There are more than enough positions in the military for officers to fail up for decades. They don't usually end up at the highest ranks, but it happens. Often

There are more than enough positions in the military for officers to fail up for decades. They don't usually end up at the highest ranks, but it happens. Often the path upwards is to be hired by a defense contractor, oil company, financial company. Usually it's a reward for getting a specific company a nice contract and the promise of good connections/lobbying.