cupcake and others..., military lingo Options

[GOB]

so, i'm somewhat familiar with military officer insignia, considerably less with the names of enlisted ranks, but was just wondering why certain levels are the same or different among the different branches.

for example (according to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Lieutenant), a second lieutenant in the air force/army/marines is the equivalent of an ensign in the navy, but would you refer to this naval officer as "ensign" or "lieutenant"?

also, a naval captain is quite a few levels higher than an air force/army/marines captain; would this be for any particular reason, or is that just the way it is?



i'm only asking because i am working heavily with usaa members from every branch; probably 95% of what i've experienced so far in the training has been current or former military.