Stabsgefreiter (abbr.StGefr, on lists SG) is the second highest rank of enlisted men in the GermanBundeswehr,[1] which might be comparable to Corporal (OR-4) in Anglophone armed forces.[2]
History
In the 19th century German Army the Gefreiter (plural: Gefreite) always belonged to the rank group of enlisted men (below noncommissioned (NCO) level). However, during training and fatigue duty Gefreite were competent, authorized, and tasked to act on behalf of NCOs. So Gefreite became the first superior rank above the lowest-level privates.[citation needed] Nevertheless, until 1853 there were no special rank insignia for Gefreiter. In contrast, from 1811 to 1853 the Vize-Unteroffizier (deputy sergeant) wore the NCO Portepee (sword-knot).[citation needed]
In 1846 the rank of Obergefreiter (transl. 1st/Senior Gefreiter) was introduced.[citation needed] This rank was shown by the so-called sergeant's button on the collar and the NCO Portepee on the sword. From 1853 to 1919 promotion to Obergefreiter was suspended with the exception of the Fussartillerie (foot artillery).[citation needed]
In the early German Reichswehr the ranks of Gefreiter and "Obergefreiter" were both indicated by one identical horizontal 9 mm Tressenstreifen" (lace stripe) on both upper arms of the uniform jacket.[citation needed]
Regarding[clarification needed] regular 12 years duty time from 1921 onwards, the newly introduced ranks of enlisted men (Oberschütze (1st/Senior rifleman) and Stabsgefreiter (Staff Gefreiter) were indicated by angular cuff chevrons on the left upper arm. The sequence of ranks of enlisted men was now as follows:
Germany
German Army
German Navy
German Air Force
