Answer: The sentence appears to describe a situation where two services (which could refer to organizations, groups, or individuals) are facing a problem or decision that requires consensus, or agreement among the parties involved. However, the sentence suggests that they are currently unable to reach a consensus. As a result, both services have taken a similar course of action: they have prepared themselves in some way (possibly by gathering information or resources), they are waiting (presumably for more information or for a change in circumstances), and they are looking abroad (which could mean seeking advice or input from outside sources) for signs, or indications of what they should do next. In short, the sentence implies that both services are in a state of uncertainty and are trying to figure out the best course of action to take.
Explanation: The paragraph describes the wellsprings of Japanese aggression leading up to World War II. The author argues that the root cause of Japan's aggression did not lie solely in the German connection or radical young military officers, as had been thought in the early 1930s, but rather in the increasing influence of staff officers in the Japanese navy who believed that Japan was becoming encircled and depleted by the American-British-Dutch coalition. These officers argued that Japan needed to strike out and secure resources, especially oil, to maintain its greatness and security.
However, the author notes that there was no consensus among the Japanese military services, as the army still appeared to be more uncertain about the situation, and their interests were different. As a result, both services prepared for potential action, waited for further developments, and looked abroad for signs that might indicate the best course of action to take. The sentence "Lacking consensus both services prepared, waited, and looked abroad for signs" suggests that the Japanese military was in a state of uncertainty and was actively seeking information and guidance to determine their next move.