Sturmabteilung

The {{Audio|De-Sturmabteilung.ogg|Sturmabteilung}} (SA, German for "Storm Division" and is usually translated as stormtroops or stormtroopers) functioned as a paramilitary organisation of the NSDAP – the German Nazi party. It played a key role in Adolf Hitler's rise to power in the 1930s. SA men were often known as brownshirts from the colour of their uniform and to distinguish them from the SS who were known as blackshirts.

Leaders of the SA

The leader of the SA was known as the Oberster SA-Führer, translated as Supreme SA Leader. The following men held this position throughout the existence of the SA:

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• Emil Maurice (1920–1921)
• Hans Ulrich Klintzsche (1921–1923)
• Hermann Göring (1923)
• None (1923–1925)
• Franz Pfeffer von Salomon (1926–1930)
• Adolf Hitler (1930–1945)

In 1930, to centralize the loyalty of the SA, Adolf Hitler personally assumed command of the entire organization and remained Oberster SA-Führer from the duration of the group's existence until 1945. The day to day running of the SA was conducted by the Stabschef SA (SA Chief of Staff). After 1931, it was the Stabschef who was generally accepted as the Commander of the SA, acting in Hitler's name.

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The following personnel held the position of Chief of Staff of the SA:

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• Ernst Röhm (1931–1934)
• Viktor Lutze (1934–1943)
• Wilhelm Scheppmann (1943–1945)