A young lad entered military service at the age of 10 or 11 years by serving as a page. The job was basically one of servant and general gofer, serving a knight or other noble. After a few years at this, during which he learned table manners, heraldry, horsemanship, and other valuable skills, the lad would be equipped with, and trained in the use of, light weapons (spears, bow or sword). Pages didn't usually go into combat, but were used to guard the camp or castle. Once they were big enough (15-17 years old) and capable enough with weapons, they could become squires .