Schutzstaffel

:For other uses of the abbreviation SS, see SS (disambiguation)

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The {{Audio|De-Schutzstaffel.ogg|Schutzstaffel }} (Protective Squadron), or SS, was a large paramilitary organization that was a principal component of the Nazi party. The SS was led by Heinrich Himmler from 1929 until it was disbanded in 1945 with the defeat of Germany in World War II. The Nazis regarded the SS as an elite unit, the Party's "praetorian guard", with all SS personnel selected on racial and ideological grounds. The SS was distinguished from the German military, Nazi Party, and German state officials by their own SS ranks, SS unit insignia, and SS uniforms.

Related Topics:
Paramilitary - Nazi party - Heinrich Himmler - 1929 - 1945 - Germany - World War II - Praetorian guard - SS personnel - SS rank - SS unit insignia - SS uniforms

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The SS fighting units, called the Waffen-SS, were to evolve into highly skilled and effective soldiers, in many cases superior in these respects to the German army, the Heer.

Related Topics:
Waffen-SS - Heer

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The most recognizable branches of the SS, later charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, were the Reichssicherheitshauptamt (RSHA, Reich Security Head Office), Sicherheitsdienst (SD, Security Service), Einsatzgruppen (Special Mission Groups), the concentration camp service known as the SS-Totenkopfverbände (SS-TV, Death's Head Formations), and the Gestapo (Secret State Police).

Related Topics:
War crime - Crimes against humanity - Reichssicherheitshauptamt - Sicherheitsdienst - Einsatzgruppen - Concentration camp - Totenkopfverbände - Gestapo

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After the war the judges of Nuremberg Trials declared the entirety of the SS as a criminal organization, among others because of its implementation of racial policies of genocide.

Related Topics:
Nuremberg Trials - Genocide

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