"Stagnated" does not even come close to what they would have experienced if they had stuck to reality. I know I experienced significant pressure as a Lieutenant (Platoon Leader) endorsing a career E-6 that was never going to see E-7 if I had anything to do with it. I took crap from both the Platoon Sergeant and the Battery Commander. The E-6 in question was a member of a protected minority. This around 1980 so I know it's only gotten worse in 31 years.
Yes, affirmative action was very much alive and well in the Navy back then, as I’m positive it is today.
Such policies in a corporation affect the bottom line. In our Armed Forces it gets people killed.