John Sayen was a TBS Classmate and friend over the subsequent years until his early passing. John was a rare intellect and scholar who did not easily fit into Marine Officer stereotypes. As Marine Officer assignments, retention and promotions became administrative formulas the Corps was unable to fully leverage his knowledge, intellect, insights and talents. Both the British and German militaries recognized the value of the outlier and saw the value in those they cultivated or at least shielded. The Corps once did too. In line with more modern management techniques we drive them off. Today I doubt that an Ellis, Webb, Trainor or Wylie would survive. I suspect the Navy would not let a Grace Hopper or Rickover thrive today. Nor would the Air Force tolerate an HH Arnold or LeMay.
John Sayen was a TBS Classmate and friend over the subsequent years until his early passing. John was a rare intellect and scholar who did not easily fit into Marine Officer stereotypes. As Marine Officer assignments, retention and promotions became administrative formulas the Corps was unable to fully leverage his knowledge, intellect, insights and talents. Both the British and German militaries recognized the value of the outlier and saw the value in those they cultivated or at least shielded. The Corps once did too. In line with more modern management techniques we drive them off. Today I doubt that an Ellis, Webb, Trainor or Wylie would survive. I suspect the Navy would not let a Grace Hopper or Rickover thrive today. Nor would the Air Force tolerate an HH Arnold or LeMay.
Hmm, this meets the brutal candor test.