I am new to empires and I got up to 3rd rank and when I started a new game it reset. if it is supposed to do that you should change it cause Those extra abilities are handy.
There's a reason why you don't get them at map start, as well as why it resets: it helps balance the game.
If I had all my ranks added together, I'd be like, God or something and like, I'd have all skills possible at once, and dual wield HMGs with the accuracy of a sniper rifle and the killing power of a nuke
Hahahaha. My god. The humor is endless today. i used to watch that show, even when I was 4, I thought it was pretty lame.