How really \'different\' were the Romans?

[ValentinianVictrix]

I think Nathan is entirely right on this point, it was not just a rank but a social status when someone stated they were a Centurion, a Tribune etc. There used to be a very similar thing in the UK even up to fairly modern times where retired military personnel would sign their names as 'Capt Jack Sparrow Ret' in correspondance. This appears to have almost disappeared now as ex-officers who I know and have retired now just sign their names as normal.