That may explain why the USAF is having such a hard time when hauled before Congress.

The son of a friend has been in now for x yrs... recently made Lt. Col and got a squadron. He is a hard worker who looks out for his guys/gals, focuses on solving problems and getting things done. A while back he got some crappy assignments and we talked. I told him, "you're either golden or a turd when you come out of them. Do good work and you're golden. **** and moan and grind through them and you're a turd. Unfortunately, there is no in-between."

Unless he really stumbles, I think he has full bull in the bag and probably 1 star. It gets real thin above Colonel. I remember our wing commander getting his star and laughing about his 'demotion'. He said, "As a wing commander and Colonel, I had some pull.. I could get a few things done. I got to tell people what to do. As a 1 star I am the 2nd Lt of the group. I'm the go-fer. Everyone tells me what to do."

He solved problems and retired with 3 stars.