They have been "in the vanguard" because the civilian leadership has been able to enact their social engineering ideas on a captive audience whose personal rights and beliefs are subordinate to those of the civilians. 

The larger society can resist change because they are free; those in the military are not.   When someone like Mr. Ash sets a policy, no votes are held, no 'public input' is sought, no 'stakeholder involvement' is asked for or desired.  Personally watched That for 22 years.  

"Do it or get out"  is the hammer.