Kurt Daluege
While working at a refuse company, he probably met Kurt Daluege, who was an engineer at the company at that time. He later on became SS commander in Berlin and leader of the "Ordnungspolizei" ("order police") or Orpo. The two men soon formed a friendship. In November 1929, Krüger joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) as member 171,199. In February 1931, he also joined the SS (6,123), which he left in April to transfer to the SA. With the help of Daluege, Krüger instantly acquired the SA rank and the power necessary to conduct reforms of the SA Formation East. He was promoted to SA-"Gruppenführer" in 1932 and joined Ernst Röhm's personal staff.