Oberstabsbootsmann

Sleeve insignia

The upper rod boatswain ( OStBtsm, in lists OSB ) called in Germany a soldier in the highest rank sergeant in the army within the German Navy. In the other branches of the armed forces, this service is degree Sergeant Major. Members of the category of the officers do not go through this rank in the rule.

Soldiers in this rank can give limits enlisted men and officers without Portepee commands within the limits of the superior regulation ( VorgV ).

The oral form of address is Lord Chief Staff boatswain, in female form female top bar boatswain. However, in the German Navy, as well as in the navies of the Anglo-Saxon countries, it is also traditionally common that soldiers are addressed in this grade of service degree higher soldiers without the grade designation, ie, for B Mr. Smith instead of Mr. ( rank ).

The rank OStBtsm was introduced in 1955 with the founding of the Bundeswehr, but was (as well as its equivalent Sergeant Major in the Army and Air Force ) 1969-1983 on the Aussterbeetat (See below Warrant Officer ).

Particularity

This is to the senior rank of the top rank group of boatmen with Portepee the German Navy, which corresponds according to today's NATO rank OR -9 codes.

In the Navy until 1945 and the People's Navy of the GDR there was no comparable rank. Where there the top ranks (OR -8) were the rod Chief Petty Officer ( StOBtsm ) or the bar top masters.