Soldiers fight, simple as that. Most places, if they give you a rank, you're a private or a NCO. It holds no real meaning, unless you're 12 years old and think people will listen to you cause of the rank on your card.
Works the same in real life. You can have the rank, but if you do not deserve that rank or make something of yourself, then it's meaningless, no one will listen to you.
Do yourself a favor though, do not try to lead a group if you're not a great natural leader to begin with. You do not want to get all your guys killed, and you'll have a much better time if someone else that is a good leader leads you into battle. One of my good players took the chance, and decided to lead at one of our games. He's a great guy, but he lead us into an ambush and he froze up under the pressure. Do your part, and you'll get the glory that you want.
- Brian