Brotherhood of Steel/Ranks

The following outlines the Brotherhood of Steel ranks seen throughout the Fallout series. For a comprehensive list of characters listed by game, see characters article.

Background
Each rank is part of a hierarchy that follows the Chain that Binds. The ranks were devised by Roger Maxson, serving as a way to help transition the former members of the United States Armed Forces into the Brotherhood.

Members
The following members of the Brotherhood are mentioned by rank. They are listed below by highest rank achieved.

Squire
Originally given to new recruits, the title eventually was used to refer to children who were born into the Brotherhood.

Initiate
Members begin as initiates, become apprentices, advancing to journeymen after choosing which Order they which to proceed as, either knights or scribes. Existing Brotherhood members can sponsor new members, promoting them up to initiate in the field.


 * Initiate (Fallout)
 * Initiate (Fallout 3)
 * Initiate (Fallout: New Vegas)
 * Initiate (Fallout 4)

Scribe
Responsible for discovering how old technology works, copying down specs, and inventing new things. They keep the history of the group as well as archive blueprints for the weapons produced. In the Capital Wasteland, three orders of scribes exist, including the Order of the Sword, the Shield, and the Quill, the latter also referred to as Order of the Word. Proctors and archivist are a part of the scribe rank, and some have reached journeyman status. Scribes are required to pass cartography training. The Fallout Tactics: A Guide to Tactical Combat is stylized as written by the "Local Union of Brotherhood Scribes 432."


 * Scribe (Fallout)
 * Scribe (Fallout 3)
 * Scribe (Fallout: New Vegas)
 * Scribe (Fallout 4)

Knight
Responsible for creating and maintaining new weapons They keep track of all equipment as well as go out on patrols, scouting assignments, and provide support for paladins. Knights can advance to become a paladin or elder. Knights are allowed to wear power armor, similar to paladins. Leaders of the rank are known as head knights.


 * Knight (Fallout)
 * Knight (Fallout 3)
 * Knight (Fallout 4)

Warrior
Soldiers sent out into the wasteland to complete tasks. Others perform guard duty in the bunkers.


 * Warrior

Lancer-Captain
Serving as captain of flying vessels such as the Prydwen, the rank worked with proctors in determining direction and environmental needs for flight operations.

Paladin
In charge of security, trading on behalf of the elders, and engaging in scouting missions. Described as a role "expected to be a symbol of integrity to our brothers and sisters," paladins wear power armor, led by a high paladin. Under normal circumstances, paladins are the only rank eligible to become elder. A star paladin is a unique rank among paladins.
 * Paladin (Fallout)
 * Paladin (Fallout 3)
 * Paladin (Fallout: New Vegas)

Sentinel/Knight-Errant
Unique recognition rarely given, the ranks of Sentinel and Knight-Errant are high honors in the Brotherhood.

Elder
The highest-ranking members of the Brotherhood, serving as leaders and those in charge of making decisions. One elder is known as high elder, charged with mediating the meetings between other elders. An elder is either voted in by the chapter or promoted by the elder council from Lost Hills. High elders are sometimes referred to as general.
 * Elder (Fallout)
 * Elder (Fallout Tactics)

Registration
Registration distinctions are alphanumeric codes unique to each member of the Brotherhood in Fallout 4.

Appearances
Brotherhood of Steel ranks appear throughout the Fallout series.

Behind the scenes
Dave Hendee stated that specifics of elders being elected or chosen were not mentioned. They also noted that to be promoted to paladin, one must first be a knight.