Uniforms and Insignia of The Schutzstaffel - Germanic-SS Uniforms

Germanic-SS Uniforms

Germanic-SS uniforms were modified versions of the original black Allgemeine-SS uniforms and were used strictly by the Germanic-SS in occupied countries. Unlike the foreign legions of the Waffen-SS, who wore the standard field gray (grey-green) SS uniform to conform with the rest of the Waffen-SS, the Germanic-SS was concerned solely with homeland duties and therefore were provided with surplus black uniforms upon which were displayed country specific insignia. This led to a wide variety of insignia and rank titles depending on the country of origin, although standardized throughout the entire Germanic-SS were the rank insignia pips and oak leaves used by the SS proper.

The Germanic-SS also had a unique military award, known as the Germanic Proficiency Runes, awarded for qualifying under certain physical tests, in much the same manner as the German Sports Badge and SA Sports Badge were awarded to the regular SS.

The Germanic-SS effectively ceased to exist in late 1944, after which time most of its members were folded into the foreign legions of the Waffen-SS. Due to most Germanic-SS members being considered traitors to their countries, Germanic-SS uniforms were often destroyed by their owners to prevent identification as a German collaborator.