Chain That Binds

The Chain That Binds is a Brotherhood of Steel policy dictating the strict hierarchy that requires all members of the Brotherhood to obey a superior's orders and maintain chain of command when issuing them with no skipping ranks. Ignoring the Chain That Binds can result in the ordering superior member being demoted or stripped of their title, such as in the case of former Elder Kenneth Jones, as well as the avenue that Edgar Hardin can take in removing Elder Nolan McNamara, although this is rarely implemented in practice. For example, High Elder John Maxson freely issued orders to the Initiate known as the Vault Dweller, without repercussions. The policy itself has existed since before 2103, as certain members of the Brotherhood First Expeditionary Force, as well as Brotherhood Initiates and Hopefuls, quote or otherwise commentate on it during their time in Appalachia.

Behind the scenes
The Chain That Binds is the Brotherhood interpretation of the standard chain of command.