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Translated sections from Kühlwein, F., Die Gruppe in Gefecht, E.S. Mittler & Sohn, Berlin, 1934 by Craig Machell.

The Gruppenführer as a Personality in the Field, pp16-18:

The Gruppe is, in general, the largest unit in modern combat, which can still be led by a single leader through direct influence upon the individual fighters.
The well being of the Gruppe depends greatly upon the character of the Gruppenführer – his bearing in emergency and danger; his example; his determination and cold-bloodedness. A good leader, a personality – a good troop; a poor leader – a poor troop.

The nurturing of the Gruppenführer through his character for war is the most important training objective in peacetime. In peacetime, he must learn to find the way to the heart of his subordinates and to gain their trust through an understanding of their feelings and thoughts and through righteousness and tireless care in all things. The subordinates want to feel that their superior has a heart for them, cares for them, and stands up for them in all situations. Only then, when in the field, can he be both their strong father and their affectionate mother.

In the first battles, where the inexperienced soldier does not yet know the gruelling forces of battle, the troop needs a strong-willed and hard leader, in order to let the men happily overcome the first effects of combat with its hardly anticipated emotional shocks and surprises. In combat, the Gruppenführer is the leader, who can exert direct personal influence upon the individual man. If he fails, his Gruppe also fails.
An infantry squad leader armed with an MP40 machine pistol.

An infantry squad leader armed with an MP40 machine pistol.
This article is copyright © 2006. No un-authorised use.



The role of a senior NCO is a test of character and one in which he must be prepared to face adversity in any situation.

The role of a senior NCO is a test of character and one in which he must be prepared to face adversity in any situation.

The Gruppenführer must be an example to his people in every situation. The example is the most effective means, to get the respect and trust of his subordinates and to get the best from them. However, the Gruppenführer can only be an example if he is even more of a character and a higher achiever than his subordinates and if he has himself shown to them a loyal performance of duty and joyful obedience. The superior will only achieve credibility and conscientiousness in the execution of orders from his subordinates, when he, himself, gives a good example – even in the smallest of things. In the field, only he who is exemplary in his attitude in his peoples’ hour of danger and it is understood that, should the situation arise, die for them, can be a leader. By his example, in his ruthlessness against himself in the endurance of exertions, deprivations and dangers he strengthens the weak in their weakening attitude.

How the Gruppenführer issues his orders exerts a great kind of influence upon subordinates. Calm and determination as well as clarity in the giving of orders and instructions generates an immediate feeling of the dominance of the leader in subordinates and awakens within them a belief in success. They want to see and feel that superiors are superior to them in knowledge, ability and experience.

In attack, the Gruppenführer is, after the Zugführer, the driving force; he must always reinvigorate the will to close with the enemy.

Only a real man will maintain calm under heavy fire, when deliberating and seizing upon the correct courses of action is necessary, only a real man, who does not shy from danger himself, will, through the severing force of battle, bring his people to the enemy and be the charging champion to his people.

In defence, it too is the Gruppenführer, who through his personal dauntlessness and cold-bloodedness in the heaviest fire will keep his people with him. Lying with them in the forward line, the Zug - and Gruppenführer must find the men the position, which is essential to make a stand against attackers greater in numbers to the utmost. The Gruppenführer is ultimately who his people look up to when the enemy assaults and close combat ensues or for counter-attack.

The Gruppenführer shows himself to the people opposite as an example and as a caring superior, as a whole man, so his people do their duty conscientiously and follow his orders precisely. The Gruppenführer is able to depend upon them in all situations.