Talk:Rank (Halo 3 Multiplayer)

So I was wondering. Does anyone know what Bungie used as their source material for the multiplayer rankings in Halo 3. From what I can gather it's a combination of US Navy (enlisted and officer) and Marine ranks. I guess this makes some sense because of the Marine and Navy presence in the Halo stories. But I'm confused, why not stick with one military branch? Or even better, albeit more limiting, why not go with the ranks of enlisted navy personnel, i.e. recruit, apprentice, petty officers, etc. all the way to Master Chief Petty Officer. This ranking would be most logical because Spartans are enlisted navy personnel.