Ranks within the unit as within any military organization are earned through performance, contribution to the bettering of the club and through strong attendance. Prior to advancement each individual must posses a complete uniform set, as well as field equipment. As with decorations, the promotion of the individual is up to the unit command, and the unit handbook is used as a guideline. We will always have a realistic balance of rank, and all positions will be filled as the need arises. As with decorations, exceptions may be granted for extraordinary acts or circumstances. Several unit members have actual military rank, but this can not be transfered into the unit. The Platoon will be lead by the highest ranking member available, normally a Leutnant, Feldwebel or Oberfeldwebel. Platoon special staff can be filled with any rank, normally Obergefreiter or higher. Each Gruppe is lead by the next highest ranking member, normally by Oberfeldwebel or Unteroffizier. The ranks of Grenadier, Obergrenadier, Gefreiter, Obergefreiter, and Stabsgefreiter make up each Gruppe.

Maximum Number of Ranks Allowed 1 Leutnant (platoon) 1 Feldwebel (platoon) 3 Oberfeldwebel (1/Gruppe) 3 Unteroffizier (1/Gruppe) 3 Stabsgefreiter (1/Gruppe) 3 Obergefreiter (1/Gruppe) 6 Gefreiter (2/Gruppe) 6 Obergrenadier (2/Gruppe) * Grenadier (no limit)

Grenadier
All new members start as Grenadiers. Until the Landser has obtained all of his required uniform & gear he may not increase in rank beyond that of Grenadier.  New members transferring from another unit outside the PNWHG may request to be allowed to keep their rank. This must first be approved by unit command and you may be required to enter a short provisional period as a Grenadier and will likely be asked to demonstrate the requirements for the rank as outlined here. You may be asked to be a rank lower than requested. This is not a reflection on the Soldat but upon our strict policy of not exceeding a reasonable distribution of ranks and the requirements of the rank itself. New members transferring from within the PNWHG may be allowed to keep their rank. This must first be reviewed by unit command and shall not exceed the requirements of the unit. You also may be asked to demonstrate the skills required of the rank.
Obergrenadier
Attendance of at least 8 battle days and pass a unit administered exam of the following: Demonstrated ability to handle a K98 or G/K-43. This includes breaking down, cleaning, sharp shouldering and safe handling. Demonstrated ability to handle grenades: Eihandgranate or Steilhandgranate Demonstrated knowledge of German marching drill commands. Marching Commands Demonstrated knowledge of German rifle drill commands. (Link to Rifle Drill commands) Demonstrated correct wearing and usage of all issued equipment including uniform, sidearm's, Zeltbahn, etc. Must have a filled out Soldbuch as each rank increase is recorded in the Buch. Soldbuch
Gefreiter
Attendance  of at least 12 battle days and pass a unit adminstered exam of the following: Must be able to pass the unit exam for an Obergrenadier Knowledge of battlefield team tactics, commands and emplacements (Link to squad formations, commands, tactics, and emplacements)
Obergefreiter
Attendance of at least 18 battle days and pass a unit administered exam of the following: Must be able to pass the unit exam for a Gefreiter Demonstrated ability to handle a submachine or machine gun. This includes breaking down, cleaning, sharp shouldering and safe handling. The list of aproved guns may include the MP38, MP40, MP41, PPSh-41, MP44, MG34 and the MG42. Demonstrated ability in applying both offensive and defensive team tactics, commands and emplacement.
Stabsgefreiter
Attendance of at least 24 battle days and pass a unit administered exam of the following: Must be able to pass the unit exam for a Obergefreiter Contributes above and beyond during and outside events Demonstrated ability to safely use at least one additional weapon including a Panzerfaust, Rifle Grenade, Mortar, Land Mines or an MG-34/42 if not already done. Knowledge of German battlefield Hand Signals. (Link to hand signals) Knowledge of German battlefield Whistle Signals.  Whistle Signals Knowledge of both offensive and defensive battlefield Gruppe tactics, commands and emplacement.
Unteroffizier
This rank can only be appointed by unit command. Ranks from Unteroffizier and up are very demanding positions. Candidate must be able to demonstrate the following: Must be able to pass the unit exam for a Stabsgefreiter Strong event attendance Demonstrated ability to lead a Gruppe during battle Demonstrated ability to maintain a crisp appearance and carries themselves in a very respectful manner at all times Demonstrated ability to handle a pistol such as a P-38. This includes breaking down, cleaning, and safe handling. Knowledge of both offensive and defensive platoon field tactics (Link to Platoon tactics) Knowledge on how to appropriately handle prisoners and capture (Link)  Knowledgeable in military etiquette and customs (Link to Ettiquette) Knowledge of platoon and company level communication (Link to Feldpost, Radio, Flare and Phone communications)
Unterfeldwebel
Like the Unteroffizier, this is a very demanding position and must be appointed by unit command. In addition the candidate must be able to demonstrate the following: Must be able to meet and excel at all requirements for the Unteroffizier Must have a very strong grasp of all German commands Must have been awarded an Iron Cross 2nd Class, War Merit Badge 2nd Class, or higher. Demonstrated ability in offensive and defensive platoon field tactics Outstanding  enthusiasm and leadership abilities Knowledgeable in company level operations Knowledge of German culture and history Advanced knowledge of platoon and company level communication
Feldwebel
This rank is only available if a platoon level operation is conducted and must be appointed by unit command. Must be able to meet and excel at all requirements for Unterfeldwebel Must have a strong grasp of the German language in both the tactical and social level Must be knowledgeable in company level operations, mission tactics, inter-company communication, and tactical philosophy Demonstrated ability in German military culture (Link to history, culture, songs, etc) Must have been awarded at least one additional metal or ribon
Leutnant
Only the Platoon Commander can hold this position and it must be appointed by unit command. Must be able to meet and excell at all the requirements for Feldwebel Must have been awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class or the War Merit Badge 1st Class

 

This rank of this Unteroffizier is clearly visible with the shoulderboards and collar tabs. 

He has also been awarded with the Iron Cross 1st Class, a Wound Badge underneath, 

to the left is the Infantry Assault Badge, and the ribon through the Tunic button hole is a 

War Merit Cross Ribon.

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