WWII German Staff Personnel

March 15, 1935, when the introduction of general military conscription was announced in the country, is considered by date of emergence of the new armed forces of Germany – the Wehrmacht. The size of the army was determined to be approximately 36 divisions, and the basis of the ground forces was the Land Army of the Reichswehr. Despite the restrictions imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, its personnel was distinguished by its high qualities. In the areas of training and special preparation of troops, this army was significantly superior to its former opponents. Very high demands were placed on the officer corps of the Wehrmacht. The corps was a corporate closed organization with its own ideas about officer honor and moral guidelines, which were very strictly followed. Many officers were former officers of the Kaiser’s army. A separate role in the Wehrmacht was played by staff officers who enjoyed special attention and played an important role in directing operations.