I've bowled in military leagues for the last 37 years and it is common to allow teams to carry up to 8 bowlers for a five man team. The reason for a large roster is TDY, leave, rotating duty schedules, etc where bowlers would not be available every night. Teams with more stable rosters would have fewer bowlers on them, teams with civilian workers, or retirees. The extra bowlers are not subs, but a part of the team and they normally pay their fair share when scheduled to bowl. Can't speak for every league or situation, but that is what I have seen.
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I am the Sgt Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing! I see nothing! NOTHING!"
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