Also, wow, is that higher-up guy (Col. George Barnfather, IMDB tells me) an asshole. If he's got redeeming characteristics, they were in an episode I didn't see.

I don't think he does have any redeeming characteristics. At least, I can't recall any episodes in which he was shown in a positive light.

That's part of why I was surprised by the episode of The Wire where some of the higher-ups turn out to be good guys, in their own way.