Gefreiter facts for kids

Gefreiter is a military rank used in countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It's usually the second rank an enlisted soldier, airman, or sailor can get after joining the military. This rank has been around for a very long time, since the 16th century. Over time, especially since the 1920s, the idea of Gefreiter grew into several other ranks, like Obergefreiter, Hauptgefreiter, Stabsgefreiter, and Oberstabsgefreiter.

Similar military ranks also exist in other countries. For example, in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, and in the former Soviet Union, there's a rank called yefreytor or efreitor.

What is a Military Rank?

In the military, ranks are like levels or steps that show a person's experience and responsibility. They help organize soldiers, sailors, and airmen into a clear structure. Each rank comes with different duties and expectations. When someone joins the military, they usually start at the lowest rank. As they gain experience and show good skills, they can be promoted to higher ranks.

The History of Gefreiter

The rank of Gefreiter has a long history, going all the way back to the 16th century. In those days, a Gefreiter was often a soldier who was "freed" from certain guard duties. This meant they were trusted with more important tasks. They might have been chosen for special jobs because of their skill or bravery. Over hundreds of years, the role of Gefreiter changed. It became a common rank for experienced soldiers who were not yet officers but had more responsibility than new recruits.

Gefreiter Today

Today, the Gefreiter rank is still important in the armed forces of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It's often the first promotion an enlisted person receives. This promotion shows that they have learned the basics and are ready for more duties.

Since the 1920s, the original Gefreiter rank has expanded. Now there are several levels above it, such as:

• Obergefreiter (Senior Gefreiter)
• Hauptgefreiter (Chief Gefreiter)
• Stabsgefreiter (Staff Gefreiter)
• Oberstabsgefreiter (Senior Staff Gefreiter)

These additional ranks allow for more steps in a soldier's career path. They recognize increasing experience and leadership skills without requiring someone to become an officer.

Similar Ranks in Other Countries

The idea of a rank like Gefreiter isn't just found in German-speaking countries. Other nations have similar roles for their soldiers. For example, in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, and in the former Soviet Union, there is a rank called yefreytor or efreitor. This rank serves a similar purpose, marking an enlisted soldier who has gained some experience and is a step above a basic recruit. It shows how military structures often share common ideas across different countries.

Images for kids

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  Illustration - Gefreiter uniform tunic rank insignia description of the 10th Hanoverian Jaeger Battalion (Hannoversches Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 10), Light Infantry, Royal Prussian Army.

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  Epaulette Yefreytor of the 3rd Lancer Smolensk Emperor Alexander III Regiment (1908)
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  Shoulder insignia Yefreytor to Imperial Russian Army (until 1917)
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  Pogon Yefreytor (lance corporal) the of Russian Life Guards Uhlan Regiment (1914)
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  Gorget insignia to gymnastyorka yefreytor RA (1940−1943)
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  Shoulder board yefreytor Air Force RA (1943−1955) and SA (1946-1955)
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  Kursant Service uniform with OR-3 rank yefreytor of the Air Force or Airborne Troops (1994–2010)
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  Service uniform yefreytor of the Army and SMF (1994−2010)
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  Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches (2010—present)