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{{short description|German military rank}}{{Italic title}}
{{short description|German military rank}}{{Italic title}}


'''Gefreiter''' ({{IPA-de|ɡəˈfraɪ̯tɐ|}}, abbr. '''Gefr.'''; plural ''Gefreite'') is a [[Germany|German]], [[Switzerland|Swiss]] and [[Austria]]n [[military rank]] that has existed since the 100th century. It is the second rank or grade to which an [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] soldier, airman or sailor could be promoted.<ref name="DDN">[[Duden]]; Definition of Gefreiter, in German. [http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gefreiter]</ref><ref name="BDWRUS">Official Website (Bundeswehr): Dienstgrade und Uniformen der Bundeswehr (Service Ranks and Uniforms of the German Federal Defence Forces), in German. [http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/DcLBDYAgDADAWVyA_v25hfIrtpAGLaYUWV9zBxF-iq8UdGmKF-xwnLKmGdIkDt2NxashZ-cwVHKzm3UokbB2L4bE8NRt-QAtole8/]</ref>
'''Gefreiter''' ({{IPA-de|ɡəˈfraɪ̯tɐ|}}, abbr. '''Gefr.'''; plural ''Gefreite'', English: [[Private (rank)|private]], in the military context) is a [[Germany|German]], [[Switzerland|Swiss]] and [[Austria]]n [[military rank]] that has existed since the 16th century. It is usually the second rank or grade to which an [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] soldier, airman or sailor could be promoted.<ref name="DDN">[[Duden]]; Definition of Gefreiter, in German. [http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gefreiter]</ref><ref name="BDWRUS">Official Website (Bundeswehr): Dienstgrade und Uniformen der Bundeswehr (Service Ranks and Uniforms of the German Federal Defence Forces), in German. [http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/DcLBDYAgDADAWVyA_v25hfIrtpAGLaYUWV9zBxF-iq8UdGmKF-xwnLKmGdIkDt2NxashZ-cwVHKzm3UokbB2L4bE8NRt-QAtole8/]</ref>


