Brotherhood of Steel hierarchy

The Brotherhood of Steel relies on a strict hierarchy, where orders flow through the ranks and are carried out without hesitation. For a breakdown of the ranks themselves, see Brotherhood of Steel ranks.
==Characteristics==
Members of the Brotherhood are divided into distinct castes, each with a function of their own. The actual organization of the classes themselves and the ranks varies to some extent, typically by geographic region. Most follow the original regime for ranking. The Chain that Binds doctrine is traditionally intended to ensure obedience and conformity among the members of the Brotherhood, maximizing the efficiency of the Brotherhood as a war machine. 
All members are subject to the same body of laws, at least in theory. Even elders may be dismissed for violating the Brotherhood's charter or laws, such as destroying technological devices without due cause, violating the Chain that Binds, or murdering a fellow member. Due to the requirement for elders to set an example, elders may also be stripped of their position if allowing them to retain it would compromise the morale or integrity of a given chapter.Hidden Valley bunker terminals; terminal, Elder Dismissal Incidents 
In practice, the law is selective; for example, High Elder John Maxson could issue direct orders to the Vault Dweller, an initiate, without consequences.Interactions with John Maxson in Fallout. Elder McNamara's violation of the Chain that Binds have also gone unnoticed, due to chapter ignorance of large parts of the doctrine.Still in the Dark
Ranks have been separated by type of organization, using descriptive names.
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==Ranking systems==
===Formative years===
The early years saw the implementation of a provisional rank system, meant to emphasize and enforce the ideology put forward by Roger Maxson. Maxson's goals for this were two-fold: First, it would strip members of the Brotherhood of their ties to the pre-War military and government, ensuring that surviving generals or politicians would not be able to invoke their oaths and order them to, for example, unleash nuclear devastation on the world again (as was the case with Col. Ellen Santiago and Sec. Thomas Eckhart in Appalachia). Second, it would give the members of the Brotherhood an inspiring new system to believe in and dedicate themselves to, filling the void left by the destruction of civilization as they knew it. Inspiration came from the fall of the Western Roman Empire, when knights and scribes maintained order and preserved knowledge after the empire collapsed.About the Brotherhood By June 20, 2082, all members under his command had switched over to using Brotherhood ranks and practices, both in New California and Appalachia.Camp Venture terminal entries; commander's terminal, JAN-03-81: E FisherNote: This entry establishes that Taggerdy is still referred to as lieutenant, indicating the switchover did not yet take place.Squire Asher's journal
As the initial founders of the Brotherhood were predominantly military personnel, the proto-Brotherhood continued to use their existing Army ranks for several years, and even once the new ranks were implemented, civilian auxiliaries were treated with a certain degree of patronizing contempt. One of the unique parts of this early model was the rank of a squire, granted to new recruits regardless of age. Overall, the response to the new system was mostly positive,I am a knight though there were some reservations within the organization, especially among military veterans of elite units like the Army Rangers.Anonymous diary page
To some, ranking grown men and women using the term "squire" — one that traditionally referred to young nobles no older than children — was considered almost insulting. Senior Knight Ted Wilson brought these arguments to Maxson, which eventually persuaded him to change it,Camp Venture terminal entries; Commander's terminal, Squires and Ranks though the modifications were not fully introduced by the time Appalachia was cut off from the west. By 2096, when the Appalachian chapter was destroyed, "squire" was still a rank used for adult initiates (such as R. Rosen and Enrique Belmonte, the original complainant). However, "initiate" was also used for such members (such as Tieggs and Vernon Dodge).
===Lost Hills model===
The structure of the early years was modified and expanded to accommodate the growing numbers of the Brotherhood, culminating in the creation of what is best termed the old or classic model. It is the oldest stable type of organization, followed by the founding chapter at Lost Hills and affiliated chapters, such as the Mojave chapter.
