It’s about the only way those officers make Colonel or Brig. General these days. Political butt-kissing...
Most of the higher ups sold their souls long ago, the rest have been “retired” or removed.
You are not correct. Colonels make Brigadier General by competence with allowance for diversity and multicultural consideration. But, to move up from one-star to two-star, and especially to three-star you must be willing to play ball with the politician worms. Every three and four stars have signed the corrupt bargain.