'Little of substance is really done here, but that is a task we do well'

A US army reserve colonel posted to the international command in Afghanistan doesn't seem to be on message in Powerpoints R Us.

Random motion, ad hoc processes and an in-depth knowledge of Army minutia and acronyms are also key characteristics of a successful staff officer. Harried movement together with furrowed brows and appropriate expressions of concern a la Clint Eastwood will please the generals. Progress in the war is optional.

and:

Even one tiny flaw in a slide can halt a general's thought processes as abruptly as a computer system's blue screen of death. 

I'm guessing he's currently re-experiencing the unemployment that he mentions at the head of the article.

Afghanistan ...

the future "outback skiing" destination, says the Grauniad.