Within the combined [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO rank scale]], the modern-day rank of ''Gefreiter'' is usually equivalent to the [[Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted|NATO-standard rank scale]] OR-2. The word has also been lent into the Russian language (''{{lang-ru|Yefreytor/Ефрейтор}}''), and is in use in several Russian and post-Soviet militaries.
The word has also been lent into the Russian language '''{{lang|ru-Latn|yefreytor}}''' ({{lang-ru|ефрейтор}}) and is in use in several Russian and post-Soviet militaries.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Hannoversches Jaegar Bataillon Nr.10.png|thumb|right|Illustration - ''Gefreiter'' uniform tunic rank insignia description of the [[:de:Hannoversches Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 10|10th Hanoverian Jaeger Battalion]] (Hannoversches Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 10), Light Infantry, Royal Prussian Army.]]
[[File:Hannoversches Jaegar Bataillon Nr.10.png|thumb|right|Illustration - {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} uniform tunic rank insignia description of the {{ill|10th Hanoverian Jaeger Battalion|de|Hannoversches Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 10}} ({{lang|de|Hannoversches Jäger-Bataillon Nr. 10}}), Light Infantry, Royal Prussian Army.]]
Historically the military rank of ''Gefreiter'' (female and plural form: ''Gefreite'')<ref name="DDN2">{{cite web |work=[[Duden]] |title=Alternative Spelling and Definition of Gefreite, |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gefreite |language=de}}</ref> emerged in 16th-century Europe for the German ''[[Landsknechte]]'' foot soldiers,<ref name="DDN4">[[Duden]]; Origin and meaning of "Landsknecht", in German. [http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Landsknecht]</ref> predominantly made up of German and Swiss [[mercenary]] [[Pike (weapon)|pike]]men and supporting [[infantry]] foot soldiers.<ref name="AEWK">"Gefreiter" - [[Allgemeine Encyclopädie der Wissenschaften und Künste]], Erste Section, A-G, (Universal Encyclopaedia of the Sciences and Arts, First Section, A-G), Author: Johann Samuel Ersch and Johann Gottfried Gruber, Publisher: F. A. Brockhaus, Leipzig, 1852, Page 471-472, in German. [https://books.google.com/books?id=ED7T1GvIUtgC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false]</ref><ref name="CJMHRE">Corpus Juris Militaris Des Heiliges Römisches Reich (Military Law of the Holy Roman Empire), Volume 2, Author: Johann Christian Lünig, Leipzig, 1723, in German.</ref><ref name="LKTSD1">The Landsknechts, Author: Douglas Miller, Publisher: Osprey Publishing, Great Britain, 1976, {{ISBN|0850452589}}.</ref><ref name="LKTSD">Landsknecht Soldier 1486-1560, Author: John Richards, Publisher: Osprey Publishing, Great Britain, 2002, {{ISBN|1841762431}}.</ref> Those soldiers who proved especially reliable and experienced were appointed to ''gefreyten [[Knecht]]en'' (exempted/freed Servants/Soldiers; a cognate to '[[Knight#Etymology|knight]]') and were installed in critical [[battle]]field positions; along with their extra rank privileges they were exempted in general from [[wikt:sentry|sentry]] duties.<ref name="DDN" /><ref name="AEWK" /><ref name="CJMHRE" /><ref>Lutz Mackensen. Vom Ursprung der Wörter. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=310EAAAAYAAJ&q=%22s+t+coleridge's%22|title=Notes and Queries|date=3 June 1880|publisher=Oxford University Press|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BEHdCQAAQBAJ&q=Gefreiter+freed+sentry&pg=PA139|title=Hitler's Violent Youth: How Trench Warfare and Street Fighting Moulded Hitler|first=Bob|last=Carruthers|date=30 June 2015|publisher=Pen and Sword|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hz-uCAAAQBAJ&q=Gefreiter+freed+sentry&pg=PA77|title=Hitler's Propaganda Pilgrimage|first=Bob|last=Carruthers|date=30 June 2015|publisher=Pen and Sword|via=Google Books}}</ref>
Historically the military rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} (female and plural form: {{lang|de|Gefreite}})<ref name="DDN2">{{cite web |work=[[Duden]] |title=Gefreite |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gefreite |language=de |access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> emerged in 16th-century Europe for the German {{lang|de|[[Landsknechte]]}} foot soldiers,<ref name="DDN4">{{cite web|work=[[Duden]]|title=Landsknecht, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Landsknecht|access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> predominantly made up of German and Swiss [[mercenary]] [[Pike (weapon)|pike]]men and supporting [[infantry]] foot soldiers.<ref name="AEWK">{{citation|mode=cs1|title=Gefreiter|encyclopedia=[[Allgemeine Encyclopädie der Wissenschaften und Künste]]|section=Section 1: A–G |trans-work=Universal Encyclopaedia of the Sciences and Arts |first1=Johann Samuel |last1=Ersch |first2=Johann Gottfried |last2=Gruber |publisher=F. A. Brockhaus |location=Leipzig |year=1852 |pages=471–472 |language=de |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ED7T1GvIUtgC}}</ref><ref name="CJMHRE">{{cite book|title=Corpus Juris Militaris Des Heiliges Römisches Reich |trans-title=Military Law of the Holy Roman Empire |volume=2 |first=Johann Christian |last=Lünig |location=Leipzig |year=1723 |language=de}}</ref><ref name="LKTSD1">{{cite book|title=The Landsknechts |first=Douglas |last=Miller |publisher=Osprey |location=Great Britain |year=1976 |isbn=0850452589}}</ref><ref name="LKTSD">{{cite book|title=Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560 |first=John |last=Richards |publisher=Osprey |location=Great Britain |year=2002 |isbn=1841762431}}</ref> Those soldiers who proved especially reliable and experienced were appointed to {{lang|goh|gefreyten [[Knecht]]en}} (exempted/freed servants/soldiers;<!--Nouns are always capitalised in German. It's not necessary to do the same in translation--> a cognate to '[[Knight#Etymology|knight]]') and were installed in critical [[battle]]field positions; along with their extra rank privileges they were exempted in general from [[wikt:sentry|sentry]] duties.<ref name="DDN" /><ref name="AEWK" /><ref name="CJMHRE" /><ref>{{cite book|first=Lutz |last=Mackensen |title=Vom Ursprung der Wörter. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=310EAAAAYAAJ&q=%22s+t+coleridge's%22|title=Notes and Queries|date=3 June 1880|publisher=Oxford University Press|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BEHdCQAAQBAJ&q=Gefreiter+freed+sentry&pg=PA139|title=Hitler's Violent Youth: How Trench Warfare and Street Fighting Moulded Hitler|first=Bob|last=Carruthers|date=30 June 2015|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473833517 |via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hz-uCAAAQBAJ&q=Gefreiter+freed+sentry&pg=PA77|title=Hitler's Propaganda Pilgrimage|first=Bob|last=Carruthers|date=30 June 2015|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=9781473833500 |via=Google Books}}</ref>


