This is a minor issue that has been bugging me for far too long to mention lol. Anyhow the beloved Master Chief literally holds the highest enlisted rank in the navy, but still takes commands from subordinates. I find it a bit odd how fellow Spartan IIs will take his command (I understand how he was made leader during training) but with Spartan IVs that kinda gets thrown out the window. Spartan Palmer holds the rank of commander which I think is the fifth highest out of 10 in the officer chain of command. Therefore the Master Chief should technically be her superior in my opinion. I also understand how all the Spartan IVs are on the same level and leadership is delegated depending on the mission (besides locke which I don’t quite get yet). If someone could enlighten me on this issue it would be great haha if this makes sense 
I think it has to do with Chief being a non-commissioned officer, rather than being commissioned, but i could be wrong.
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> I think it has to do with Chief being a non-commissioned officer, rather than being commissioned, but i could be wrong.
That would make sense, but I guess that would mean every Spartan IV would be a commissioned officer then. This is opposite to the S-IIs but I guess would makes sense as there is now a specific Spartan branch of UNSC unlike before
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> > 2535468987600841;2:
> > I think it has to do with Chief being a non-commissioned officer, rather than being commissioned, but i could be wrong.
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> That would make sense, but I guess that would mean every Spartan IV would be a commissioned officer then. This is opposite to the S-IIs but I guess would makes sense as there is now a specific Spartan branch of UNSC unlike before
No Spartan has an actual rank, other than just “Spartan”. Hierarchy is dictated entirely by skill, experience, and knowledge of the current situation. Palmer’s “Commander” is merely attached to her because she is the commander of the Infinity’s Spartan compliment, and she gets THAT title because she was one of the very first S-IVs.
As such, since Chief is also a Spartan and therefor TECHNICALLY part of the Spartan branch (if, in actuality, a Navy officer), his expereince, literally 30 plus years of being a Spartan, ensures that EVERYONE will listen to his orders. By all Spartan and logicial reasoning, he IS Palmers CO
Those are some good points haha I hope the MC can implement that leadership on such a scale in future titles
So as far as the base question. No, rank is like fairy dust .
Yes, they matter. All military discipline and courtesy stems from rank. And no matter how high the enlisted rank, they must salute even the lowest grade, most junior officer.
For the Spartans, rank is formal, but in the field they are typically deferred to for their prowess and expertise. There is some precedent for this (albeit for captivity or duress) with the highest ranking present assuming strategic command, but deferring to the highest ranking combat arms personnel regarding tactical decisions.