['< sod > u. s. ranks have their roots in british military traditions, with the president possessing ultimate administrative authority, but no " rank ", therefore maintaining a civilian status. as with european monarchies, the position of the american president perceived as the nominal head of the armed military forces is deeply rooted in traditions going back centuries. < eod > < sod > u. s. ranks have their own roots in british military traditions, with the president always possessing had ultimate authority, but no " rank ", maintaining a civilian status. as with european monarchies, the position of the american president as the nominal { { clarification needed | reason = the president is not a nominal head, the president is the head } } his head of the armed forces ceremonial is deeply rooted... in traditions going back centuries. { { citation needed | date = september 2016 } } < eod >']