Becoming a squire is the second step of a Knights training. The squire is chosen by an experienced active Knights as his apprentice and train with him for four and a half years, after which the Ordeal of Knighthood is taken.
A squire is generally expected to take care of his knights equipment, horse and to wait upon the knight and his guests. He in return teaches the squire about the way of the knights and lets them have some real battle-experience.
He is also partly responsible for the actions of his squire during this time and is therefore also expected to discipline the youngster if necessary.