# Initiates are the youngest and/or least experienced members of the Brotherhood, whose sole purpose is training and learning to become a valued member of either the knights or the scribes. Although not expected to make the choice until later in their lives, initiates may select to study towards becoming a knight or scribe early on, and be referred to as an initiate scribe or knight. Initiates are first promoted to senior initiates, and later to apprentices in their chosen Order, the aforementioned Knights or scribes. The choice is not set in stone and the member can transfer between orders until they complete their apprenticeship and become eligible for advancement.The Courier: "What do you mean decide for yourself?"Melissa Watkins: "I'm currently an Apprentice in the Brotherhood, and recently became eligible for Journeyman status. But first, I have to decide which Order I want to join - the Knights or the Scribes."(Melissa Watkins' dialogue) After completing their training, apprentices are promoted to journeyman knights or scribes.The Vault Dweller: "{1008}{}{Initiates}"John Maxson: "{1108}{Gen_60}{Well that's what you are. Initiates train and learn to become knights or scribes.}"(MAXSON.MSG)
# Scribes are scientists, responsible for researching and reverse-engineering recovered technologies, maintaining the Brotherhood's scientific knowledge and even experimenting with new ones (though the Brotherhood's focus on preservation means this is rare).The Courier: "Tell me about the Scribes."Melissa Watkins: "The Scribes are responsible for discovering how all the old tech we recover actually works and sometimes even work on inventing new things. Without them, the Brotherhood could never fulfill its mission. Or at least, that's what my dad always used to say."(Melissa Watkins' dialogue)The Vault Dweller: "{1009}{}{Scribes}"John Maxson: "{1109}{Gen_61}{Well, Scribes copy down the weapon specs. We've got information all the way back to my granddad. Sometimes a scribe comes up with a new idea for a weapon. Hehehe. Doesn't happen too often. They all answer to Vree.}"(MAXSON.MSG)The Vault Dweller: "{1005}{}{Scribes}"Cabbot: "{1105}{Cab_58}{OK, well, scribes are the keepers of all the histories and the blueprints for the weapons we make. I just love books; that's why I want to be one . . . a Scribe, that is.}"(CABBOT.MSG) Scribes rarely leave the safety of the bunkers, but they are sometimes called into the field to examine a piece of technology or perform a task beyond the skills of the Brotherhood soldiers. Due to their stationary duties, scribes typically staff medical facilities, responsible for intensive and long-term care of Brotherhood members.Fallout Bible 6: "The Brotherhood of Steel: The Brotherhood of Steel (BOS) is a techno-religious organization, with roots in the US military and government-sponsored scientific community from before the war. The BOS is mostly composed of the descendents of those military officers, soldiers, and scientists, but aside from some outlanders among their ranks, the BOS is as close to pure strain humanity (prime normals) as you're going to find outside of a Vault.""The ranks of the BOS is generally recognized as being composed of the best and the brightest... which means the BOS is a really small organization, at least compared to NCR. They make up for this with their frightening arsenal of pre-war and post-war technology: They have laser weapons, power armor, surgical enhancements, combat implants, and a squad of Brotherhood Knights have the ability to erase an entire town from a map without a scratch.""The Brotherhood are generally good guys, but they have their faults - (1) they don't care for mutants, (2) they worship technology, and in many cases, put it above human life, and (3) they don't like to share their choicest technological bits, despite the obvious benefits their technology could bring to the wasteland. It's commonly accepted within the Brotherhood that the people of the wasteland are not responsible enough to use (and maintain) all of the technology the BOS has at their disposal. They are known trade some of their technologies with frontier communities and NCR states, but they keep the more sensitive technologies to themselves.""It is believed that the current HQ of the BOS is the Lost Hills bunker in Fallout 1, but at the time of Fallout 2, the BOS is spread across the wastes in small bunkers and installations hidden from the eyes of common folk – finding them all and wiping them out would be a difficult and dangerous task.""The BOS is divided into different ranks: Initiates are trainees who are expected to perform well enough in the training process to be promoted to Squires. After proving themselves, Squires are promoted to Knights. After many years of service and experience, the best Knights are promoted to Paladins - the pinnacle of the Brotherhood military. Paladins who survive to their later years become Elders, and they number among the Brotherhood ruling council.""It is also possible to serve the Brotherhood as a Scribe. Scribes are responsible for copying the ancient technologies, maintaining the current technology and even experimenting with new weapons and other useful devices. Scribes rarely leave the safety of the BOS bunkers, but they are sometimes called into the field to examine a piece of technology or perform a task beyond the skills of the Brotherhood soldiers.""It is said that the BOS symbol, broken down, represents each of these orders. The sword represents the Paladins, the wings represent the Elders (the "wings" control the movement of the sword), the large gear represents the Knights, and the two smaller gears represent the Scribes and the Squires, whose services keep the Knights supplied with the information and the manpower to get their jobs done. No one is sure what the circle means, however."
