Sometimes that's the case with marines. You can't be an admiral or fleet admiral without being exceptionally strong, and if you're only a Captain or lower, there are a lot more rules you have to follow, but vice admiral is the highest you can get while still spending most of your days chasing pirates. The admirals still have to fight pirates now and again, but that's not their average day. A lot more of it has to do with dealing with troops the higher you get.

Your military is different?