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. 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. Members of the Brotherhood are divided into distinct classes, 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.

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. In practice, the law is selective, for example; High Elder John Maxson could issue direct orders to the Vault Dweller, an initiate, without consequences. Elder McNamara's violation of the Chain that Binds have also gone unnoticed, due to chapter ignorance of large parts of the doctrine.

Ranks have been separated by type of organization, using descriptive names.

Early years
The early years saw the implementation of a provisional rank system, including a completely new ideology to replace the old loyalties of Brotherhood's members. Maxson's goals in inventing a new tradition and mythology for the Brotherhood were two-fold: First, they would ensure that members of the Brotherhood would be stripped of their ties to the pre-War military and government, ensuring that any surviving general or politician would not be able to invoke their oaths and use them to eg. unleash nuclear devastation on the world again (as was the case with Col. Ellsen Santiago and Sec. Thomas Eckhart in Appalachia). Second, it would give the survivors an idea to believe in, something they could dedicate themselves to and fining meaning in their lives after nuclear fires burned away their families, friends, everything. Inspiration came from the fall of the Western Roman Empire, when knights and scribes kept the fire of civilization going after the empire imploded. By June 20, 2082, all members under his command switched over to using Brotherhood ranks and practices, both in New California and Appalachia.

As the initial founders of the Brotherhood were predominantly military personnel, the Brotherhood used Army ranks for several years, and even once the new ranks were implemented, civilian auxiliaries were treated with a certain degree of patronizing contempt. It wasn't until Maxson formulated the doctrine of preserving human progress that they were accepted as equal members of the order, with the provisional rank of scribe formalized as a distinct, separate class.

One of the unique part of this early model was the rank of squire, granted to new recruits regardless of age. Although the response to the new system was mostly positive, though some expressed reservations, especially among veterans of elite units like the Rangers , calling grown men and women using a term referred to young nobles, children, really, was considered insulting by ranking members. Senior Knight Ted Wilson persuaded Maxson to change it, although the modifications weren't introduced by the time Appalachia was cut off from the West.

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. "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."''
 * 1) 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. Initiates are first promoted to senior initiates, and later to apprentices in their chosen Order: knights or scribes. After completing their training, apprentices are promoted to journeyman knights or scribes.
 * 2) 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).   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."
 * 1) 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. Those that focus on combat training may be eligible to become paladins, the protectors of the Brotherhood.
 * 2) 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 foes in the wasteland. The ranks of the Paladins are reinforced by promoting exceptional Knights and it's generally impossible to become a paladin any other way. While power armor was reserved for paladin use in the first century of the Brotherhood's existence, the restrictions were relaxed over the decades, allowing knights and in extreme cases even initiates to use power armor (usually older models, such as the T-45).
 * 3) Elders are the highest ranking members of the Brotherhood, its leaders and decision makers, determining everything from meals to the course of campaigns. Typically, only paladins are eligible to become elders, but exceptions can be made for extraordinary members of other branches. 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. The candidate can turn down the offer: 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.

Lyons model
The Lyons model was introduced in the D.C. Bunker (the Citadel) in response to the challenges encountered in the Capital Wasteland and opening up the ranks (again) to local recruitment. Lyons' representatives regularly made recruitment runs in the Capital Wasteland, sponsoring volunteers for induction into the Brotherhood ranks. 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.
 * 1) Squires are children born into the Brotherhood of Steel begin their training, and indoctrination, as squires. Under Lyons' command, the only squire at the Citadel was the young Arthur Maxson.
 * 2) Initiates are the youngest 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.
 * 3) 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). 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.
 * 4) Knights and paladins are responsible for security, logistics and combat operations, forming a single, continuous hierarchy, which reflects Lyons' professed proactive focus. While power armor was reserved for paladin use in the first century of the Brotherhood's existence, the restrictions were relaxed over the decades, allowing knights and in Lyons' case, even initiates to use power armor (usually older models, such as the T-45).
 * 5) 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 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.

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.

