Звездный десант

           Anarmythatismostlyorganization,redtape,andoverhead,mostofwhose"soldiers"neverfight.

           Butwhatdo"officers"dowhodonotcommandfightingmen?

           Fiddlework,apparently--officers’clubofficer,moraleofficer,athleticsofficer,publicinformationofficer,recreationofficer,PXofficer,transportationofficer,legalofficer,chaplain,assistantchaplain,juniorassistantchaplain,officer-in-chargeofanythinganybodycanthinkof,even—nurseryofficer!

           IntheM.I.,suchthingsareextradutyforcombatofficersor,iftheyarerealjobs,theyaredonebetterandcheaperandwithoutdemoralizingafightingoutfitbyhiringcivilians.ButthesituationgotsosmellyinoneoftheXXthcenturymajorpowersthatrealofficers,oneswhocommandedfightingmen,weregivenspecialinsigniatodistinguishthemfromtheswarmsofswivel-chairhussars.

           Thescarcityofofficersgotsteadilyworseasthewarworeon,becausethecasualtyrateisalwayshighestamongofficers...andtheM.I.nevercommissionsamansimplytofillvacancy.Inthelongrun,eachbootregimentmustsupplyitsownshareofofficersandthepercentagecan’tberaisedwithoutloweringthestandards.ThestrikeforceintheToursneededthirteenofficers--sixplatoonleaders,twocompanycommandersandtwodeputies,andastrikeforcecommanderstaffedbyadeputyandanadjutant.

           Whatithadwassix...andme.