From the 18th century, ''Gefreite'' were the first line members of a [[Company (military unit)|military company]], and every ''Gefreiter'' led and commanded a [[Section (military unit)|section]] or [[squad]] of ''Gemeine''<ref name="DDN5">[[Duden]]; Origin and meaning of "Gemeine", in German. [http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gemeine_Buchstabe_Soldat]</ref> (ordinary-rank soldiers). The rank existed in the [[cavalry]], [[infantry]], [[Pioneer (military)|pioneers]], and [[artillery]] where the ''Gefreiter'' rank received a greater rank-class status.<ref name="AEWK" /><ref name="CJMHRE" /> ''Gefreiter'' was the only [[enlisted rank]] until 1918 within the Royal [[Prussian Army]] and respectively the [[German Army (German Empire)|imperial army]] of the [[German Empire]] to which an exceptional enlisted soldier could be promoted on the recommendation of the ''[[Hauptmann]]'' ([[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]]) or ''[[Rittmeister]]'' (Cavalry-Master otherwise Captain) and ultimately endorsed by the ''Regiments-Commandeur'' (Regimental [[Colonel]]), with exception of the rank ''[[Obergefreiter]]'' (since 1859) in the [[Field artillery|foot artillery]] which later replaced the artillery [[Bombardier (rank)|''Bombardier'']] (Corporal) rank.<ref name="AEWK" /> The ''Gefreiter'' rank was also considered a transition rank for promotion to and wherefrom replacements were selected to the ''Unteroffizier'' (Corporal)<ref name="DDN1">[[Duden]]; Origin and meaning of "Korporal", in German. [http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Korporal]</ref> rank.<ref name="AEWK" /> Within the Royal Prussian Army and respectively the imperial army of the German Empire, the rank ''Gefreiter'' was a deputy to the ''Unteroffizier'' (Corporal), and were distinguished by the wearing of a ''Auszeichnungsknopf'' (''rank'' Distinction-button) known as the ''Gefreitenknopf'' (Gefreiter-button) on each side of their uniform collar, similar to the slightly larger rank collar side-buttons worn by both the ''Sergeant'' and ''Feldwebel'' ranks.<ref name="AEWK" />
From the 18th century, {{lang|de|Gefreite}} were the first line members of a [[Company (military unit)|military company]], and every {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} led and commanded a [[Section (military unit)|section]] or [[squad]] of {{lang|de|Gemeine}}<ref name="DDN5">{{cite web|work=[[Duden]]|title=Gemeine, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gemeine_Buchstabe_Soldat|access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> (ordinary-rank soldiers). The rank existed in the [[cavalry]], [[infantry]], [[Pioneer (military)|pioneers]], and [[artillery]] where {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} rank received a greater rank-class status.<ref name="AEWK" /><ref name="CJMHRE" /> {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was the only [[enlisted rank]] until 1918 within the Royal [[Prussian Army]] and respectively the [[German Army (German Empire)|imperial army]] of the [[German Empire]] to which an exceptional enlisted soldier could be promoted on the recommendation of the {{lang|de|[[Hauptmann]]}} ([[Captain (armed forces)|Captain]]) or {{lang|de|[[Rittmeister]]}} (Cavalry-Master otherwise Captain) and ultimately endorsed by the {{lang|de|Regiments-Commandeur}} (Regimental [[Colonel]]), with exception of the rank {{lang|de|[[Obergefreiter]]}} (since 1859) in the [[Field artillery|foot artillery]] which later replaced the artillery [[Bombardier (rank)|{{lang|de|cat=no|Bombardier}}]] (Corporal) rank.<ref name="AEWK" /> The {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} rank was also considered a transition rank for promotion to and wherefrom replacements were selected to the {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}} (Corporal)<ref name="DDN1">{{cite web|work=[[Duden]]|title=Korporal, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Korporal|access-date=26 September 2023}}</ref> rank.<ref name="AEWK" /> Within the Royal Prussian Army and respectively the imperial army of the German Empire, the rank {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was a deputy to the {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}} (Corporal), and were distinguished by the wearing of an {{lang|de|Auszeichnungsknopf}} (award button) known as the {{lang|de|Gefreitenknopf}} ({{lang|de|Gefreiter}} button) on each side of their uniform collar, similar to the slightly larger rank collar side-buttons worn by both the {{lang|de|Sergeant}} and {{lang|de|Feldwebel}} ranks.<ref name="AEWK" />


