Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Throughout the book senseless irrationalities are found that affect the men in the squadron. The authorities demonstrate an array of bizarre reasoning for the following promotions, interrogations, deaths, missions and rivalry for ranks. The bureaucrats in the squadron in Pianosa find themselves looking out for what seems to make them look better rather than what is better. Their jumbled behavior goes to show how men in positions of authority, under pressure, can find irrational or illogical reasoning to be sensible while others find it foolish.

By promoting Yossarian, the bureaucrats cover up a lousy mission; by promoting Corporal Whitcomb, Colonel Cathcart might make it into the Saturday Evening Post; and by having a defective I.B.M. machine promote Major Major, Lieutenant Scheisskopf is stuck with a recruit who outranks him. On the mission over Ferrara, "Yossarian killed Kraft and his crew...