is it the zealot, ultra, counselor, or something else?
I would say Councilors.
Personally, I don’t know even though this seems like something in my area of expertise.
I just love the counselors and seeing how they are actually a big deal behind the scenes, I’d have to argue them.
Looks like it varies from game to game. Apparently the standard Zealots only have shields equivalent to that of a Major when in Halo 2, but they’re pretty high up on the list in Halo Reach. Councilors in Halo 2 have shields equivalent to that of an Ultra, so my best guess would be the Field Marshal–it has stronger shields than the General, and it’s the highest ranking Sangheili we see other than the Councilors. But the shield strength of a Supreme Commander or Imperial Admiral? That’s anyone’s guess–although I suppose you could factor in the shield strength of the ship(s) they command. 
to be fair,
minor, major and ultra are ranks.
councilor and field marshal are titles.
zealot and aesthetic are classifications.
thats why in h2 we see councilors are ultras, and why in reach the field marhsal is also a zealot.
> 2533274803267398;5:
> to be fair, minor, major and ultra are ranks, councilor and field marshal are titles, zealot and aesthetic are classifications.
> thats why in h2 we see councilors are ultras, and why in reach the field marhsal is also a zealot.
Just did a bit of research on this: Zealot is definitely an imprecise term, used for high-ranking Sangheili. A Field Marshal outranks other Zealots, and unlike the other Zealot variants, like Shipmaster or Field Master, is not a title which is usually given to the highest-ranking Sangheili available, but an actual military rank which is above General.
> 2533274880692195;6:
> > 2533274803267398;5:
> > to be fair, minor, major and ultra are ranks, councilor and field marshal are titles, zealot and aesthetic are classifications.
> > thats why in h2 we see councilors are ultras, and why in reach the field marhsal is also a zealot.
>
>
> Just did a bit of research on this: Zealot is definitely an imprecise term, used for high-ranking Sangheili. A Field Marshal outranks other Zealots, and unlike the other Zealot variants, like Shipmaster or Field Master, is not a title which is usually given to the highest-ranking Sangheili available, but an actual military rank which is above General.
This guy right here…he gets it. He knows what he is talking about lol
no no, zealot is a classification that can be applied to any rank. u can have a minor in the zealot class, theyll just prob be wearing zealot armor. but zealot isnt exactly tied to a military position—take Telcam for example, hes retired, but still a zealot. the zealots we see in reach are a strike team with a field marshal at their helm who is also a zealot. thats why his armor is a mixture between the zealot armor and the general armor. and just because field marshals can command generals, does not mean that their actual rank is higher, their position is simply being the leading general. tbh we dont have a hard case to prove it either way. but ive always seen field marshals as similar to how an O9 would command an O7.
@ARCtheIsmaster
Field Marshal is an actual military rank both in real life and in Halo Reach. Take a look at the rank above “General” in your Spartan ranking System–it’s misspelt, but it’s the last, actual, military rank before you get into the non-military “Hero” ranks. It’s also the last and highest ranking Elite Armor Permutation you unlock in Halo Reach.
I think I see your source of confusion. Telcam’s a Bishop, he was once a Field Master, but he’s “renounced the ways of the infidels and cleansed his name”…the Covenant Remnant underwent a complete military reorganization, so pretty much all of the old ranks and positions no longer apply. There’s also “Zealot,” with a capital “Z,” referring to the high-ranking Sangheili, and “zealot,” with a lowercase “z,” referring to the fact that the Covenant Remnant are a completely lunatic fringe group comprised of a bunch of extremely zealous individuals.
O9 and O7…“googles”…ah, ah! No, Field Marshal is a military rank used in countries outside of the United States and is equivalent to your five-star “General of the Army” rank.
All in all, it still makes sense that the Field Marshal Sangheili do in fact, have the strongest energy shields.
> 2533274803267398;5:
> to be fair,
>
> minor, major and ultra are ranks.
> councilor and field marshal are titles.
> zealot and aesthetic are classifications.
>
> thats why in h2 we see councilors are ultras, and why in reach the field marhsal is also a zealot.
Thx that makes sense. So there can be an ultra councilor
I didn’t know so I came to look for an answer, I got more than I bargained for. Thanks for the explanation!