Wrong again
You wrote:
You can only maintain a high level of readiness for so long. Having been in the military and having stood guard duty, I know this from firsthand experience. You know this from what, your ass?
The United States of America maintained a high level of readiness against the Soviet Union for something over 40 years.
As for my personal experience, I served on the front lines of the Cold War - with some distinction, I think - during two tours of duty with the USAF. In my command, we maintaining an exceptionally high level of readiness 24/7 with stringent reporting requirements in what was termed "near real time" - what a layman might call "right now."
On numerous occasions, my analytical and reporting efforts drew recognition and glowing praise, were characterized as being "superb examples of aggressive and detailed reporting," and included significant contributions to "an event of national interest."
S