Sergeants brought vital skills and trades from blacksmiths and builders, including administration of many of the order's European properties. With the increase in the prices of armor and horses in the 13th century, the ratio of sergeants to knights also rose. As time went on, sergeants became increasingly powerful in the Templar ranks. The Templar's massive banking institution was run by sergeants or clerks. Sergeants were in charge of equipment acquisition and transfer, and even had a hand in e... moreSergeants brought vital skills and trades from blacksmiths and builders, including administration of many of the order's European properties. With the increase in the prices of armor and horses in the 13th century, the ratio of sergeants to knights also rose. As time went on, sergeants became increasingly powerful in the Templar ranks. The Templar's massive banking institution was run by sergeants or clerks. Sergeants were in charge of equipment acquisition and transfer, and even had a hand in electing a new Master of the Temple. In the Crusader States, they fought alongside the knights as light cavalry with a single horse, under the command of the turcopolier. Several of the order's most senior positions were reserved for sergeants, including the post of Commander of the Vault of Acre, who was the de facto Admiral of the Templar fleet. The standard bearer was one of the sergeants and charged with carrying the order's banner. Sergeants resembled modern day military enlisted personnel—except with more options for advancement, and appear to have exercised considerably more power within their organization than their modern counterparts.
The big difference between sergeants in the Order—then and now—is that, originally, sergeants remained sergeants their entire time. Today's sergeants are destined to become knights with participation and effort!
