I think the "second military" you describe is more of a "minimal readiness for SHTF situation" group. Because no politician wants to go down in history books a

I think the "second military" you describe is more of a "minimal readiness for SHTF situation" group. Because no politician wants to go down in history books as the person who let the military shrink and lose readiness for a WW3. Sure, maybe the American military has indeed lost readiness, but it's more nuanced and can't be pinned on one person. So just like other parts of this thread suggest, it's a giant CYA operation.