I suggest that soldiers and vehicles look more and more badass when they have more ranks (stars).
Soldiers:
Rank 0 - Fresh uniform, Everything like from an academy.
Rank 5 - Scars, camouflage, worn uniforms, rank signs and of course medals.
Vehicles:
Rank 0 - Fresh from the factory.
Rang 5 - Dirt, kill marks, some additional armor or equipment on the tank. Special paintings.
I would like to see what my comrades and enemies field beside the pure equipment.