Stabshauptmann

Stabshauptmann (Staff Captain) is the highest military rank in the Bundeswehr for specialist officers ("Offiziere des Militärfachlichen Dienstes" (MFD)). Instead of being promoted to the rank of major, specialist officers are promoted to the rank of Stabshauptmann and given the salary of a major. The badge of rank is four silver stars. It is one of the rarest ranks in the German military. The rank has no history outside the Bundeswehr and has been created especially for the MFD officers. Those are former NCOs who have accomplished a special training programme through which they are given the opportunity to become officers. Their duties are, however, specific, similar to that of a Warrant officer in the English-speaking armies.

Deutsche Marine (Navy)

The navy equivalent is "Stabskapitänleutnant" (Staff Lieutenant Captain (Navy)). Its rank insignia are two medium stripes with two narrow stripes between the medium ones.