Unterleutnant

Unterleutnant (NPA-original abbreviation ''Ultn.''; en: translation "Under-lieutenant" or "sub-lieutenant") was an officer of the armies of East Germany and other nations. The rank was first introduced in 1662-74 by France and was also adopted by some other countries' armed forces. In the East German National People's Army from 1956 to 1990, ''Unterleutnant'' was the lowest commissioned officer (CO) rank comparable to NATO rank codes OF1c. It belonged to the rank group of lieutenants or subaltern officers. The equivalent OF1c-rank of the Volksmarine was Unterleutnant zur See (en: "sub-lieutenant at sea").

Germany

Empire, Weimar Republic, Third Reich, Federal Republic

In a number of German armed forces of the 19th century before German unification in 1871 there was the following graduation: Oberleutnant (''Premierlieutenant'' - OF1a) and Leutnant (''Secondelieutenant'' OF1b); without the rank ''Unterleutnant''.

However, until 1898 there was the rank ''Unterleutnant zur See'' in the Imperial German Navy. This rank was equivalent to the ''Secondelieutenant'' of the Imperial German Army (de: deutsches Heer).

In the Reichswehr, Wehrmacht, and Bundeswehr there was never a rank ''Unterleutnant''.

German Democratic Republic

National People´s Army

Depending on the former Soviet military doctrine as well as to the other armed forces of the Warsaw Pact the so-called GDR armed organizations, the ''Unterleutnant'' was the lowest officer rank.

In the NPA and in the GDR border troops the lieutenant officer sub-rank group consisted of ''Unterleutnant'' (OF1c), Leutnant (OF1b), and Oberleutnant (OF1a).

This officer rank could be assigned to military appointments as follows: officer of the operations service, political officer, officer of the technical service, supply, procurement, and military justice service.

The graduation to that particular OF1c officer rank was normally possible depending on the education and training, accomplished. The promotion to the following ''Leutnant'' OF1b-rank was achievable after two years of service, to Hauptmann after three more years.Dictionary to the German military history, 1st edition (Liz.5, P189/84, LSV:0547, B-Nr. 746 635 0), military publishing house of the GDR (VEB) – Berlin, 1985, Volume 1, page 476, definition: ''Unterleutnant''.

After successful passing of the officer course (normally three years) on a NPA officers school, officer students (de: Offiziersschüler) normally graduated to the rank ''Unterleutnant''. The best school-leavers of the appropriate course could be promoted to the next higher rank, ''Leutnant''. By establishing of the Officers High schools and diploma course of study the final examination all graduates promoted to the rank Leutnant.

The equivalent OF1c-rank of the ''Volksmarine'' was initially ''Unterleutnant zur See''. Later the designation was changed to ''Unterleutnant''. However, in individual linguistic usage the traditionally wording ''Unterleutnant zur See'' was used continuously.

Education

Since then the status of NPA persons in uniform with the rank ''Unterleutnant'' changed from professional soldier to longer-service volunteer (de: „Offizier auf Zeit“ – OaZ). The minimum service time was three years, and the so-called Abitur (en: final examination, qualifying for university entrance) was mandatory. In 1982 the minimum service time was raised to four years. Normally the one year lasting military education and study had to be accomplished on an officer's high school. By passing the final examination, the aspirant could be promoted to the ''Unterleutnat'' OF1c-rank. This was followed by the first line officer assignment in one of the NPA services or branches of service. An ''Unterleutnant'' could usually be appointed to platoon leader. Pertaining to special abilities, knowledge, or qualification – special assignment could be possible as well.

Under certain circumstances, e.g. successful completion of a reserve officer's training course during high school study, suitable graduates could be appointed to ''Unterleutnant of the Reserve'' (de: ''Unterleutnant der Reserve'').

In some cases particular able Stabsfeldwebel (OR8) or Fähnrich (NPA) could be appointed to ''Unterleutnant''.

Volkspolizei

In the GDR Volkspolizei ''Unterleutnant'' (official "Unterleutnant der VP") was the lowest commissioned officer rank (comparable top OF1c) as well. Normally officer students, graduated from officer's training course, could be promoted to that rank. However, the best graduate of the particular year could be promoted to the next higher rank, OF1b ''Leutnant of the VP''.

Members of the GDR Ministry of Interior, graduated from the Ministry of Interior Officers high school "Artur Becker", another high school facility or university, were normally promoted to ''Leutnant of the VP''. Depending on the course of study, duration, and academic or university degree, achieved, promotion to higher ranks could be possible.

Other countries

Sweden

The ''underlöjtnant'' rank was introduced in 1835 to replace the former ''fänrik'' and '' kornett'' ranks, and until 1926 was the lowest commissioned officer rank of the Swedish Armed Forces. The ''fänrik'' rank was reintroduced in 1914 with the same status as ''underlöjtnant'', but it was subsequently moved one level below ''underlöjtnant'' in 1926. ''Underlöjtnant'' was removed from the Swedish Armed Forces rank structure in 1937.

See also

*Ranks of the National People's Army
*Ranks and insignia of NATO
* :ru:Младший лейтенант, Mladshy leytenant
*Midshipman
*Ensign (rank)
*Second lieutenant
*Pilot officer

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Unterleutnant
Military ranks of Germany
Military ranks of Austria