First of all, 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. 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. However, while the member can retract their sponsorship, once the rank is confirmed by the elder, only the elder can dismiss the sponsored party from the organization. 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 3 main paths an initiate can take: Ground combat (knights and paladins), air combat (lancers) or research and engineering (scribes). 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: "In light of your service, Captain Kells and I both feel you deserve unique recognition for your contributions, both past and future. It's with great pleasure, and the utmost respect that you are hereby granted the title of Sentinel. This is the highest honor a Brotherhood soldier can achieve, but we both felt strongly that it was well deserved." Kells: "In addition, we'd like to present you with this jetpack modification for your power armor. The Brotherhood has few of these devices in its possession, but we feel you've earned the right to utilize one of them. Congratulations, Sentinel. It's an honor to be serving with you." The Sole Survivor: "Would I be the only Sentinel in the Brotherhood?" Arthur Maxson: "In our division, yes. There hasn't been a Sentinel serving under me for many years now. It's a position that commands a great deal of honor and respect, so I do not award it lightly." The Sole Survivor: "Thank you both. I'm really quite honored." Arthur Maxson: "The honor is ours. So, Sentinel... for the first time since we've met, I have no orders for you. From this moment forward, you will decide which missions you undertake and how you will guide us. Captain Kells and the personnel at the Cambridge Police Station still possess numerous operations for you to undertake. Where you go from here is up to you. Ad Victoriam, Sentinel." (Arthur Maxson's and Kells' dialogue)
 * The ground combat path begins with the rank of 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 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 powerful 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. Paladins are usually deployed as field commanders or head special operations in the field, such as reconnaissance or delicate tech recovery. The eastern division of the Brotherhood also retains a special rank: sentinel. It is is a rare and illustrious rank given to the east coast brotherhoods most distinguished and experienced soldiers. Those who posses this rank do not require orders and usually conduct operations at their own discretion, answering directly to the elder, however, one previously served under Arthur Maxson. Arthur Maxson: "Paladin, I'm pleased you've returned. Captain Kells and I wanted to speak with you. Captain Kells."
 * The air combat path is a new 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 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. 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. As of 2287 the elder of the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel is Elder Arthur Maxson, descendant of Roger Maxson, the founder of the Brotherhood.

Midwest
The midwestern branch has a rank system that differs from the original Brotherhood ranks. In the Midwest, the scribes act as both scientists and engineers, taking the place of both western scribes and knights. Midwestern knights are just a military rank lower in the hierarchy than paladins and are not allowed to use power armor. The inquisitors are the Brotherhood's law enforcement and intelligence. The "general" rank seems to be made from the real life general rank, and the "commanding officer" is the military leader of the Midwestern Brotherhood of Steel and also the only one rank higher than generals, responsible for giving mission orders to everyone, and also the only one that can give their opinion on the elders' politics. Also, the assignment into commanding officer is done by the elders and only a general can become commanding officer. Like all Brotherhood of Steel, the Midwestern elders are the leaders and the thinkers of all decision.

High elder
The high elder is the leader of the entire Brotherhood of Steel and the other elders. High elders may also be addressed as generals. Known high elders:
 * Roger Maxson (2077 - 2135)
 * Maxson II (2135 - 2155)
 * John Maxson (2159 - ?)
 * Rhombus (? - 2208)

Elder
The elders form the Brotherhood's ruling council. Individual elders are occasionally leaders of localized splinter chapters of the Brotherhood. Under normal circumstances, the ability to become an elder is reserved for paladins, although there are exceptions, such as Elder Elijah, who was a scribe.

Sentinel
Sentinel is a rank used by the East Coast division, ranking between star paladin and elder. The only known member of the Brotherhood to have achieved this rank at the time of Fallout 3 is Sarah Lyons, who leads the Lyons' Pride elite unit. The Sole Survivor can also attain this rank if they complete the Brotherhood main questline. Based on dialogue with Elder Maxson at the end of Fallout 4, sentinels do not require orders and usually conduct operations at their own will. Maxson states that the Sole Survivor is the only member of the Brotherhood of Steel that currently holds this title and it has been some years since the last sentinel served under him.

Head paladin
The head paladin is responsible for dealing with the paladins in the same way the head knight does, but the head paladin chooses which paladins should lead each knight squad and which areas may prove to be suitable HQ's. The head paladin holds meetings with the high elder, elders, head scribe, generals and head knight. Both the head knight and head paladin report to the high elder and generals, no one else. The head paladin and knight don't tend to go out into the field of battle, although they may in critical circumstances. When they do enter a battle it is almost certain that they will have a huge army protecting them and will very rarely be seen on the front line, they normally sit back with the generals and help plan strategic maneuvers.

