Purpose of Ersatz Abteilungs

[BMM389EC]

I would like to know the purpose of an Ersatz Abteilung-was it to train men and then post them to various active/service units that drew from it?
Why would someone who served with an active combat unit be sent to such a unit for a year and then be sent back to a combat unit?
Any insight greatly appreciated.

[Larry deZeng]

I would like to know the purpose of an Ersatz Abteilung-was it to train men and then post them to various active/service units that drew from it?
Why would someone who served with an active combat unit be sent to such a unit for a year and then be sent back to a combat unit?
Any insight greatly appreciated.

An Ers.Abt. was a replacement detachment or battalion. Some light training was done there to keep the troops busy, mainly PT, marching, classroom and occasionally target practice, but except for cadre personnel most of the men were rarely there more than 3 months or so. Sometimes personnel were assigned to them but sent elsewhere on TDY for up to 6 months. If someone was in one for an entire year I would guess he was cadre. Another possibility might be assigned to an Ers.Abt. but on extended convalescence.

--Larry

[F L Clemens]

What Larry says basically covers it. The re-assignment of a front soldier to a replacement battalion should not be automatically interpreted as something negative, although there was something of a frontline prejudice against soldiers who served in the rear, as is true in every army. I have a letter from a solider assigned to an Ersatz unit who writes of his contempt for the Etappenschweine and how he is itching to get back to the front. Of course, I'm sure he didn't mind the break and the chance to visit his family.