The United States has done this during all wars, but in World War II this was most often done for accomplished industrialists, scientists, engineers, and lawyers to mention a few. A few politically connected individuals were commissioned, but usually at lower ranks. Henry Cabot Lodge and Lyndon Johnson come to mind. During the Civil War, politicians were frequently commissioned as Colonels and Generals with field commands, especially if they were able to raise new regiments. Most of these were worthless in combat except to the enemy.
Of course, today's Administration never does anything without a political motive and often the political aim is the only purpose. The civilians in DoD and the Obama appointees in the White House despise the military and want to change their culture, their effectiveness, and their threat to their power. How better to do this than by inserting political operatives in key positions. This is exactly what they did with the judiciary and the educational system so you have to wonder why they have waited so long to do this.
We already have a General Schedule (GS) payscale system which hires people in at high pay grades. I don’t see why we need to commission people in the active duty ranks.
This is just one reason why it is vitally important Drooling Evil (Hillary) be defeated this fall.
I wanted Cruz but at this point I am 100% for Trump.