Germany and its people were decimated by the aftermath of the Great War, losing much of their economy, independence and pride as a result of foreign interference. The Nazi party came to power in large part because of its fierce nationalism, and willingness to snub its nose at the global populace in favor of the ideal of a strong and independent German cultural state. Therefore, the early years of World War II saw a great surge in national pride and embrace of the idealized principles that exemplified the Germanic people.

The SS troops were the apex of these characteristics, not only adhering to stricter physical and moral standards than their Wehrmacht counterparts, but pledging an oath to the Führer himself as the personal select. Even their motto “Meine Ehre Heisst Treue” (My Honor is Loyalty) stressed their stringent values and elite standards. SS troops were fierce in battle; though they were decried by the Army for high losses, their casualty rate only showed their dedication and willingness to sacrifice all for their country. As such, the SS troops never surrendered, but would sooner die at their own hands than face such shameful defeat.

SS soldaten, especially when outside of direct conflicts, held themselves with the utmost pride and care. They were proud of their standing, and would be seen always in full uniform to showcase their unit and their principles. The German soldat in general stood with straighter posture and neater appearance than his GI counterpart, never slouching or with hands in his pockets. Even when the tide of the war had turned against her, Germany was fighting for her life and her people, and the troops who served her never forgot this. Every branch took their service with extreme seriousness and respect, having more personal interest at stake than especially the later American draftees.

If you look at war-time photographs, you should notice a certain "look" of the German soldat that differed from his Allied counterparts: neater, more composed, more overall serious. Because we try to portray these soldaten with accuracy, we do require our members to adhere to grooming and physical standards similar to the original wartime SS. Because this is a hobby from which we eventually return home, we're not requiring everyone to have the strictest whitewalled haircuts, but do demand similarity, and a clean, sharp appearance.

Hair: Cut and Styling

The German military is infamous for its signature soldat cut. This haircut is shaved closely from the bottom of the hairline up to slightly over an inch above the ears, with this hairline sloping down in the back to various extents. This shaved area is tapered to longer hair up top, which was left with a rather substantial bit of length to it. The longer hair is either slicked back or to the side, with a high side part. Pomade or hair cream should be used to keep hair neat and in place.

Facial Hair

Not allowed for SS combat participants! Beards were only approved for Gebirschjager troops located in the highest altitudes, and then only minimal growth was approved. Though mustaches were occasionally seen in the Army, they were not allowed for SS troops, so all soldaten must be clean-shaven. Because of the haircut standards, it should go without saying that sideburns are not allowed. Soldaten participating at tactical events are not required to shave on a daily basis during the event or immediately preceding it, so long as you keep the growth uniform to achieve a field worn look. Intentional beards or groomed facial growth are never permitted, but daily stubble is allowable when the public is not at hand.

Glasses

Period-appropriate glassed consist of round, wire-rimmed frames, silver in color. The stems must curve behind the ears for authenticity and support of the frames. Size-wise, the lenses are about as large in diameter as the width of the eye, or slightly smaller. For our purposes, either wear period-appropriate frames or opt for contacts.

Posture

As mentioned earlier, the German soldat held himself straight and proper at all times. Hands were either occupied or straight at the sides, never in the pockets.