As "most" ex Officers will attest to. There is a code amongst officers, that they will always protect each other from the rank and file.

I am sure every one of us ex servicemen and women have seen it in action, following an incident that was clearly an officer "error" and the coverup or blame being shifted to an NCO.
Seen it countless times, and there is nothing you can do about it..........unless you are an RSM.
Then God can unleash hidden gems which often did occur