 No doubt its utility as an instrument for adding lustre to newly equestrianised military career structure soon became apparent.The first recipients were Tribunes of the Praetorian Cohorts - such as Volusianus - and equestrian commanders of legions such as Publius Aelius Aelianus.So far as is known it was never bestowed on any officer of senatorial rank - senators were effectively excluded from service in the army soon after the first "protectores" appeared.