I think that Mattis blindsided everyone, Kelly too.

Navy CPT: As a carrier commander afloat, he has several reporting channels. He didn't jump chain of command, but imagine an email and CCing others. The people in the TO line were legit. So as a 12B, imagine the BDE CDR of the Devil BDE (82nd Airborne) who is on DRF/ IRF/ SRF (Fight Tonight Global Response Unit) sending an unclassified email to the Division CDR and CCing 20-30 other staff members stating that Devil BDE is combat ineffective. That is unthinkable, right? To the Navy CPT's credit, he had COVID 19, and up until that point had been a stud. IMO the COVID impaired his judgement, that's why the Navy didn't charge him. That plus the political fallout.

I can see why you are concerned. I'm concerned as well. The least of my concerns is Dr. Esper though. I was seriously asking because I've met him and he seemed like a very great dude. I can't imagine him as a SJW, he's all about fixing problems and taking care of Service members.