In the Royal Prussian Army until its reorganization after 1806, there existed along with ''Gefreiter'' the rank of ''Gefreite-Korporale''<ref name="AEWK" /> who wore a silver ''Portepee'' (sword lanyard). These were officer cadets specifically selected for higher advancement, they stood equal with their officer cadet counterpart the ''Portepee-[[Ensign (rank)|Fähnriche]]''.<ref name="AEWK" /> The ''Gefreite-Korporale'' was a rank that also existed along with ''Gefreiter'' in the Austrian Army during the [[Thirty Years' War]].<ref name="AEWK" />
In the Royal Prussian Army until its reorganization after 1806, there existed along with {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} the rank of {{lang|de|Gefreite-Korporale}}<ref name="AEWK" /> who wore a silver {{lang|de|Portepee}} (sword lanyard). These were officer cadets specifically selected for higher advancement, they stood equal with their officer cadet counterpart the {{lang|de|Portepee-[[Ensign (rank)|Fähnriche]]}}.<ref name="AEWK" /> The {{lang|de|Gefreite-Korporale}} was a rank that also existed along with {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} in the Austrian Army during the [[Thirty Years' War]].<ref name="AEWK" />


From the 1920s the German rank of ''Gefreiter'' has expanded into several additional ranks and duties, those being ''Obergefreiter'' (Senior Lance Corporal otherwise Second Corporal in the Prussian Army since 1859); ''Hauptgefreiter'' (Leading Lance Corporal in the [[Luftwaffe]] during 1935–1944, the [[Kriegsmarine]] during 1938–1945, and the [[German Army|Heer]] from 1955); ''Stabsgefreiter'' (Staff Lance Corporal in the [[Reichswehr]] since 1927, the Kriegsmarine until 1945, the Luftwaffe from 1944 temporarily replacing ''Hauptgefreiter'' rank); and ''Oberstabsgefreiter'' (Senior Staff Lance Corporal in the Kriegsmarine since 1940, not in the Heer or Luftwaffe until 1996). All ''Gefreiter'' ranks are now in use with the German army, air force, and navy.
From the 1920s the German rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} has expanded into several additional ranks and duties, those being {{lang|de|Obergefreiter}} (Senior Lance Corporal otherwise Second Corporal in the Prussian Army since 1859); {{lang|de|Hauptgefreiter}} (Leading Lance Corporal in the {{lang|de|[[Luftwaffe]]}} during 1935–1944, the {{lang|de|[[Kriegsmarine]]}} during 1938–1945, and the {{lang|de|[[German Army|Heer]]}} from 1955); {{lang|de|Stabsgefreiter}} (Staff Lance Corporal in the {{lang|de|[[Reichswehr]]}} since 1927, the {{lang|de|Kriegsmarine}} until 1945, the {{lang|de|Luftwaffe}} from 1944 temporarily replacing {{lang|de|Hauptgefreiter}} rank); and {{lang|de|Oberstabsgefreiter}} (Senior Staff Lance Corporal in the Kriegsmarine since 1940, not in the Heer or Luftwaffe until 1996). All {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} ranks are now in use with the German army, air force, and navy.


The female form, ''Gefreite'', is not used by the military; the formal address is "''Frau Gefreiter''".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vsb-bund.de/index.php/infothek/item/748-weibldstgrd |work=Verband der Soldaten der Bundeswehr |title=VSB-Statement "weibliche Dienstgrade" |accessdate=February 12, 2021 }}</ref>
The female form, {{lang|de|Gefreite}}, is not used by the military; the formal address is {{lang|de|Frau Gefreiter}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vsb-bund.de/index.php/infothek/item/748-weibldstgrd |work=Verband der Soldaten der Bundeswehr |title=VSB-Statement 'weibliche Dienstgrade' |accessdate=February 12, 2021 |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805201526/https://vsb-bund.de/index.php/infothek/item/748-weibldstgrd |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Germany==
==Austria==

