[robowombat]

The reason careerism flourishes is expressly because the concept that one who is commissioned by the president is to be above such paltry attitudes has been denigrated since about 1960> MacNamara’s officer as manager concept has been the biggest single thing that has destroyed much of the idea a commissioned officer was more than just a paper shuffling bureaucrat who wears a uniform. My personal experience as an EM and NCO was quite the opposite of what you describe. The only calling I discerned was to profiteer to the max and goldbrick when ever one could. Sergeant Bilko, I discovered was truly a very good satire on the US Army and USAF.. Many of the career NCO’s seemed right out of Catch 22. The amount of racketeering was truly amazing. The lower graded EM were no more than one would expect. Shallow caddish, superficially cynical, consumed with the desire for as much cheap sex and cheap liquor (and later drugs) as possible. The experience was fascinating in a sociological sense but depressing to endure.

[DesertRhino]

That office manager concept you mention probably is the beginning. Also, back in those days commissioned officers didn’t see themselves as SETTING national policy as much as faithfully executing it. (With the exception of MaCarthur and to a lesser degree Lemay).