I got detached, as a professional, to NATO. I got an officer grade despite never having been in the army.

The first thing I did when I met the real soldiers was to clarify that I got the grade for reasons, but that I absolutely am a civil and have no intent to be a bighead asshole who will boss them around just because that have less bars on the shoulders than I was given.

We started from a very, very good foot and had a wonderful collaboration.

Just do not pretend to be what you're not and things will be fine.