Actually, when a large bureaucracy has an extensive structure, it is much easier to learn and understand the 'rules' (both formal and informal) and then maximize your personal objectives there than in smaller less-structured environments.

A sole-proprietorship with 30 employees is much more difficult to use to your own advantage than a corporate entity with 300.

A  huge military organization is little different than a similarly-sized corporate organization.  It attracts similar participants.   

That is one reason retired Generals and Admirals wind up in Fortune corporation boardrooms.  

The Peter Principal and  the Dilbert Principle both can be seen in action from the Company (80-150 soldiers) and Battalion (3o0-800 soldiers)  level on up to and including the Pentagon!