Here is an e-mail from someone who is in a position to know:

“There are bright spots in the ING, and many of the rank and file have great potential. Leadership, however, is an issue. It’s similar to the problem Lincoln had during the Civil War – leadership posts were political posts. Competency was secondary if considered at all until well into the war. Often one couldn’t tell that a man would be a crappy leader until after his unit folded in combat. These operations are part of identifying, training and preparing ING leaders and establishing a professional ethos within the army. The leadership in the ING is still hit or miss. We haven’t reached a `critical mass’ yet that allows for the continuation and self-policing of professional military leadership. But we will. Give us time.”