Comparing a CO to a district manager in retail is a helpful analogy. But I would think that a responsible, concientous manager would be able to see right through all the superficial arse-kissing ("boot-licking" in military terms) and have everyone cut the crap and get down to the business at hand. On the other hand, some of the stuff I'm reading here goes way beyond what would be considered acceptable in the workplace. Only an egomaniac would accept, much less revel in such treatment. It kind of reminds me of the behavior expected of a college fraternity pledge before a member of the frat house...a power trip.
"Get me another beer, pledge"
"Yes, sir"