French flag rank and the problem of international precedence

Strong French officer education coexisted with a structural problem in the navy's senior rank system. For a long period, officers could hold a brevet admiral title or serve as commander-in-chief without receiving an equivalent permanent grade. At international functions, a Royal Navy vice admiral or full admiral could therefore take precedence even when the French officer had entered the appointment first. Personnel policy and formal rank could limit the authority and diplomatic standing produced by professional training.