a 50 year old Captain trying to lead 18 year old soldiers? I have (Bundeswehr and U.S National Guard). It is not a pretty sight. War is a young man’s game. And no, there are not, and should not, be enough slots for uniform folks to sit while others bear the real burden.

Thanks for your informative and thoughtful posting, redlegplanner!

One question, though: What kind of person is still only a Captain at age 50? Wouldn't that, all by itself, be a warning sign? And aren't many 50-year-olds in the military still in excellent shape?

Regards,

[redlegplanner]

If you stretch out the career, then you also stretch out the promotion system like the European boutique armies. I have seen good people that age trying to lead the titanium twenty year olds. They did their best, but tho the sprit was willing, the body was weak. Not everyone is Jack Lalane.