Selection of Waffenfarbe

Freiritter · Post by **Freiritter** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:25 pm

Hello,

I remember reading in Rudi's biography here that upon enlistment in the Wehrmacht, a recruit could choose what branch, like PanzerWaffe, UbootWaffe in a particular service. But, could a recruit choose what position in the Waffen he went to, say like a tank gunner or a radio man?

Cordially,

Freiritter

Christoph Awender · Post by **Christoph Awender** » Wed Jul 13, 2005 9:38 pm

What do you mean branch or "profession"?? Every branch (Infanterie, Pz.Gren., Panzertruppe etc.. ) had radio operators etc..
Basically everyone had the choice to give his wish but it was totally up to the replacement situation if this wish was accepted. Of course first the people with the better qualification were sent to the various duties and if there was still a need it was filled up with the rest. When someone for example learned electrician before the war and gives his wish to become an machinegunner he would most likely be put into a workshop company etc...

\Christoph

Freiritter · Post by **Freiritter** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 9:36 am

Hello,

I was pretty tired when I posted this one. I remembered reading Rudi's bio and a passage caught my attention:

My biggest surprise came when, just before basic training was over, we were consulted regarding the selection of an occupation in the Army. Unlike the German Army, we could choose the type of job we wanted.

Cordially,

Freiritter

Christoph Awender · Post by **Christoph Awender** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:06 am

As I said basically you were able to make a wish but if it was fullfilled was connected to the situation. Or do you think when 99 of 100 recruits want to become radio operator they put all into this career?

\christoph

Freiritter · Post by **Freiritter** » Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:02 pm

Hello,

No, just I was wondering what, if any, difference there was between how the Wehrmacht and the U.S. Army filled out the specialties.

Cordially,

Freiritter