Jiralhanae Chieftain (Earth-5875)

"Commanding troops requires both strength and audacity."

- - Chieftain mantra

Chieftain, also known as Alpha, is a position of incredible power within jiralhanae culture which was later used in the Covenant Armada as a rank for powerful members of the species.

History
Chieftains serve as military leaders, commanding groups of dozens of jiralhanae or other lower caste species within their packs. In jiralhanae society, Chieftains are subordinate to no one but the Chieftain of the Jiralhanae himself. Aside from their military cunning, Chieftains also serve as important spiritual leaders and guides, giving religious sermons to their packs before and after a carnage. Maccabeus often led his pack in sermons by recalling the Ages of the Covenant. Many Chieftains would rise to lead their own Covenant splinter factions after the fall of the Covenant in December 2552. Many Chieftains serve within the Banished.