The Clintons did the same thing. They gutted the senior ranks then the senior ranks gutted the junior ranks.
I watched as real warriors, great leaders and great officers, were passed over for promotions while some of the worst junior officers, many with "paper" in their Jackets, were promoted.
This made those worthless people loyal to the administration and to politicking over war fighting. I watched one even get his fourth star (I knew him when he was a 1Lt and he was a worthless, backstabbing "box checker."
USAF, I presume? Otherwise, I kind of thought Wesley Clark was one of those. BTW, my son finishes up USAF initial flight training tomorrow. He has a new love in his life. FLYING.