Prime Theory

[goJAZZgo]

Seeing as we know that the title "Prime" is now a rank, do you think its like the equivalent to General or something like that? Seeing how Longarm prime is the head of communications, Sentinel Prime is basically the second in command to Ultra Magnus. This could possibly tie into Rodimus Prime and Nemesis Prime being introduced as well, both as generals in the Elite Guard.

[Nachtsider]

A 'Prime' is some kind of sub-commander, methinks. 'General' sounds too high in rank to be considered an equivalent...

[Polenicus]

I suspect 'Prime' is roughly equivalent to 'Captain' in Star Trek, and is subject to multiple different grades beyond what shows on the rank pips. In Star Trek, you could command a Starfleet Tug, or the Federation Flagship, and still technically be the same rank (Though, as stated in a Voyager episode, in such situatiopns the Captain of the tactically superior vessel has authority)

I suspect the same thing with Primes. Technically, Optimus is a Prime because he commands a starship, but that ship is part of a Spacebridge repair crew. Longarm Prime is head of Cybertron Security, and by virtue of his position would be considered senior, even though his 'rank' is the same.

In most situations, Sentinel Prime would be considered Optimus' superior by virtue of being in the Elite Guard, and in any official mission or in any Cybertron facility, that would hold. But Earth is neutral territory, Optimus was the mission commander for his crew (While Ultra Magnus himself is the mission commander for Sentinel's) and Optimus was there first, and the first to open diplomatic relations with the natives, which pretty much negates the difference (Especially after Optimus impressed Ultra Magnus a few times).

[Brawlastator]

It seems if you are in charge of something important, you're a Prime. Optimus is head of Spacebridge Matinence, Sentinel is head of Elite Guard, Shockwave is head of Cybertron Intelligence, ect.