Der Spiess insignia question

[usmedalman]

I have read through a number of threads on the topic of Spiess in the NVA and confirmed my understanding that this is a duty position as opposed to a rank -- much like a US Army First Sergeant is a position usually filled by a Master Sergeant and the First Sergeant rank is worn only while in that duty position. So, here are my questions:

First, did a person holding the position of Der Spiess sew on the arm braid when he assumed the position and remove it when he left the position?

Second, when a cuff title is worn, where does the Spiess braid go?

Thanks
John

[Mike G.]

John,

In the East German Army the position of Der Spiess basically served as a kind of First Sergeant and Sergeant's Major, and only on a temporary basis.

Upon reassignment, the warrant officer braids on the cuff of the Tunic sleeves were removed.

When a cuff title was worn, it was worn above the warrant officer braid.
Somewhere on this forum, there are photos of this, if they have not been deleted.

[usmedalman]

I saw the thread I think you are talking about. It was a WR-FD tunic. However, I got the impression that at least one member did not like the cuff title above the braid. I confess that it seems odd that one would go to the trouble of repositioning the cuff title when the Spiess position was assumed and then move it back when he left the position.

[uscob]

I have read through a number of threads on the topic of Spiess in the NVA and confirmed my understanding that this is a duty position as opposed to a rank -- much like a US Army First Sergeant is a position usually filled by a Master Sergeant and the First Sergeant rank is worn only while in that duty position. So, here are my questions:

First, did a person holding the position of Der Spiess sew on the arm braid when he assumed the position and remove it when he left the position?

Second, when a cuff title is worn, where does the Spiess braid go?

Thanks
John

John,
With the Position You're right. The Hauptfeldwebel in the NVA is a Job in the Bundeswehr a Rank.
As the Braid is the indication of the rank, it is only worn on this position. I think not to be removed on holiday's or off-duty.
If I remember right the Braid is worn over the cuffs and the Cuff title over the Braid, but I'll check it.
Nico
If somebody needs Braid I have some left. 1 kilometer of the HFW and 17 kilometers of UFZ. Collar Braid. (Michael, I show it to you)

[iannima]

17 kilometers of UFZ. Collar Braid.

17 Km.! Wow! Nico what a sight it must be! Are you going to have your house curtains trimmed with it? You are unlikely to put any serious dent on the stock...

[uscob]

17 Km.! Wow! Nico what a sight it must be! Are you going to have your house curtains trimmed with it? You are unlikely to put any serious dent on the stock...

I make them completely of Braid!
I saw that with an old shopping Bag made of WW2 EK2 Ribbons.
Must be nice in the Window.