Talk:Royal guards/@comment-10390252-20140127164307/@comment-3578577-20140307235801

First of all, late responses ftw.

Second, I have to disagree here. For my views, I use Roman ranks based off of what I know of Swedish military from 1600 to 1800.

Rank structure through Medieval and renaissance are very different from each others. In medieval times, most footmen remained footmen until the day they die or resign. Nobles and veterans earned titles of local commandes, e.g. officers. Another thing I'd like to note is that private is way too modern word for even late renaissance and napoleonic. Also, Corporal is another example of too modern.

In the old times, ranks weren't distributed like nowadays. They weren't really something you earn, you either born with it or accept being a commoner. Of course earning a rank is possible, though it required the death of earlier officer. After that, someone was needed to fill up that position.

Units had commanders, who responded to commands of highest ranking on the field, most likely General. Commander of unit was, at least in thirty years' war in Sweden, a senior officer of war. Man, who had fought earlier, promoted by local general after the death of earlier or trained man, who isn't noble but either not rabble.

Though, I agree with you on Shining being garrison commander. Captain is second in command after General, but the name lieutenant didn't really exist. That same rank was often referred as Officer or Senior Officer.

Garrison of a city, castle or town was commanded by highest in ranking, making Shining Armor the highest ranking military personal in Canterlot at that time. Though often was garrison or town watch commanded by local supervisor, let him be baron, duke or count.

For the Roman part (which I see Royal Guard as, due to close resemblance to praetorian guard) ranks would go somewhat like this

Enlisted

-Legionnaire

Officers

-Praetorian Guard (as special guarding based unit)

-Decurion (cavalry officer) etc...

Staff

-Legate (Roman time name for general)