Things have changed but I dont think that much. We were so deep into the buddy system and buddy skills it almost over rode some of the other training issues we had.
Done ranting.
The question I was answering wasn't about training. From what you're saying Gary, it looks like US military training is pretty much the same, regardless of the branch. That's probably because all military Instructors were initially trained at the Underwater Swimmers School in Key West.
However, when some people get out of the military, that attitude can surface (people are people) and they sometimes think they are more prepared than the next person. For recreational diving, some objectives are different. Other than Some Come Up Barely Alive (SCUBA). Attitude is the primary ingredient to all learning. I take classes to learn and then I can apply what I've been taught. I will pay good money to learn something I'm interested in, but to be given something for very little cost diminishes the value and potentially brings Scuba back to the quasi-professional state it was in 30 years ago.
One of the reasons that the YMCA has such a huge presence is that it is still closely tied to military training. That's not what Joe Public is asking for, or wants.
Buoyancy is a key element (or should be) with any dive course. However, it's not the end all for diving. If memory serves, this thread is in the basic area. Take your DIR philosophy to the proper area. Buoyancy is continually worked on, mastery in all circumstances takes more time than all the people on this board have combined.