In the "Novocaine Mutiny" (pun intended) Captain Pierce's ability and character are called into question. Through various versions of the same events (Pierce testifies that the only thing the versions have in common are that it was October and they were in Korea) it is determined that the questioning was unfounded.
Colonel Carmichael, from JAG played by actor Ned Wilson (pictured) in his ruling states that while he wouldn't want to lead a company of Pierces into battle, he'd sure as hell want them around when that battle was over. Colonel Carmichael said a lot in that one sentence.
Pierce was good at what he did. He didn't always think he was, but he was. He once told Frank Burns he could out-operate him above the table and out-drink him below the table. The complete package.