Unterscharführer

The SS sergeant (short: Usha; speech: Unterscharführer ) was in the German Empire from 1934 to 1945, the lowest rank of the rank group of NCOs without Portepee the Schutzstaffel (SS).

Origin

Unterscharführer was originally derived from troop leader, a paramilitary rank of the Nazi Party name, mainly in the Sturmabteilung (SA) was used. The SS took over the rank designation. In connection with the reorganization of the SS after the Röhm - Putsch the ranks SS sergeant and SS sergeant emerged. Where the SS sergeant was equivalent to the SA squad leader. A rank designation SA- Unterscharführer the other hand, there have been at any time.

The SS squad

A SS squad called the smallest SS unit was formed from two SS Rotten with a total of eight men and was subject to October 1934, usually an SS sergeant. The SS band corresponded to the Wehrmacht the group.

Three flocks formed a squad, who was between 20 to 60 men strong and the train of the Wehrmacht comparable. In October 1934, the rank of " sergeant " in SS sergeant was converted. The designation SS squad was used in all SS divisions.

General SS

In general, the SS sergeant was typically the leader of a sub-unit of seven to fifteen SS men. As the lowest commissioned officer rank without Portepee also security-related staff positions were possible.

SS Death's Head units

In the area of ​​concentration camp sergeant were often used as a block leader.

Waffen-SS

Compared to the general SS requirements for an SS sergeant of the Waffen- SS as higher were considered. Again, the SS sergeant was the lowest commissioned officer rank.

Within the SS companies and platoons use as part of unit leader (group, troop, or crew operation ) was typical.

Possible contenders - so-called sub-leaders contender - went through before possible transportation to / or instruction in these first sergeant rank a predetermined selection process. During this period took place appropriate briefings, courses and tests, including the so-called Aryan certificate.

In the images of the insignia or badges of rank are shown that were worn as a shoulder boards and collar patches, as well as sleeve badges from 1942 to Tarn or special suits. The collar patches with SS runes and rank badges were worn on the field gray uniform jacket of the Waffen- SS or the gray tunic.

Ranking and insignia

This SS rank was equivalent to the SA squad leader and the former sergeant in the Army and Air Force of the Armed Forces. The SS - Junker officer cadets of the Waffen- SS was nominally equal to the SS sergeant. According to today's NATO rank codes these ranks would be comparable to Junior OR -4. The piping of the shoulder pieces was kept in the fixed location for non-commissioned officers of the Waffen- SS weapons color.

• OR - stands for the s Other ( enlisted ) Ranks (OR)

Collars

Camouflage battle dress