From August 1934, Bittrich was a commander of the "Politische Bereitschaft" (Political Readiness Detachment) in Hamburg. This unit later became part of the SS-Standarte "Germania" in the "SS-Verfügungstruppe" (SS-VT). By January 1938, Bittrich was promoted to "Obersturmbannführer". He was given command of a battalion in the SS-Regiment "Deutschland". With this unit he participated in the annexation of Austria into Nazi Germany in March 1938. In May 1939, Bittrich was posted to the headquarters unit of the Leibstandarte SS Adolf Hitler (LSSAH) and was promoted to "Standartenführer" in June 1939.