The modern ranking system being pvt-gen. What was the purpose of it? How was it created? When was it implemented? Who implemented it first? What were the organisation of armies like prior to this ranking system?
More specifically, I would also like to know what it was that made an officer an officer before the requirement of a college degree. It just has always seemed odd to me that a 20-something officer (although it would likely be unwise) can completely disregard the advice of a much more seasoned enlisted person.
Sorry for the false inbox-alarm OP