Information and operational security is something this old soldier takes very seriously. That’s why this column is difficult to write. Faithful reader, because you peruse these hallowed pages in search of truth, I’m about to break Omertà. I’m going to tell you about the shadow organization that’s infiltrated every branch of the United States Military. The E4 mafia.

All branches of the military have nine enlisted ranks E1 — E9, with different names for the ranks depending upon the service branch. The lower four ranks are the junior enlisted. They make few important decisions. Senior among the junior enlisted, the E4s — Army Specialist, Air Force Senior Airman, Marine Corporal, and Navy Petty Officer Third Class — know their jobs, and more importantly, they know how the military operates. They’ve worked hard to rise to their current rank, not necessarily due to dedication or a desire to promote, but because all the crappy work details were dumped upon them on their way up. They’re determined to keep the s**t flowing past them on its way downhill.