Updated Rank Structure

The first change in 1,276 years

The Úlfheimr wolf head symbol will now be the official symbol of Úlfhéðnar

We are updating our rank structure for the first time in over a millennium, to better reflect the dramatic increase in personnel within our ranks since the Viking age, as well as to further promote a culture of over-achievement.

As a result, we are also overhauling and simplifying all patches, which will now be laser cut, with a choice of multiple backgrounds to accommodate combat operations, as well as optional colors for specific assignments and status.

The position of stars in new ranking system is shown below:

Úlfhéðnar

From left to right, V-05, V-06, S-11 and S12

Berserkir

From left to right: S-07, S-08, S-09 and S-10

Hirðmenn/Hersar

From left to right: V-01, V-02, V-03 and V-04

Note that a patch without stars can also be worn at their discretion by all ranks with a star or more, when they want to disclose affiliation but not rank.

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Status

First letter of grade refers to integration status: V (Vikíngr) is not integrated. S (Skjǫldrinn) is integrated.

Grades

V-01 is entry level rank for those who complete the Hirðmaðr program but are not assigned to a Hirð (unit)
V-02 is for Hirðmenn assigned to a Hirð (unit)
V-03 is for those who have been promoted to Hersir but who are not leading a Hirð (unit)
V-04 is for Hersar who are in command of a Hirð (unit). The "F" identifier stands for Foringi (Leader). 

V-05 is for those who have been formally identified as Úlfhéðnar (blood lines) but who are not integrated. The "S" identifier stands for either Sérliga (apart) or Sérligr (special)
V-06 is for identified Úlfhéðnar from selected countries who generally meet the selection standards for integration based on their skills, training, lifestyle and ethos, but who are either not yet integrated, or not integrated due lack of available assignments (including confirmed compatibility with Hybrid for MU's). The "F" identifier stands for Foringi (Leader). 

S-07 is for Berserkir who have passed selection and training, but have not completed probationary period, and thus, have not been formally assigned to a Hirð (unit) and integrated.
S-08 is for entry level Berserkir who have been fully integrated. The "N" identifier stands for Nýliga (new/recent)
S-09 is for Berserkir who have reached an advanced level of skills and performance. The "G" identifier stands for Gørr (Expert/Advanced)
S-10 is for Berserkir who are unit commanders in charge of a Hirð (unit). The "H" identifier stands for Hirðarhöfðingi (Unit Commander)

S-11 is for integrated Úlfhéðnar who have inherently reached mastery in their field. The "G" identifier stands for Gørr (Expert/Advanced), although the identifier is rarely used at the S-11 rank
S-12 is for Úlfhéðnar who are unit commanders in charge of a Hirð (unit). The "H" identifier stands for Hirðarhöfðingi (Unit Commander). In the event of a nickname, the use of the term "hinn" rather than "inn" indicates a command

S-13 is exclusively for King. An Úlfheðinn and necessarily Blendingr (Hybrid)

Color Element

By default, those who are not integrated are only allowed to use Blue as a color, including optional background color on patches. Those integrated are to use Red as a color, associated with combat and Jómsvíkingar (JK).

There are also special situations and assignments resulting in different color uses:

V-level ranks may use red as a color of temporary assigned to combat operations even if not integrated and full part of Jómsvíkingar (JK).

Then, S-level ranks, both Berserkir and Úlfhéðnar, can use Coyote if assigned to Ásjárstjórn (AS) or Black if assigned to Væringjar (VG).

Finally, the King may use Gold on Red for his own banner, grey if acting on behalf of Skjǫldrinn, and an alternate specific visual on official orders.

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Clearances

Security clearances are based on both rank and position, subject to a need-to-know basis.