Joining the army was both a duty and a distinguishing mark of Roman citizenship; during the entire pre-Marian period the wealthiest land owners performed the most years of military service. Because of the enormous military successes of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire, the legion has long been regarded as the prime ancient model for military efficiency and ability. The soldiers were nicknamed Marius' Mules because of the amount of gear they had to carry themselves. They were the full-time professional officers of the Roman … Colonel. Das Unternehmen Römische Armee" (Saarbrücken 2012) by Stefan Zehetner. Following the Battle of Vercellae in 101 BC, Marius granted all Italian soldiers Roman citizenship. Some soldiers were away from their families for long periods of time, loosening their clan loyalties and replacing them with loyalty to Rome. Each legion was divided into cohorts. Despite a number of organisational changes, the Legion system survived the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They also carried a shield for protection as well as wearing armor. Except for Legio I to IV, which were the consular armies (two per consul), other units were levied by campaign. Immediately subordinate to the legate would be six elected military tribunes — five would be staff officers and the remaining one would be a noble heading for the Senate (originally this tribune commanded the legion). For example, Emperor Gallienus (who ruled alone from 260 to 268 AD) created his own mobile field army consisting of special detachments from the praetorians, Legio II Parthica, and other guard units. This development ultimately enabled Julius Caesar to cross the Rubicon with an army loyal to him personally and effectively end the Republic. The "First File" was the commanding centurion of the first cohort and the senior centurion of the entire Legion. Generally he was a long serving veteran who had been promoted through the ranks of the centurions and was 3rd in overall command. The armor and helmet could be silver-plated as well. (Each century would then hold a cross-section of this theoretical line, although these century titles were now essentially nominal.) pp. The most senior among the primi ordines, the commander of the first cohort and thus all other centurions, cohorts, and centuries, was the primus pilus, most prestigious position held by a Legionary soldier. In spite of the steady inflation during the 2nd century, there was no further rise until the time of Septimius Severus, who increased it to 500 denarii a year. They worked hand in hand with the Signifer drawing the attention of the men to the Centurial Signum and issuing the audible commands of the officers. As part of the Marian reforms, the legions' internal organization was standardized. Manipular Legions were supported by ten thirty-man squadrons (turmae) of equites, light cavalry, and the more loosely organized velites, skirmishing troops. All career soldiers could be promoted to the higher ranks in recognition of exceptional acts of bravery or valour. This formation was know as ‘the turtle’. Much Roman history of the era is shrouded in legend but it is believed that during the reign of Servius Tullius, the census (from Latin: censeō – accounting of the people) was introduced.