History

Armbands were usually used to identify a soldier’s special duty position or function. It would normally only be worn in the carrying out of said duty or function. It could also be used to identify a civilian as an official employee of the army.

Most armbands were worn on the left upper sleeve, but there were exceptions to this rule.

Non-members of the Armed Forces (Nicht-Wehrmachtangehörige), those who were considered combatants, wore a yellow armband with a black national eagle. It was introduced on March 12, 1937.