History

The SS-VT adopted career & trade badges to distinguish personnel who had successfully completed SS-affiliated training courses and had reached a certain level of proficiency in a trade, skill, or function.

Originally, the SS-VT issued circular army-pattern badges, but they later developed their own diamond shaped badge. They were worn on the lower left uniform sleeve, around 3.5 cms above the cuff title.

Initially, all ranks were issued badges that were manufactured out of black wool and embroidered with aluminum wire. However, after the introduction of the field-grey uniform, it was determined that the badges produced using aluminum wire were only to be worn by Officers with their walking-out dress.

Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Enlisted Men (EMs) were instead issued badges embroidered with silver/grey cotton thread. Officer grades would also wear these badges with their field uniforms.

The Administrative Services Sleeve Diamond was introduced in February of 1938. It was issued to graduates of the SS Administrative School and to individuals who had completed 5 years of administrative service with the SS by April 1, 1939.

SS units generally included a band and fife corp with varying amounts of personnel. Battalion bands consisted of around 8 to 24 members, while regimental bands consisted or around 20 to 45 members.

The bandmaster trade insignia is embroidered with a lyre.