You obey them, because that's just part of the rank. But obedience and respect don't always go hand in hand, and not everyone who ranks higher than you is worthy of your respect.

And again, respect takes time, it takes knowing one another. Knowing you can trust and rely on that person.

[ He pauses and considers her for a moment, then purses his lips and gestures vaguely towards her. ]

I rank higher than you, for instance. Yet you barely know me. You joined this mission because of John. Would you say that you respect me, already? Do you even know me well enough for that?