# Knights are the craftsmen and foot soldiers of the Brotherhood. They maintain the Brotherhood's stockpile of technology, repairing and providing technical services where they are needed, as well as producing new weapons to replenish stocks and provide trading goods. Knights also perform patrols, scouting assignments, and support paladins in offensive operations. When too few paladins are available on an expedition, knights may also take on a combat role. Those that focus on combat training may be eligible to then become paladins.The Vault Dweller: "{345}{}{What is the Brotherhood's main purpose?}"John Maxson: "{172}{Gen_21}{Our main goal is to survive. The Scribes copy old plans for weapons or design new ones, and the Knights make the guns from 'em. Most guns come from us.}"(MAXSON.MSG)The Vault Dweller: "{173}{}{You trade the weapons to the Hub?}"John Maxson: "{176}{Gen_22}{That's the way we get our supplies.}"(MAXSON.MSG)The Vault Dweller: "{1010}{}{Knights}"John Maxson: "{1110}{Gen_62}{The Knights make the weapons. And when he's good enough, a Knight can advance to become a Paladin and then an Elder and so forth. Right now Rhombus is the head of the Knights.}"(MAXSON.MSG)The Vault Dweller: "{1006}{}{Knights}"Cabbot: "{221}{Cab_59}{Well, you see, they're the ones who want to become protectors of the Brotherhood. There's not many of them, but they train their whole lives to become Paladins.}"(CABBOT.MSG)The Courier: "Tell me about the Knights."Melissa Watkins: "Knights are in charge of all of our equipment. Power armor, gatling lasers, you name it. All of it built and maintained by Knights. Knights also get to go out on patrols, scouting assignments, and support the Paladins in offensive operations. Being a Knight would mean getting to see more of the world, fight the Brotherhood's enemies, and possibly someday become a Paladin like my mother."(Melissa Watkins' dialogue)Daniel Shin: "Since we only have one Paladin here, I also lead various combat operations and support Paladin Rahmani in any ways necessary"
# Paladins are the primary combat force of the Brotherhood, in charge of all security and outside activities. Equipped with the best military technology the Brotherhood has to offer, they are some of the most fearsome warriors in the wasteland.The Vault Dweller: "{1011}{}{Paladins}"John Maxson: "{1111}{Gen_63}{Paladins are in charge of all security and outside activities. I remember tradin' with the Hub, goin' on scouting missions for the Elders. Ah man, those ware a good times.}"(MAXSON.MSG) The ranks of the paladins are reinforced by promoting exceptional knights and it is highly improbable to become a paladin any other way.Fallout Bible 8: Dave Sayz: Yes, Knight before you can become a Paladin. Becoming a paladin is special. While power armor was reserved primarily for paladin use in the first century of the Brotherhood's existence,The Vault Dweller: "{139}{}{What about that metal suit you're wearing?}"Talus: "{196}{}{Only Paladins wear Power Armor, someday you may earn the right to wear it.}"(TALUS.MSG) exceptions existed, allowing knights and in extreme cases even initiates to use power armor.Cabbot, and optionally, the Vault Dweller wear T-51b power armor as initiates. Daniel Shin, as a knight similarly possesses power armor, under the circumstances of the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force.
