It was a very rare thing for a man of middle age to make a good company officer.

A good many who tried it at the beginning had to be eliminated from the service in one way or another.

In a less degree the same was found to hold true of the regimental field officers.

Some men retain flexibility of mind and body longer than others, and could more easily adapt themselves to new circumstances and a new occupation.
Of course such would succeed best.

But it is also true that in the larger and broader commands solidity of judgment and weight of character were more essential than in the company, and the experience of older men was a more valuable quality.