For U.S. naval flag officers (one star and above) ... or even Commander and above ... it becomes more about politics than competence. I'm not saying they are generally all incompetent but they reach a level where delegating authority and duties suffice as long as you can somewhat trust in the abilities of your command and you end up putting more effort in pleasing the upper chain of command with non-military related action.
In other words, if nobody in your command screws up and makes you look bad then just make sure Admiral so-n-so wins on the links or poker table, marry his daughter and keep her very happy and make sure all of your political, social and other opinions are completely aligned.
Of course, there are times when really bad personal decisions see the light of day and your career is suddenly over (caught with bad gambling debt, messing around with prostitutes or lower enlisted, not being able to keep your alcoholism or drug use under wraps).
That or someone on the bridge allows your ship to run aground while you're napping.
So, in a political world of .... world class kiss-ups (in that afore-mentioned 'up-or-out' system) ... many of whom are academy grads ... you get overloaded with star wearing types.
I suspect it's much the same in other branches.
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-Arlo
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