# Elders are the highest-ranking members of the Brotherhood, its leaders and decision-makers, determining everything from meals to the course of campaigns.The Vault Dweller: "{1004}{}{Elders}"Cabbot: "{1104}{Cab_57}{They make all the decisions around here, from what we eat to what our duties are. And uh, they argue a lot, too. The High Elder seems to have to step in a lot.}"(CABBOT.MSG) Typically, only paladins are eligible to become elders, but exceptions can be made for extraordinary members of other branches.The Courier: "Tell me about your last Elder."Edgar Hardin: "Elijah was a strange one. His even becoming Elder was highly questionable, seeing as how he was a Scribe. Typically, only Paladins are eligible. But an exception was made in his case, on account of him being a genius. Unfortunately, whatever scientific acumen he had didn't extend to tactics. Trying to defend HELIOS was a blunder of the worst kind, and many brothers lost their lives because of it. Many of the senior paladins, myself included, advised him to fight a retreating action, but he refused to budge. Said he almost "had it working". We never did find out exactly what he was talking about. When the perimeter was finally overrun, the Elder had simply vanished."(Edgar Hardin's dialogue) Regardless of their branch of service, elders are elected into the council by its members, with its head, the high elder, also elected by the council.Fallout Bible 8: Dave Sayz: Elected or chosen by the elders, don't recall which, but I don't think specifics were mentioned anywhere so you can do whatever you want I'm sure without running into an inconsistency that the players might find.Sebastien - my take is that they're paladins elected to the council, but in the Maxson line, they elevated mostly because of seniority. You're right - the limited number of council members would preclude becoming an Elder because of seniority only - though you could also argue that BOS members don't usually live to get "old." The candidate can turn down the offer.The Vault Dweller: "{1006}{}{Elder}"John Maxson: "{1106}{Gen_58}{Hehehe. A fine, handsome, upstanding man. The High Elder position is to mediate the meetings between the Elders. You see, two years ago I got talked into it. If I'd of known then...}"(MAXSON.MSG) Out of the first four high elders, three belonged to the Maxson lineage, but there is no requirement for the council to propose the position to a member of the bloodline.Maxson II was killed in 2155, but John Maxson only replaced him on the elder council on that date. He only became the high elder in 2159. See Maxson II for details.The Vault Dweller: "{1006}{}{Elder}"John Maxson: "{1106}{Gen_58}{Hehehe. A fine, handsome, upstanding man. The High Elder position is to mediate the meetings between the Elders. You see, two years ago I got talked into it. If I'd of known then...}"(MAXSON.MSG)
===Atlas model===
The model used by the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force based in Fort Atlas, Appalachia but commanded by Lost Hills veterans.
# Hopefuls
# Initiates
# Scribes
# Knights
# Paladins
===Lyons model===
The Lyons model was introduced in the D.C. bunker known as the Citadel in response to the challenges encountered in the Capital Wasteland and opening up the ranks once more to local recruitment. Lyons' representatives regularly made recruitment runs in the Capital Wasteland,The Sole Survivor: "You're beating around the bush. Is there something you're trying to tell me?"Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) sponsoring volunteers for induction into the Brotherhood ranks.The Sole Survivor: "So there is a human being under all of that power armor after all."Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) The formation of the Outcasts in 2276 forced Lyons to suspend the sponsorship program and accept recruits as they came, leading to an influx of unskilled, but overzealous soldiers into the ranks.The Lone Wanderer: "So, you guys looking for new recruits?"Sarah Lyons: "That's a negative. We've got too many local conscripts as it is. Most are undertrained and too damned trigger happy for their own good. Our very own Initiate Reddin is a sterling example."(Sarah Lyons' dialogue)
# Squires are children born into the Brotherhood of Steel, who begin their training, and indoctrination, as squires. Under Lyons' command, the only squire at the Citadel was the young Arthur Maxson.Fallout 4 loading screens: "Children born into the Brotherhood of Steel begin their training, and indoctrination, as Squires."
