I was a Generals Aide in my early officer days, but an officer none the less. When the shit went down in the Command or between Commands, or involving higher HQ, or high politicos for whatever reason, I was in the room. But, I knew the Commander or Commanders were really the ones in charge, and did my job, which at those times, was to merely be in the room. Did I make a difference there? No. Not in that room. But, it did give me training on how decisions and resolutions are made or not made at that level, (good and bad) that knowledge adding to my experience, possibly helpful in my own Commands. That is a simplification, but similar in theory, as levels of command operate like levels of command.