Wow this is better than Find Waldo. Can't find it, under the rug?

Thanks, I appreciate it. I thought they were talking about the dashboard.

They saw the hole in the instrument panel. But did it zing all the way through the capsule? Is the radiator piping near the panel?

Civil Service and Contractors have been among the earliest victims of most of this county's conflicts from the Civil War and Indian Wars to Afghanistan. "Civilians accompanying the force" were expected to take up arms to defend the force (or ship). Civilian sulters (commissary personnel) and scouts fought at the Little Big Horn and were awarded Medals of Honor. 40 years later, the government recinded them under pressure from the War Dept that wanted to reserve them for enlisted troops only. To this day, it is not uncommon to see a sizeable number of contractors on Navy ships or installations training and operating specialized systems.

The US has belittled civilian staff and contractors forever. They refuse to treat wounded contractors (beyond stabilizing them), and routinely deny benefits and awards that every other country recognizes as necessary. Dod knows they can't fill specialized positions so they supplement with civilian or contractors in those duties. In fact, it's so common that there are regulations going back to the 1800s regarding civilian "uniforms, messing, arming and even Geneva Convention requirements. Everything you need to soldier for the US except the protection and recognition of your sacrifice. The excuse of "well you're paid more" just highlights the government's inability to properly staff the force.

It was not uncommon to see a KPM employee on a gun truck escorting a convoy or armed civil service unescorted in the countryside setting up communications gear. In fact, those were early casualties in the GWOT. All they got was a ride to Dover. Then, the families had to arrange transportation. Legally, the only entitlement was for Workman Compensation.

Should we recognize that the Armed Forces can't fight alone? Damn straight.

So to "reclap" Roughly 10 pds of rice, 5 pounds of beans, 5 pounds of maze corn meal, 1 can fish, 2 pounds of sugar, dried milk and coffee. That's not enough for a single person.

For mostly applied science but also theoretical work. Depends on the funding. I've seen great ideas never get adequate funding. Aerospike engines, Lockheed's truck sized fusion reactor,. You got a great idea but not enough money to track down all the rabbit trails.

If you can make great science on budget go private. If you to make great science slowly but surely go Govt.