That's called a promotion. It doesn't mean Garling had a politics focused role beforehand, his role was mainly military, as a knight.
Yes, they work under a different branch. That doesn't change that they're a military force sent to conquer countries for the WG(for example, Elbaf)
Because they're CD's? Sure, but that doesn't change that they do ultimately serve as Mariejois army.
Unless there's something new in the manga that contradicts the statement, there's no reason to think the admirals aren't the WG's strongest military force.
Garling went on mission on GV and also try to get that nation to join the WG.
That is more than being mainly military knight that is politics and he was not even the head of the HK then .
Yes they get send out to conquer countries but like said there more than a military force.
There the police of holy land , a army to conquer countries , people who can allow countries to become part of the WG which is politics .
They went to make a deal with elbaf before trying to take them over with force which is politics .
I see them more than a military force and i do think there weaker than the admirals but to me that another issue.
But we can agree to disagree.