Hi Ian et al,
If one joined the Luftwaffe as a volunteer (Freiwilliger) in 1936 and began the war as a Leutnant der Reserve, how would your career path have developed in the three years running up to war? I.e. how would the ranks you've listed above fit into that time slot?
I don't even know how long you'd serve as a Kanonier/Flieger - is it 18 months? Two years? And then do you go back to barracks every year for further schooling and promotion?
And at what point do you switch from being an active soldier to a reservist?
:?: :!:
All the best,
Karl