Fitter2
<<To allow the systemic failures can be understood on the grounds that they judged (or misjudged) budgetary considerations to override safety. To foist this verdict on two JOs who were no longer in a position to defend themselves, is conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman.>>
What about "In order to not to embarrass the service over an exercise gone wrong with great consequences, leaving the two JOs to blame rather than come forward with information is ..."?