Description

52 pages scanned

This is a WWII-era German military recruitment and career guidance booklet titled Unteroffizier im Grossdeutschen Heer (Non-Commissioned Officer in the Greater German Army), subtitled “Merkworte für die Berufswahl” (Key Points for Career Choice). It was published as a Kriegsausgabe (wartime edition) by the **Oberkommando des Heeres** (Army High Command).

The booklet serves as a recruiting and informational pamphlet aimed at young German men considering a military career as an NCO. Its contents cover several main areas:

**Ideology and role of the NCO** — The opening text frames Germany as being in a decisive historical struggle and positions the NCO as the “backbone of the German Army,” emphasizing qualities like hardness, willpower, courage, and loyalty.

**Career paths** — It describes two main routes to becoming an NCO: through the troops themselves, or through the Army NCO schools (*Heeresunteroffzierschulen*).

**Promotion tables** — Detailed charts show wartime promotion timelines from private through senior grades.

**Duties by branch** — Sections cover the NCO’s role in infantry, pioneer (engineer), artillery, signals, and armored units.

**Specialist careers** — Medical, signals, music, weapons, and other technical NCO tracks are outlined.

**Post-service benefits** — The booklet describes civilian career opportunities, government positions, and settlement benefits available after completing service.

It is illustrated throughout with wartime photographs and features portraits of decorated NCOs as exemplary figures.