Every profession has its share of time-servers, and military intelligence is no exception.
Typically, these individuals lack substantial expertise. They cannot be entrusted with significant responsibilities, such as executing complex projects or undertaking high-stakes operations. Their shortcomings—whether they stem from weakness, a lack of intelligence, or cowardice—render them unsuitable for such tasks, and their involvement would likely lead to failure. Surprisingly, they are not drawn to these types of high-stakes activities, even though many candidates are attracted to military intelligence for precisely this reason.
However, what these time-servers excel at is mimicking their surroundings. This is their primary strength and a pathway to a comfortable life that they are determined to pursue. They are often selected to exemplify what a “real intelligence officer” should embody, presenting the appropriate appearance, demeanor, opinions, and language—everything necessary to leave a positive impression. Nevertheless, anyone who has collaborated with them soon realizes that they possess nothing beyond a favorable exterior; they are quintessential “men of straw.”
This was the life trajectory of Patrick Doyle, who was often referred to as a “nothing-burger” by his colleagues behind his back.