[hanshauprich]

Hello,
Oberfeldwebel & Stabsfeldwebel wear the same collarpatches, but the rangboard is different (Ofw. 2 silver stars, Stfw. 3 silver stars) Also the special rangboard for flying suits is different. Hauptfeldwebel is not an rang at is own, it's simply the Company-Sergeant. Even an Feldwebel or an Unteroffizier can serve as an Hauptfeldwebel. The german term for this NCO is "Spieß". Hauptfeldwebel wear special silver rang lace on their uniforms. Socalled "Kolbenringe". On duty they have power over all other NCO's in the Company. Would be funny at special cases!!! (Feldwebel serve as "Spieß" and got disziplin problems with an Stabsfeldwebel or an Oberfähnrich!!!!)

From my knowlege volunteers sign an contract serving more than 13 Years as an professional NCO in the Wehrmacht, after seven years of service and with the rang as Oberfeldwebel they can be promoted with the rang of an Stabsfeldwebel.
h.