Major (Germany)

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

Rank Insignia

Major (German pronunciation: [maˈjoːɐ]) is a rank of the German military which 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.

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). In the Bundeswehr, the rank insignia consists of a silver oakleaf cluster with a silver pip (star).

In the German Army and the Joint Support Service ("Streitkräftebasis") the waiting period between meeting the requirements for promotion (a post coded A13 or A13/A14 and successful completion of the staff officer basic course) and actual promotion to the rank of Major averages 15 month due to budget problems (as of July 2010).

Junior Rank Hauptmann

German officer rank Major

Senior Rank Oberstleutnant