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It's in foreign military's modeled after Western forces. Many have a rank structure similar to ours, but they have something else. In the Middle East and Africa they still have tribal influences even in the more western leaning countries. There is a pecking order of families in their societies and governments. A prince is not going to start at the top of any military that's trying not to look backward. He may move up quick, but he still has to show some attempt at playing by the rules. We had a General who was in a Middle Eastern country's military 25 years. He wasn't from a highly placed family, but he was very competent. A Captain was on base for six years and was from a very powerful family. His position and family "rank" made him the most important man on base. He used protocol and defered to the General but if needed, the Captain could pull "rank" on the General and get his way.

Interesting. Reminds me a little of the British Royal Family. I believe Prince Andrew was a helicopter pilot. While he didn't outrank Generals, I'm sure he could pull rank if he chose.