Rod,
I agree with most of what you write. However, I disagree with your take on bases. I actually think that bases save the company heaps of money, both in terms of expat allowances and divide & conquer industrial tactics. The problem is that the bases are so poorly managed and administrated. This company is stuck in the 1900s with respect to IT and navigating international laws. It is almost as if they expect the British Navy to get involved every time they get in the pooh with foreign governments. Colonialism, like slavery, is a difficult institution to let go.