# Initiates are the newest and/or least experienced members of the Brotherhood. Although their usual purpose is training and learning to become a valued member of either the knights or the scribes, manpower shortages forced Lyons to deploy them in combat roles - with predictably disastrous results. 
# Scribes are scientists, responsible for researching and reverse-engineering recovered technologies, maintaining the Brotherhood's scientific knowledge, and even experimenting with new ones (though the Brotherhood's focus on preservation means this is rather rare). There are three scribe orders within the Brotherhood, focusing on different types of technology: the Order of the Sword (offensive), the Shield (defensive) and the Quill (civilian).Fallout 3 scribe proctors describe the function of each order. One major difference from the Lost Hills model is that scribes are also responsible for manufacturing and engineering activities of the Brotherhood, a function originally reserved for knights.Scribes in Fallout 3 and Fallout 4.
# Knights and paladins are responsible for security, logistics and combat operations, forming a single, continuous hierarchy, which reflects Lyons' professed proactive focus.Knights in Fallout 3 and Fallout 4. While power armor was primarily reserved for paladin use in the first century of the Brotherhood's existence, Power armor usage among knights under Lyons' was the norm, rather than an exception. However as under Lost Hills, initiates only used power armor under certain exceptional cases.Initiate Reddin, Initiate Jennings, and optionally, the Lone WandererPaladin Gunny: "Yeah, I can train you. But don't ask me to like it. My Initiates sweat blood, and you just get a free pass?"
# Elder is the highest-ranking member of the chapter, its leader and decision-maker, determining everything from meals to the course of campaigns. Elder Owyn Lyons (Star Paladin at the time) received a field promotion to the rank of elder and remained at the head of the chapter for over twenty years until his death circa 2278. His daughter Sentinel Sarah Lyons was promoted to elder after him.
===Maxson model===
The Eastern division represents an evolution of the Lyons model, adapted to the greatly expanded reach and power of the Brotherhood in the East.
The Brotherhood actively recruits wastelanders, in stark contrast to western chapters. Elder Arthur Maxson continued Lyons' practice, including and expanding sponsorship. All adult recruits have to be sponsored by existing Brotherhood members (usually paladins), who would travel with them and teach them the ideals of the Brotherhood and train them in combat.The Sole Survivor: "So what's all this about you being my sponsor?"Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) To this end, active members can promote recruits to initiate rank in the field, but the rank and subsequent promotions have to be confirmed by the elder at the earliest possible opportunity.Semper Invicta and Shadow of Steel However, while the member can retract their sponsorship,Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) once the rank is confirmed by the elder, only the elder can dismiss the sponsored party from the organization.Danse: ""(Danse's dialogue) Those born into the Brotherhood receive the rank of squire and on becoming an initiate will then join one of the services, much like those who have been sponsored and recruited.
There are three main paths an initiate can take: ground combat (knights and paladins), air combat (lancers), or research and engineering (scribes). 
