Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
So? Why sad?
Your points reinforce and complement mine.
|
I would have done a better job if I wasn't restating some of the same points.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fjtorres
If the Navy gets down-sized or repurposed a lot of the personnel would end up in the Space Force *alongside* the repurposed USAF personnel. They would be the ones with both military training and the necessary management skills. Technical skills can be taught quickly but people skills require experience.
|
The thing I think gums up those works is the command side of things. We are talking about career military folks who have spent a lot of time getting leadership over their piece of turf and I'd be surprised if they didn't try to defend it. I'm talking about the Admiralty level and the like. These are going to be the most vocal defenders of keeping the Navy separate and with a clear piece of turf. Mostly for themselves and those they are looking to have replace them when they retire.
Also, while skills can be taught, that is a longer-term project. If you need to move quickly, retraining looks less palatable. And in the short-term, political factors seem to be the bigger issue. Perhaps if there isn't pressure to move quickly, absorbing the Navy and Air Force into a merged Space Force could happen... but that has to overcome both high-ranking officers looking to protect their turf, and whatever other political pressures are present at the time.
Humans are not always known for going the optimal route, as irrational drives tend to derail objective thought and planning. Plus time can always be an enemy. I'm approaching what I see as likely with that assumption in mind.