I’m retired Navy. During my duty time I observed several lousy COs. Most COs I served under were good officers, but some were incompetent; others totally self-centered. The problem has always been flag meddling. Admirals would pick a favorite junior and then mentor him/her up the ranks until they got command. Bad behavior or incompetence were swept under the rug. Once they got command, their bad behavior or stupidity would become public. The reverse was also true. One of my Navy buddies was a real “water walker;” just superb in every way. However, he married a woman he met in the Philippines, to which an admiral objected based upon the admiral’s prejudices. My friend was never given the command he so richly deserved because of several bad marks in “leadership” due to his marriage. That the pace of reliefs of command has accelerated shows both that this has not stopped and that the Navy now reacts like a frightened dog to any negative news. It’s a true mess. Obama’s hatred of the military just makes it worse; his guys look for examples of bad behavior in the military som the Left can demand action be taken. The fact that Obama is unfit to sweep a deck just adds a layer of hypocracy.
Lot's of solid players said “bye bye” after their payback (aviation) time and took their leadership and people skills to civy street. Major loss to the USN.
What worries me today is that PC and AA are really being pushed in the advancement game. I worry that in a few years a lot of blue jackets are going to get hurt because we have put into the CO’s spot a leader based on their gender or color not their qualification. JMHO