Ranks of the Order
SQUIRE
This rank is the entry level for members in the order. It signifies that the individual has met all of the membership requirements and is ready for acceptance into the Order. A Squire must participate in the activities of his Priory and demonstrate support for the Order.
KNIGHT
A Squire becomes a Knight at a formal Investiture Ceremony, where he is “dubbed” by the Grand Master of the Order. At that time he is given the Knight’s medal and cape. The new Knight is now an Ordensbrother in the Order and is expected to participate regularly in events in his priory and to attend subsequent Investitures and other National Chapter events. After being a Knight for two years, he can sponsor applicants for membership and is expected to be a part of recruitment for qualified members to the Order.
KNIGHT OFFICER
This initial promotion is typically conferred upon a Knight who has been consistently active in the Order through participation in his Priory’s events or projects and in National Chapter events, after his Investiture as a Knight. He has a superior record of attendance at these functions and has recruited qualified individuals for membership.
KNIGHT COMMANDER
The Knight Commander has clearly demonstrated leadership in the Order after a period of years. He has been proactive not only by participating in events and projects, but also by organizing, developing and leading them. He has been successful in recruiting Squires to the order. A Knight Commander is recognized by other Ordensbrothers as exemplifying the highest principles of the Order.
KNIGHT GRAND OFFICER
The Order’s highest rank is reserved for the most active leaders of the Order and typically, 10% or less of Ordensbrothers attain this rank. The Knight Grand Officer demonstrates leadership by being proactive through conceptualization and participation in events and projects. He actively enlists Squires and has significant interaction with Ordensbrothers outside his Priory and at the National Chapter and International level. Knight Grand Officers are eligible for leadership roles in the Order, both at the Priory and National or International level.
Medals of Rank
The Squire wears the Squire Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket, or left lapel of his business suit coat, sport jacket or blazer.
The Knight wears the Knight Medal on a Ribbon around his neck. The medal should be about one to two inches below the bow tie. If a Knight has a Squire Medal. it can also be worn on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
The Knight Rosette is worn on the left lapel of the business suit coat, sport jacket or blazer.
The Knight Officer continues to wear the Knight Medal on Ribbon around the neck and wears the Knight Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight Officer Rosette is worn on the left lapel of the business suit coat sport jacket or blazer.
The Knight Commander wears the Knight Commander Medal on a Ribbon around his neck in a similar position to the Knight Medal on Ribbon and wears the Knight Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight Commander Rosette is worn on the left lapel of the business suit coat sport jacket or blazer.
The Knight Grand Officer continues to wear the Knight Commander Medal on the Ribbon around the neck and wears the Knight Grand Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket. In addition, the Knight Grand Officer wears a green sash over the right shoulder and displays the Knight Officer Pin on the sash above the bow at the bottom of the sash.
Knight Grand Officer Rosette is worn on the left lapel of the business suit coat, sport jacket or blazer.
When and how to Wear the Cape and Medals The International Order of St. Hubertus
When to wear the cape and medals:
The IOSH cape and medals of rank are only to be worn at formal events declared by the Grand Master or the Grand Prior of a Chapter. All investitures are considered to be events where the cape and medals are worn. It is permissible to wear lapel pins, bolo ties, cuff links and other items which are not a Medal of Rank at other than formal events.
What constitutes a Medal of Rank:
There are five Medals of Rank. They are:
- Squire Pin (a Stag Head)
- Knight Medal on Ribbon
- Knight Officer Medal
- Knight Commander Medal on Ribbon
- Knight Grand Officer Medal
How to wear the Medals of Rank depending on the rank of the Ordensbrother
Squire: The Squire wears the Squire Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight: The Knight wears the Knight Medal on a Ribbon around his neck. The medal should be about one to two inches below the bow tie. If a Knight has a Squire Medal, it can also be worn on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight Officer: The Knight Officer continues to wear the Knight Medal on Ribbon around the neck and wears the Knight Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight Commander: The Knight Commander wears the Knight Commander Medal on a Ribbon around his neck in a similar position to the Knight Medal on Ribbon and wears the Knight Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket.
Knight Grand Officer: The Knight Grand Officer continues to wear the Knight Commander Medal on the Ribbon around the neck and wears the Knight Grand Officer Pin on the left breast pocket of the white tie jacket. In addition the KGO wears a green sash over the right shoulder and displays the Knight Officer Pin on the sash above the bow at the bottom of the sash.