* The ground combat path begins with the rank of an initiate, who then becomes an aspirant. After completing their training (or initiation), the aspirant becomes a full knight and receives the right to wear power armor.The Sole Survivor: "Where can I get Power Armor?"Danse: " "(Danse's dialogue) The knight then continues their work and training to attain knight command ranks and then become a paladin. Knights comprise the bulk of the Eastern division's ground force and are the backbone of their military. Paladins are veterans who represent the most skilled ground soldiers the Brotherhood has at its disposal. They are also expected to be a symbol of integrity and set an example for other troops.The Sole Survivor: "I won't disappoint you, Elder."Arthur Maxson: " "(Arthur Maxson's dialogue (Fallout 4)) Paladins are usually deployed as field commanders or head special operations in the field, such as reconnaissance or delicate tech recovery.Brotherhood paladins typically lead squads in Fallout 4. The eastern division of the Brotherhood also retains a special rank: sentinel. It is a rare and illustrious rank given to the east coast brotherhoods most distinguished and experienced soldiers. Those who possess this rank do not require orders and usually conduct operations at their own discretion, answering directly to the elder. The rank was rarely awarded; by October 2287 no sentinels had existed in the Brotherhood for many years.Arthur Maxson: "Paladin, I'm pleased you've returned. Captain Kells and I wanted to speak with you. Captain Kells."Kells: "First and foremost, I wanted to inform you that using the Minutemen to destroy the Institute was a risky venture at best. Using untrained non-military personnel in the operation could have had devastating consequences and resulted in an unnecessary loss of life. In the future, Elder Maxson and I need you to approve any tactical changes before they're executed. As I expect Elder Maxson has already explained, the destruction of the Institute is simply the first stage of our operations in the Commonwealth. There are still Super Mutants and ferals to be dealt with as well as any remaining synths that escaped the blast. It's our hope that you'll continue serving with the Brotherhood and assist us with eradicating these threats." The Sole Survivor: "Of course, Captain."Kells: "Very good Paladin."Arthur Maxson: " "Kells: " "The Sole Survivor: "Would I be the only Sentinel in the Brotherhood?"Arthur Maxson: ""The Sole Survivor: "Thank you both. I'm really quite honored."Arthur Maxson: " "(Arthur Maxson's and Kells' dialogue)
* The air combat path is the newest addition to the Brotherhood hierarchy. Its members are granted lancer ranks, and are responsible for piloting The Prydwen and the Brotherhood's fleet of vertibirds. The ranking structure is similar to that of the ground combat path knights, although the rank of lancer-captain is the highest rank. Several lancer-captains are stationed in the Commonwealth and can be found aboard the Prydwen or piloting vertibirds, but they report to Lancer-Captain Kells who is the second in command to Elder Arthur Maxson and captain of the Prydwen.The Prydwen terminal entries; Captain Kells' terminal, Maxson MX-001E CP-05Fallout 4 loading screens: "Piloted by Lancer-Captain Kells, the Prydwen has traveled extensively along the East Coast... but this is its first journey to the Commonwealth."
* The research and engineering path consists of those who pursue the path of a scribe. Scribes are split into three distinct Orders: the Order of the Sword, the Order of the Shield, and the Order of the Quill, which are responsible for the research and maintenance of weapons, the research and maintenance of armor, and for history, record keeping and non-combat technology respectively. Each order is led by a proctor who consults with the head scribe and the elder on certain issues. Unlike the western chapters or Lyons, the Eastern division also assigns scribes to field operations. Field scribes are trained in rudimentary combat to bolster their skill set and make them a powerful asset to any Brotherhood unit in the field.Knights and paladins are treated as field combatants, based on their appearances in Fallout 4, while scribes handle all manufacturing and research duties. There are specialist ranks among the scribes such as Archivist (Archivist Knox), but it is unknown where these ranks fall in the hierarchy.Captain Kells' terminal; Maxon MX-001E CP-05
All members of the Brotherhood answer to the elder. An elder is either voted in by the chapter or promoted by the elder council from Lost Hills.Prydwen terminal entries; Proctor Quinlan's terminal, The Rise of Elder Maxson As of 2287 the elder of the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel is Arthur Maxson, the last known descendant of Roger Maxson, the founder of the Brotherhood.
==Behind the scenes==
* In the script listing, Rhombus is identified not as head paladin, but the "Armsmaster for the Brotherhood of Steel".SCRIPTS.LST (Fallout): "Rhombus.int ; Rhombus, the Armsmaster for the Brotherhood of Steel # local_vars=18"
==Gallery==
Brotherhood medic patch.png|Medic patch seen on Knight-Captain Cade's Brotherhood fatigues of the East Coast Brotherhood
Fo1 BoS Paladin Insignia.png|Insignia seen on Head Paladin Rhombus' power armor
Scribe_Logo_Concept_Art_FO3.png|Collage of differing depictions of an unused Scribe insignia from The Art of Fallout 3
==References==
;Non-game
Ranks
fr:Rangs de la Confrérie de l'Acier
it:Gradi della Confraternita d'acciaio
zh:钢铁兄弟会等级制度