Star paladin
Star paladins are paladins who have been recognized by the Brotherhood for their honor, tenacity in battle and loyalty to the Brotherhood. They are a separate caste (similar to sentinel) in that they are free from the chain of command, although they are not given as much freedom as a sentinel would. The only star paladin encountered in Fallout 3 is Star Paladin Cross, and it is mentioned that Elder Owyn Lyons was a star paladin before he was promoted to elder. In Fallout 4, star paladins can be seen guarding Liberty Prime's construction platform, and they can be seen out in the field at checkpoints in the southern area of the Commonwealth if the Sole Survivor has completed Ad Victoriam. Star paladins will continuously level with the player character.

Paladin commander
Paladin commanders lead squads (if not battalions) in the East Coast, and are well respected among the Brotherhood's ranks. They are scarcely found in the field, often planning with the other commanders in the Brotherhood, but when they are, they are a force to be reckoned with, often found with powerful energy weapons and leading huge forces. They rank only below star paladin, sentinel and elder.

Paladin lord
Paladin lords are paladins who lead special operations outside of the main Brotherhood of Steel military. They only report to the high elder and head paladin. Their operations are sometimes kept secret from the generals, because they often clash with Brotherhood military regulations. They are given specially selected squads that will follow the paladin lords without question, and are forbidden to talk about their missions to other members of the Brotherhood.

Senior paladin
Senior paladins are paladins which show promise to become paladin commanders, paladin lords or sentinels. They are very well respected among other paladins and knights and can increase the morale of soldiers greatly.

Paladin


Paladins are a class of members of the Brotherhood of Steel. They are likened to the scribes of the Brotherhood as being on the same level, but with a different purpose. They are the protectors of the Brotherhood, fighting and protecting its interests across the wasteland, equipped with power armor and an array of lethal weapons. In Fallout: New Vegas, The Courier becomes a paladin after the quest "Eyesight to the Blind" or "Tend to Your Business" is complete.

Paladins in Fallout 3 are considered the elite versions of the knight; however, in Fallout 4, paladin is the lowest rank of the officer caste, as denoted by their black power armor and second red stripe on the armor's left forearm. Their command and influence seems to be equivalent to that of a modern-day captain or major.

As mentioned in Chris Avellone's Fallout Bible 8, "the scribes develop technology, the knights build it, and the paladins use it."

Head knight
The head knight is responsible for allocating knights to missions ( i.e. to defend bases or to secure areas of interest.) The head knight is also responsible for reporting all incidents involving the knights to the generals, elders or high elder (depending on the severity of the situation.) The head knights are also present at meetings with the high elder, elders, head scribe, generals and head paladin, like knight commanders and knight captains in the Midwestern and East Coast branches.

Inquisitor
Inquisitors primarily act as a detective service within Brotherhood territory. An inquisitor is a special rank of the Midwest Brotherhood, and they are usually extremely sadistic. They are in charge of interrogation and intelligence within the Brotherhood, and are not restricted by much of the Brotherhood's code when it comes to their job. The inquisitors appear in Fallout Tactics in Barnaky's alternate ending and were to appear in Fallout Tactics 2, the canceled sequel.

Knight commander
Knight commanders are often seen in the field leading shock troopers dropped off of Vertibirds, or in charge of a command post in the Commonwealth, leading lower ranking knights into battle. Being the highest ranked field knight, they are accountable only to officers such as paladins, the sentinel and the elder.

Knight captain
Knight captain is a rank used by the East Coast division. In Fallout 3, there are four known members of the Brotherhood who have achieved this rank, which are Knight Captain Dusk, Gallows and Colvin from Lyons' Pride as well as Knight Captain Durga. Though not officially officers, they hold influence and command similar to that of a modern day second or first lieutenant. Knight captains can be seen holding staff jobs as well as command positions. In Fallout 4, there are several knight captains around the Boston Airport and the Prydwen area as well as appearing in the field with other Brotherhood soldiers. Two of them are Cade, the ship's medical officer, and Larsen who is sent to clear out Acadia if the Sole Survivor informs the Brotherhood of its existence in Far Harbor.

