As in contemporary military systems, the SS utilized a structured system of respect and ceremony between ranks. Obviously, higher ranks indicated longer time in service or higher training that carried with it the expectation of deference and respect. All reenactors in this unit are expected to continue this tradition of military courtesies whenever “in character”. This would require members to act with regard to rank whenever in view of public spectators, and (to a slightly lesser extent) while in the field during battles and tactical simulations not engaged in combat.

Understanding the classes of ranks is important in properly executing German military courtesies, so it is paramount that all members be able to recognize personnel by their shoulderboards and collar devices. Senior NCO ranks are the equivalent of Warrant Officers: known for their longer years in service, and tried expertise. Officers, especially Junior Officers, tend to be younger, more educated, and more in tune with the tactics and training from divisional headquarters.

Enlisted personnel and junior NCOs would be required to salute any Officer or Senior NCO in their midst. Similarly, any Senior NCO or Officer would be expected to salute any soldat of higher rank. Any NCO or Officer of higher rank is to be addressed with “Herr” preceding their names, especially when addressed by Enlisted personnel.

CLASSES OF RANKS

INTERACTION BETWEEN RANKS

The SS was noted for its sense of brotherhood, a trait likely gained through a shared sense of personal esteem.  SS officers and NCOs considered themselves kameraden with their men, and did not share the Army’s habits of barking commands and demanding deference.  Higher-ranking SS personnel lead by example, living and fighting alongside their men, and gaining authority through respect rather than fear.   There was not the detachment or pomposity between the ranks, but togetherness.

METHOD OF SALUTE

The hand salute is brought up at position of attention, with posture erect and feet pointing out about 45°. Salutes are made with the right hand, which is sharply brought up so the tip of the middle finger is touching the headgear just above the right eyebrow. While a salute is being executed, the upper arm is kept parallel to the ground, and the hand is tilted about 45° with thumb pointing upwards; fingers are straight and together. The junior personnel will always begin the salute, and continue holding it until the ranking person drops his. A subordinate is never to drop salute first; such an act would be construed as extremely disrespectful.

NCO’s and Enlisted personnel are to remove gloves when saluting, Officers will keep theirs on at all times.  Nothing, including cigarettes or gum, will be in the hand or mouth at the time of salute.

WHEN TO SALUTE

When walking towards an Officer who requires a salute, a lower-ranking member is expected to walk “at attention” with posture erect and left hand frozen at the side starting six paces from the approaching Officer.  The right-hand salute is held from this point until two paces past the Officer.  If a soldat is carrying any bulky or heavy object that would prohibit a salute, he is only required to walk at attention.

If walking in closed formation, the Squad Leader will issue the command, “Achtung!” approximately, at which time the company will begin the Goose Step.  At the six pace distance, the command, “Augen Rechts/Links!” will be issued to bring the soldaten’s eyes in the direction of the Officer, with the exception of those on the respective outer rank.  The company will be returned to eyes forward, standard march at the two-pace point.  If marching in closed formation under arms, the command, “Achtung! Praesentiert das Gewehr!” will act as the gesture of respect.

In an open group of soldaten, either outside or in barracks, the first enlisted man to notice the arrival of the Officer will snap to attention with no salute, and call others to the presence with the “Achtung!” command.  All those in proximity will heed the command given.  The highest ranking enlisted man will approach the Officer and inquire if there are any orders to be given.

In a combat scenario, only the highest ranking enlisted man will come to attention with a salute, in order to allow others to tend to pressing duties.

Soldaten are also required to throw a salute to veterans, memorials to the fallen, colors and standards not cased, holders of high valor awards (regardless of rank), and the Führer.

REPORTING TO A SUPERIOR

When approaching a superior who is either seated or stationary, a subordinate will stop three paces before him and come to a salute, which is held until acknowledged, returned or the superior leaves the room.  The subordinate will only speak after being addressed first, and will address all ranking personnel as “Herr (Rank)”.

If called out in formation, a subordinate will raise his right hand, reply “Hier, Herr (Rank),” then quickly approach the superior to offer a salute three paces from his superior with the response “Zur Stelle, Herr (Rank)”.  Any orders given will be repeated back to ensure proper receipt and acknowledgement.  Finally, a subordinate will respond with “Jawohl, Herr (Rank)” or “Zum befehl, Herr (Rank)” once dismissed.  A superior will always be informed when the orders given have been completed.

DIFFERENCES FROM AMERICANS

German soldiers hold their rifles cupped in one hand when running, not in both hands like GIs. The wedding ring is on the right hand.