Major (Germany)

For the use of this rank in other countries, see major. 

Major () is the lowest staff officer rank in the German Army (Heer), German Air Force (Luftwaffe).  The rank is rated OF-3 in NATO.  The rank insignia is a silver oakleaf cluster with a silver pip (star). 

The OF-3 equivalent of the German Navy (Marine) is the Korvettenkapitän. 

To be appointed to the rank of Major, the officer has to pass a staff officer basic course (Stabsoffizierlehrgang) which is held at the German Armed Forces Command and Staff College (Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr), and serve in a post coded A13 or A13/A14. 

In the German Army and the Joint Support Service (Streitkräftebasis), the waiting period between meeting the requirements for promotion and actual promotion to the rank of Major averages 15 months due to budget problems (as of July 2010). 

Rank insignia

On the shoulder straps (Heer, Luftwaffe) there is one silver pip (star) in silver oak leaves. 

{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0.5em auto; clear: both;"
|-
|width="00%" align="center" colspan="4" style="background:#afafaf;" |   German Heer/Luftwaffe officer rank
|-
|width="00%" align="center" colspan="4" style="background:#bfbfbf;" |Line officer career
|-
|width="00%" align="center" colspan="2" style="background:#cfcfcf;" |junior RankHauptmann
|align="center" rowspan="1" style="background:#bfbfbf;" |Major (Oberstabsarzt)<span style="color:#060;"> Kovettenkapitän<small>
|width="00%" align="center" rowspan="1" style="background:#afafaf;" |senior RankOberstleutnant
|-
|width="00%" align="center" colspan="4" style="background:#cfcfcf;" |Warrant officer / officer specialist career
|-
|width="00%" align="center" style="background:#cfcfcf;" |Hauptmann
|width="00%" align="center" style="background:#cfcfcf;" |Stabshauptmann
|width="00%" align="center" colspan="2" style="background-color:black;"| End of officer specialist career'|}

History

The Major rank in German speaking armed forces dates back to the Middle Ages.  It equates to major in the British and US Armies, and is rated OF-3 in NATO. 

During World War II, the SS equivalent was Sturmbannführer''. 

See also
 Ranks of the German Bundeswehr 
 Rank insignia of the German Bundeswehr
 Comparative military ranks of World War I
 Comparative military ranks of World War II

de:Major
Category:Military ranks of Germany