Sturmführer (, "storm leader") was a paramilitary rank of the Nazi Party which began as a title used by the Sturmabteilung (SA) in 1925 and became an actual SA rank in 1928. Translated as "storm leader" or "assault leader", the origins of the rank dated to the First World War when the title of Sturmführer was used by leaders of German shock troops and special action companies.Hermann Weiß (publisher) "Biographical lexicon to the Third Reich". Fischer pocket-book publishing house, Frankfurt on Main 2002 (appendix).
By 1930, Sturmführer had become the lowest commissioned officer (CO) rank of several Nazi Party paramilitary organizations, including the SA. The title was also used as an SS rank until 1934 when after the Night of the Long Knives the SS renamed the rank Untersturmführer, which was the equivalent to a second lieutenant in other military organizations.
Insignia
Sequence of ranks in comparison with Wehrmacht (Heer) Allgemeine SS/Waffen-SSSS-Hauptscharführer junior rankWaffen SS onlySS-Sturmscharführer Rank SSUntersturmführer senior rankSS-Obersturmführer SA-Haupttruppführer Rank SASturmführer SA-ObersturmführerOberfeldwebel (OR-7)The abbreviation "OR" stands for "Other Rank, officers excepted / fr: sous-officiers et militaires du rang / ru:другие ранги, кроме офицероф"Stabsfeldwebel (OR-8) Wehrmacht rankLeutnant (OF-1b)The abbreviation "OF" stands for de: "Offizier / en: officer / fr: officier / ru: офицер". Oberleutnant (OF-1a)
See also Comparative ranks of Nazi Germany
Notes
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