Knight sergeant
Knight sergeant is a rank used by the East Coast branch, denoting a position below knight captain. The rank gives a command of one or two squads of knights, as well as the command of a base or outpost like the GNR building plaza, Knight Sergeant Wilks is the only knight sergeant in Fallout 3. Knight sergeants appear in Fallout 4, however all are unnamed with the exception of Knight Sergeant Gavil who is the NCO in charge at the Boston Airport supply depot and the mentioned-only character Knight Sergeant Dawes.

Senior knight
Senior knights are knights which show promise to move up to be paladins, knight commanders or knight captains. They are very well respected among the other knights, and in the western Brotherhood of Steel they are some of the top mechanics and engineers. An example of a senior knight is Lorenzo from Fallout: New Vegas.

Operations officer
The only known person of this rank is Operations Officer Edwards in Fallout 3.

Knight
Knights are responsible for manufacturing and repairing the weapons and other pieces of technology. After many years of service and experience, the best knights are promoted to paladins, the pinnacle of the Brotherhood military. The next rank is senior knight, and finally the leader of the order is the head knight. As all paladins are also knights, the head paladin is usually also the head knight. Knights wear mostly power armor. The large gear in the Brotherhood of Steel symbol represents the knights.

In the East Coast and Midwestern divisions, "knight" is a strictly military rank and the scribes are the ones responsible for manufacturing technology there. This rank is most likely the equivalent of real-life junior non-commissioned officers (corporal or sergeant).

The Lone Wanderer becomes a knight after the quest Take it Back! is completed if the Broken Steel add-on is installed for Fallout 3. Although knights are typically required to train as initiates, it appears that this can be waived at the elder's discretion as Elder Lyons directly appoints the Lone Wanderer as a knight. Lyons even states that he will "circumvent our standard recruitment procedures" in the Lone Wanderer's case.

Junior knight
Not much is known about this rank only that it is higher than journeyman knight.

Journeyman knight
Journeyman knight is the one small step rank before becoming a full fledged knight. It is where an initiate decides after their advancement whether to continue as a knight or scribe. It is an important step in advancement as they continue to serve the Brotherhood.

Aspirant
The rank of aspirant was created by the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood some time prior to 2287, denoting an initiate who has entered training under a superior officer, such as a paladin or knight-commander, in order to be promoted to a full-fledged knight.

Senior squire
Senior squires are squires which are ready to become knights and are taught all the requirements and oaths to be a knight of the Brotherhood of Steel.

Squire
In the early years of the Brotherhood, squire is a title which ranked above initiate, similar in function to the East Coast's later aspirant rank. However, by 2277, the rank appears to have changed its purpose, as the only member of the Brotherhood known to hold it is the young Arthur Maxson of the East Coast chapter.

By 2287, the East Coast chapter of the Brotherhood has adopted the rank of squire as a title for children who have been recruited by the Brotherhood, making it the lowest rank in the chapter. These children are not permitted to take part in combat, instead performing errands and menial labor for the Brotherhood's military, and are provided with training and education in return. They also appear to be heavily conditioned by propaganda, with those aboard The Prydwen claiming not to fear death and possessing an almost religious devotion to the Brotherhood. Upon reaching adulthood, squires become initiates and begin active duty.

Squires are occasionally taken out as observers on sweep and clean missions led by high ranking members of the Brotherhood. Lancer Captain Kells bestows such a responsibility upon the Sole Survivor in the radiant quest Leading by Example; the squire does not partake in the fighting and is merely there to observe and study combat techniques.

In the Midwestern Brotherhood, squires are one step above initiates and are the least experienced and trained of the Brotherhood active military.

Senior initiate
Senior initiates are initiates who have completed basic training and move on to more advanced training.

Initiate
Initiate is one of the lowest ranks in the Brotherhood of Steel's rank system. The precise definition of the rank appears to vary between the regional chapters.

The West Coast division uses the term to indicate a mere trainee as having been initiated into the Brotherhood, whereas the other two reserve that title until the recruit has completed initial training. The most plausible explanation lies in the fact that the West Coast division is significantly more insular than the others; the bulk of its new recruits are the offspring of existing members, and only rarely are outsiders accepted into the organization. By contrast, circumstances have forced the other two divisions to actively recruit from among the local population.

Both the West Coast and Midwestern divisions divide the rank into "buck" initiate and senior initiate. It is not known whether the East Coast division follows this practice.

