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Understanding military hierarchy during World War II requires knowledge of rank equivalencies across different forces. This comprehensive comparison table reveals how U.S. Army officer and enlisted ranks corresponded to their German Army, Air Force, and Waffen-SS counterparts. From Reichsmarschall to Untersturmfuehrer, these rank structures shaped command decisions and military operations throughout the war, providing essential context for students, historians, and military enthusiasts studying this pivotal period.
Appendix G
Table of Equivalent Ranks
|
U.S. Army |
German Army and Air Force |
German Waffen-SS |
|
None |
Reichsmarschall |
None |
|
General of the Army |
Generalfeldmarschall |
Reichsfuehrer-SS |
|
General |
Generaloberst |
Oberstgruppenfuehrer |
|
Lieutenant General |
General der Infanterie, Artillerie, Gebirgstruppen, Kavallerie, Nachrichtentruppen, Panzertruppen, Pioniere, Luftwaffe, Flieger, Fallschirmtruppen, Flakartillerie, Luftnachrichtentruppen |
Obergruppenfuehrer |
|
Major General |
Generalleutnant |
Gruppenfuehrer |
|
Brigadier General |
Generalmajor |
Brigadefuehrer |
|
None |
None |
Oberfuehrer |
|
Colonel |
Oberst |
Standartenfuehrer |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
Oberstleutnant |
Obersturmbannfuehrer |
|
Major |
Major |
Sturmbannfuehrer |
|
Captain |
Hauptmann |
Hauptsturmfuehrer |
|
Captain (Cavalry) |
Rittmeister |
|
|
First Lieutenant |
Oberleutnant |
Obersturmfuehrer |
|
Second Lieutenant |
Leutnant |
Untersturmfuehrer |
