See, General Breedlove? Sports metaphors do reveal wisdom about martial enterprises. Run silent, run deep, my friends!

James Holmes is Professor of Strategy at the Naval War College and coauthor of Red Star over the Pacific. The views voiced here are his alone.

Image: Army guard Cleveland Richard looks to pass during the Black Knights 76-71 victory over Navy on Jan. 25, 2009 at Christl Arena. Flickr/West Point