Birdie, Johnnie, and Hassan illustrate different ways that the military meritocracy allows suitable men to rise to the top. Hassan’s field commission proves his worth as a soldier, but he’s not had the benefit of the same education that Johnnie and Birdie received. Nevertheless, his time at OCS will overcome this deficiency and enable him to progress as far in the ranks as his personal virtue will allow. Conversely, while Birdie’s tremendous intelligence augments his training, he’s far younger and less experienced than Hassan or even Johnnie. A soldier’s value lies in his actions, not his education, natural intelligence, or age.