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Waffen SS training
Concept, training
SS combat training consisted primarily of several months of intensive basic training with three objectives; physical fitness, small-arms proficiency and political indoctrination. The training was so intensive that one in three potentials failed to pass the course. After this basic training, the recruits would be sent to either to specialist schools (see Panzertruppenschule I) where they received further training in their chosen combat arm. As the war progressed and replacements were required more frequently, particularly after the expansion of the Waffen SS following the success of the SS-Panzerkorps at Kharkov, the intensity of the training was relaxed somewhat.
For officers, the focus was on leadership and combat command, usually at the SS-Junkerschüle at Bad Tölz. The process tended to produce outstanding soldiers and officers, and many of the basic tenents of SS training are still used by many armed forces today. A strong emphasis was placed on creating a bond between the officers and men, and officer candidates were made to pass through basic training alongside the enlisted candidates. This created a mutual trust and respect between the officers and men, and meant that the relationship between these groups was very relaxed, unlike the Heer, where strict discipline and a policy of seperation between the officers and enlisted men existed.
While it is difficult now to understand why anyone would volunteer for the Waffen-SS, during the War the organisation was marketed as a multinational force protecting Europe from the evils of Communism (see Voss, Johann - Black Edelweiss), and with training which emphasised unit cohesion and mutual respect between officers and men, rather than strict discipline. In the Waffen-SS, it was not a requirement to salute officers and a more casual salute was adopted (the right arm raised vertically from the elbow - a relaxed version of the heil salute. This salute is portrayed in many war films). Added to this, the practice of addressing a superior as Herr (or Sir) was also forbidden, with everyone up to Himmler being addressed simply by their rank.
Any suggestions for a good book about technical and tactical aspects of training would be highly appreciated.Also want to buy books by Jean Larteguy, The Centurions and The Praetorians.
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