hmmm, the mil idea is decent, but the rankings there are off, im In the army now, and its not so much the switch betwee navy and army but the order listed.
here is another idea though
Initiat>Apprentice>Scion>Joureyman>Master>Elder
just an idea, mabey a few changes here and there.
and along with this system, the journeyman and master could be changed to be more gender specific If that was wanted.