Smuj,
Good post. I'm reluctant to comment on the OP because he is yet another poster that either can't be bothered to issue a complete profile or has something to hide. For serving personnel here, anonymity is fine although most of them seem happy to declare that they currently serve without revealing their true identity for obvious reasons. Otherwise it's nice to know who you're talking to and what their interest in various topics under discussion.
When challenged to reveal a little about their experience, the angle they're coming from and their intent, many are (for some reason) reluctant to comment.