Lift Talk - US Military Observations

Rode up Red Cloud Lift twice with upper 40's USMC full colonel on active duty with a multinational military exchange program. Replying to my question re today's seeming "Keystone Cops" US military leadership he said: 1. Military leaders were better during his dad's era. 2. If senior levels in the military seem spaced out, the upper middle and below ranks are solid. 3. Yes, there is a recruiting problem, but military is not lowering recruiting standards. 4. Focus of the world on the US much is greater than most Americans perceive. World is expecting US to take more of a leadership role.