Mann (), was a paramilitary rank used by several Nazi Party paramilitary organizations between 1925 and 1945. The rank is most often associated with the Schutzstaffel (SS-Mann), but also was a rank of the SA, where Mann (SA-Mann) was the lowest enlisted rank and was the equivalent of a private.
In 1938, with the rise of the SS-Verfügungstruppe (later renamed the Waffen-SS), the SS changed the rank of Mann to Schütze, although it still retained the original SS rank of Mann for the Allgemeine-SS (general SS). The rank of Mann was junior to SS-Sturmmann.
In most Nazi Party organizations, the rank of Mann held no distinctive insignia. Some groups, however, granted a minor form of rank insignia such as a blank collar patch or simple shoulder board to denote the rank of Mann. (see right: SS rank insignia pattern from 1933)
Even lower ranks, e.g. Bewerber, Jungmann, Anwärter, Vollanwärter, were established in the mid-1930s as a recruit or candidate position, held by an individual seeking an appointment as a Mann in a Nazi Party paramilitary organization.
Insignia
Candidate status SS-Bewerber (Staffel-Bewerber) SS-Jungmann (Staffel-Jungmann) SS-Anwärter (Staffel-Anwärter) SS-Vollanwärter (Staffel-Vollanwärter)1st rank Allgemeine SSSS-Mann2nd rankno equivalent3rd rankSS-SturmmannVolunteer for joining the Waffen-SS SS-Bewerber (Staffel-Bewerber) SS-Jungmann (Staffel-Jungmann) SS-Anwärter (Staffel-Anwärter)1st Rank Waffen-SSSS-Schütze2nd rankSS-Oberschütze3rd rankSS-SturmmannCandidate statusSA-Anwärter1st SA rankSA-Mann2nd rankno equivalent3rd rankSA-Sturmmannperson liable to military serviceWehrmacht1st Wehrmacht rankSoldat2nd rankOberschütze3rd rankGefreiter
Notes
Bibliography