Each country has their own way or ranking their military personnel. Originally, the United States' ranking system was based on the way the British ranked their military, but over the years, it has changed.

Ho Chi Minh compared his military to a tiger. He compared the United States military to an elephant.

Augustus Meyers has written:

'Ten years in the ranks, U.S. Army ..' -- subject(s): Biography, History, Meyers, Augustus, 1841-, Military life, Personal narratives, Regimental histories, United States, United States Civil War, 1861-1865, United States. Army, United States. Army of the Potomac

'Ten years in the ranks' -- subject(s): Accessible book, History, Military life, Personal narratives, United States, United States Civil War, 1861-1865, United States. Army

From a military point of view, Britain is the closest ally to the United States. It is not powerful when compared to the United States itself, but when compared to most other allies Britain is powerful.