I think a lot of General slots are political anymore. I loved Commandant Al Grey. He was the corps Commandant in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He started off enlisted and worked his way up. He was a Korean War vet and a Vietnam vet. He famously took his commandant’s picture in his cammies.
I knew Gen Grey in passing as I was assigned to OpNav in the Navy Annex/ HQ Marine Corps building then...
Great guy as was Gen P. X. Kelly who was Commandant when I was there and whose acquaintance I made....loved the Marines!