First remember that for many readers "Colonel" and "Sergeant"
are just as alien as "Oberst" and "Feldwebel". A civilian who
doesn't know rank may well assume both are just some kind of
soldier. To truly understand the rank dynamic, show how the two
interact, or how one person reacts when he is preparing to meet
(or surprised by) someone of another rank. How do they think
about each other? Sergeants worry about whether the colonel who
is coming is a good or bad officer; Colonels don't have time to
worry about the sergeant they are about to meet. Lieutenants
worry about themselves, and occasionally about the next officer
up the chain, while Captains worry about their lieutenants. How
do they act around each other? Use the right verb to convey the
tone and intent. A lieutenant may question a captain or correct
a sergeant but may feel the need to instruct an airman. A Major,
on the other hand, will not explain much of anything - he will
order or direct and then probably leave, unless he's recently
promoted and st