In 1933, the Schutzstaffel organized a full-time armed branch called the SS-Verfugungstruppen (SS-VT).  These units were placed at Hitler's disposal, and were intended to be special purpose troops for duties like putting down counterrevolutions, strikes, conduct purges, and quell riots.  By 1939 the size of the SS-VT expanded to four regiments, due to the usefulness of having combat units outside the control of German military.  These solders were carefully selected, and the recruitments to join were very strict.  
     The SS-VT expanded, and Himmler equipped the troops with the most modern weapons and vehicles.  The troopers helmets were made of chromium steel alloy.  The SS used self-propelled guns extensively within their panzer.  The gun crew uniforms consisted of a field-gray jacket long trousers, brown shirt and black tie.  The leather waist belt was issued to all ranks and was worn with all dress codes.  It was regarded as a symbol of honor.

     SS is abbreviations for the German word Schutzstaffel means "Defense Corp".  The SS operated the Nazi concentration camps during World War 2. With the formation of the Schutzstaffel in 1925 there existed two competing and separate paramilitary political organization , the SA and SS.  Before the SS came to power there was another group called the SA that was a rival with the SS.  After the formation the SS experienced a great deal of growth.  In 1933, 8 years after the initial formation of the SS, it had grown to nearly 50,000 members.  The special elite body guards hand picked SS men that did his every wish had a new name, and were called the SS-Stabswache Berlin.  Later the name was changed to SS-Sonderkommando Berlin. Two other SS-Sonderkommando units were formed in early summer of 1933, SS-Sonderkommando Zossen and SS-Sonderkommando Berlin changed once again to Adolf Hitler-Standart.
     During a rally at Feldherrnhalle, the Adolf Hitler-standart was renamed to Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler.  In 1934,by order of Himmler, the initials "SS" were added to the Leibstandarte's title becoming Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler.  In late June 1934, the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler was called into a serious action for the first time.  They had to take down a group wanting a second revolution in Germany.  A move was made to remove the problematic heads of the SA.  The  action was the rise in what is know as "Night of the Long Knives".
     The SS used to be a selected group of 200 men. The reason Hitler was uneasy was because of his unease about the size of the SA.  The SA had grown so large that Hitler though he need an armed escort that was totally dedicated to him.  That's why the SS was formed.
     Heinrich Himmler was appointed leader of the SS in 1929 by Himmler.  Special schools at Bed Tolz and Braunschweig were created to train future SS men.  Himmler selected former Lieutenant General Paul Hausser to oversee the training and schooling of the SS.
     On July 13, 1934 around 177 people had been executed and the SS had become an independent organization, and the SA leader had been executed.
     The Waffen SS was called the combat arm of the SS.  The mission of the SS Death Head Units was to guard enemies  that were in concentration camps. The SS soon had control over the Reich Police. The Allgemeine (General) SS was made up of the SS who did not belong on any special branches.   The training of the Waffen-SS was considered to be harder training than training in the army.  The training involved live ammunition.  The Waffen-SS continued to grow, but still competed for recruits with all the other military serves.  Waffen-SS began recruiting non-Germans who lived outside the border.  This gave Waffen-SS the advantage over the army because they could not recruit the non-Germans.  By 1943, the recruiting requirements of the Waffen-SS were too cumbersome.. They had mounting losses in the war.  They were reduced in recruits, and was a downfall for the Waffen-SS.
    
Michael Pugh

7th Grade Rossville Jr. High

Spring 2000

Bibliography

This is the house flag of the SS