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2010-08-05 -Signs, Portents, and the Weather-

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Posted by miscellaneous 2010-08-05 01:00|| || Front Page|| [9 views ] Top

#1 A great example of what is happening throughout the contracting system in our Federal Government. The real tragedy is that our Marines are expected to launch successful combat operations from these piles of crap. I wonder how many (more) will die because of greed and cronyism.

The USS Murtha is a very fitting name for one of these crap wagons.

Posted by Keenster 2010-08-05 08:43|| 2010-08-05 08:43|| Front Page Top

#2 Good history of the problems.

Posted by tu3031 2010-08-05 11:54|| 2010-08-05 11:54|| Front Page Top

#3 A great example of what is happening throughout the contracting system in our Federal Government.

Based on personal experience:

1. Lack of contracting professionals and procurement experts on the government side hurts. It's traditionally been a thankless job, and even though the professional standards have been raised (and the salary as well- a bit), it continues to be a thankless job. You can make more money in the private sector and have fewer ulcers.

2. The article mentions lobbyists. Keenster mentions cronyism. Left out is the political interference (and outright threats). Remember who approves the promotions...

3. The Navy's long had a problem with shipyards. One ship I was on was the last built by a particular East Coast yard and contained every leftover from past projects (think 25 models of pumps, all doing the same job). It got accepted because it was desperately needed. My last ship went through a Navy yard as its last overhaul project; it went back into drydock less than a year later when an INSURV showed the hull to be dangerously thin in places (something that should've been caught).

And yes- both states the yards were in had political clout.

Posted by Pappy 2010-08-05 21:37|| 2010-08-05 21:37|| Front Page Top

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