Rank Significance in Different Military Branches

So, here's a question that's been bugging me. Does rank matter across different military branches like would a Captain in the Army carry the same weight in the Navy or do I have it all wrong?

Every branch of the U.S. military has its own unique rank structure which defines the level of responsibility granted to service members. And while the rank names might differ across the branches, they correspond to similar levels of authority.

For instance, the rank of Captain refers to different ranks in the Army and Navy. In the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, a Captain is an O-3, and it's a mid-level officer rank similar to a company commander. In the Navy and Coast Guard, the rank of Captain is an O-6, equivalent to a Colonel in the other branches - it is a senior officer rank, one step below a Rear Admiral.

Thus, the authority and responsibilities of ranks can vary among services, and a Captain in the Army does not carry the same weight as a Captain in the Navy. To navigate this, you often have to make a direct comparison not based on the rank name, but based on the O-grade level. The Department of Defense uses this O-grade system to correlate ranks across all branches of service.

Of course, beyond rank, consider that each branch of the military also has its own unique roles and responsibilities, culture, and protocol that may influence how rank is perceived and respected.