In the West Coast division, initiate is the base rank of one who has only just been accepted into the Brotherhood as a trainee. After completing initial training, initiates are slated to become either scribes or knights, and are promoted to apprentice in the appropriate branch. Initiates on the West Coast were also not allowed to leave the Lost Hills Bunker and experience field combat. They would have to be promoted to squire before they could actually fight.

Unlike in the other Brotherhood divisions, east coast initiates may even be issued power armor if their assignment merits it (as in the case of the ill-fated Initiate Reddin of the Lyons' Pride). They were also sent out into the field of battle to experience fighting the mutants for real, because of the low numbers of soldiers. However, since their arrival in the Commonwealth, initiates are never seen wearing power armor, and are instead seen with uniforms (referred to as "fatigues") made from some sort of light ballistic fiber that offers small protection from small arms fire and shrapnel.

In the Midwestern division, initiates are members who have completed initial training (and are thus one step above recruits), and the lowest rank that can be assigned to combat duty. Initiates may advance to the rank of squire.

In the Texas division, initiates are members which are accepted and must prove themselves on the field. They receive basic training in the use of weapons and in combat. Shortly after their training was completed, initiates were sent on missions to prove their value to the Brotherhood.

In the Mojave Wasteland Brotherhood of Steel, the ranks are the same, however there is one unique Mojave rank, apprentice. The only person with this rank is Apprentice Watkins.

Head scribe
The head scribe is the highest ranking civilian class of the Brotherhood of Steel. The head scribe is responsible for choosing which scribes work on which project and which scribes should be assigned to each order. The head scribe also chooses the high scribes or proctors of each order and must also oversee the projects each order is working on. The head scribe is a highly intelligent person who has mastered the orders of the Sword, Shield and Quill, and may also take on a project of their own interest, as Head Scribe Rothchild did with the Liberty Prime Project. The head scribe is one of the people who must attend the meetings with the high elder, elder council, generals, head paladin and head knight. The head scribe reports to the high elder and Elder Council only.

High scribe
The high scribes are the proctors of the Orders. There are three high scribes: one of the Sword, Shield and Quill. They oversee and approve of each project that the scribes in their order are working on and assign the proper scribes to the right projects. Each high scribe must report to the head scribe on each project and to get approval to move ahead with a new project. The high scribes often work on their own projects, which are usually completed very quickly because the high scribes can prioritize them and assign senior scribes to them. In some cases, high scribes have been called to meetings with the high elder and the elder council; The East Coast Brotherhood of Steel tend to have their three high scribes (Peabody, Jameson, and Bowditch) in every meeting with Elder Lyons.

In 2287 when Elder Maxson brings the massive airship the Prydwen to the Commonwealth he brings three proctors with him. They are Proctor Teagan of the Sword, Proctor Ingram of the Shield and Proctor Quinlan of the Quill.

Senior scribe
Senior scribes are some of the most advanced scribes. They are always chosen for the most important projects and are the next in line to become proctors of orders when the old proctor retires or dies. They often take on the most promising journeyman scribes to be their apprentices and choose what order they should be in (usually, it is the same order that the senior scribe is in). Senior scribes teach their apprentices everything they know and will continue to teach them until they are nearly senior scribes themselves. On rare occasions, the senior scribe will be promoted to head scribe and their apprentice to high scribe. When this occurs, the apprentice will be given special treatment and the elders usually separate the two to remove any impression of impropriety. Two examples of senior scribes are Linda Schuler, from the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel and Neriah from the East Coast Brotherhood of Steel.

Scribe
Scribes are tasked with creating and keeping records of the technology used by the Brotherhood. The attitude of many scribes in the Brotherhood can be described as techno-centric. While a great number study history and culture, the majority of scribes focus their studies on subjects related to the acquisition, repair or creation of technology.

It is implied by the Fallout Tactics manual that some scribes, at least in the Midwest chapter, organize themselves into unions similarly named to American labor unions.

Journeyman scribe
Journeyman scribes are scribes-in-training. They are often taken in by one of the senior scribes and made apprentices, where they are then taught to be full scribes. If they are not apprenticed by a senior scribe, they are often chosen to work on projects that are very insignificant. Journeyman scribes don't initially belong to an order but will either pick one for themselves, or their master may choose for them. One example is Veronica Santangelo, a journeyman scribe of the Mojave Brotherhood of Steel, and a possible companion in Fallout: New Vegas.