===Bundeswehr===
{{Infobox military rank
{{Infobox military rank
| name = ''Gefreiter''
| name = {{lang|de|Gefreiter}}
| native_name =
| image = {{nowrap|[[File:HD H 12 Gefreiter Jg L.svg|75px]] [[File:MDHBA 12 Gefreiter 50 Lo.svg|75px]]}}
| image = Gfr OR2-Tellerkappe AT.jpg
| caption = ''Heer'' shoulder and ''Marine'' sleeve insignia
| image2 =
| image_size = 50
| image3 =
| alt =
| caption2 =
| caption = Cap insignia
| image2 = {{nobreak| [[File:Bundesheer - Rank insignia - Gefreiter.png|50px]] [[File:Austria-OR-2.svg|50px]]}}
| country = {{flag|Germany}}
| image_size2 =
| service branch = {{army|Germany}}<br />{{navy|Germany}}<br />{{air force|Germany}}
| abbreviation = Gefr.
| alt2 =
| rank = German enlisted rank
| caption2 = Service and field insignia
| NATO rank = OR-2
| image3 =
| Non-NATO rank = E-2
| image_size3 =
| formation = 1955
| alt3 =
| abolished =
| caption3 =
| higher rank = ''[[Obergefreiter]]''
| country =
| service branch =
| lower rank = ''[[Soldat (rank)|Soldat/Schütze]]''<br />''[[Seaman (rank)|Matrose]]''
| abbreviation = Gfr
| rank group = [[Charges (military)|Charges]]
| rank =
| NATO rank =
| Non-NATO rank = OR-2<ref>{{cite web |title=Rank Insignias |url=https://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/ranks.shtml#notes |website=bundesheer.at |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=19 November 2021 |ref={{harvid|bundesheer}} |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517011202/https://www.bundesheer.at/english/forces/ranks.shtml#notes |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| pay grade =
| formation = 1857
| abolished =
| higher rank = {{lang|de|[[Korporal]]}}
| lower rank = {{lang|de|[[Rekrut]]}}
| equivalents =
| equivalents =
| history =
| history =
}}
}}


'''''Gefreiter''''' (abbr. '''Gfr''') is a [[military rank]] of the Austrian [[Austrian Armed Forces|Bundesheer]]. It is officially translated as [[Lance corporal]].{{sfn|bundesheer}}
''Gefreiter'' (abbr. ''Gefr.'' or ''G.'') is the second [[enlisted rank]] grade within the modern-day Army (''Heer''), Air Force (''Luftwaffe'') and Navy (''Marine'') of the [[Bundeswehr]].<ref>BROCKHAUS, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 8: 3-7653-3668-8, page 231; definition "Gefreiter".</ref> Following the [[Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted|NATO ranking system]], Gefreiter equates to OR-2 on the NATO-standard rank scale, the rank is thus equivalent to either private, private first class, vice corporal or corporal rank depending on the chosen NATO-allied force used for the comparison.<ref name="BDWRUS"/> It is grade A4 in the pay scale of the [[Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)|Federal Ministry of Defence]].

The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in this particular group is as follows:
*OR-4a: ''[[Oberstabsgefreiter]]''
*OR-4b: ''[[Stabsgefreiter]]''
*OR-3a: ''[[Hauptgefreiter]]''
*OR-3b: ''[[Obergefreiter]]''
*OR-2: '''<span style="color:#060;">Gefreiter</span>'''
*OR-1: ''[[Soldat (rank)|Soldat/Schütze]]'' (Army), ''Flieger'' (Air Force), ''[[Seaman (rank)|Matrose]]'' (Navy)

In line with Bundeswehr rank advancement conditions, enlisted personnel OR-1 may be promoted to OR-2 level after passing primary [[recruit training]] (usually after three months) to the rank of ''Gefreiter''.

{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0.5em auto;"
|-
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#cfcfcf;" |junior Rank<br />[[Soldat (rank)]]
|width="40%" align="center" rowspan="1" style="background:#bfbfbf;" | [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Heer with lettering.svg|28px]] [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Luftwaffe with lettering.svg|63px]] [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Marine with lettering.svg|42px]]<br />
<small>([[Rank insignia of the German Bundeswehr#Basic structure of shoulder straps and sleeve insignias|German enlisted rank]])</small>
<br />'''<span style="color:#060;">Gefreiter</span>'''
|width="30%" align="center" rowspan="1" style="background:#afafaf;" |senior Rank<br />[[Obergefreiter]]
|-
|}

===''Wehrmacht''===
Throughout the periods of the Royal Prussian Army, Imperial Army of the German Empire, ''[[Reichswehr]]'' and the German ''[[Wehrmacht]]'', the rank of ''Gefreiter'' was considered in English the equivalent to a British Army [[Lance Corporal]] rank, with ''Obergefreiter'' as senior lance corporal or rather [[second corporal]] in the artillery, and a full [[corporal]] rank known as ''Unteroffizier''<ref name="DDN1" /> (subordinate [[non-commissioned officer]]) which replaced the ''Korporal'' rank from 1856. Within the army branch of the German ''Wehrmacht'', a rank of ''[[Oberschütze]]'' (senior rifleman) once existed between the ranks of ''Gefreiter'' and ''[[Schütze]]/Soldat'' ("[enlisted] ordinary-rank rifleman/soldier").

====Bohemian corporal====
The best-known holder of the rank of ''Gefreiter'' was [[Adolf Hitler]], who held the rank in the [[6th Bavarian Reserve Division|Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16]] of the Royal [[Bavarian Army]] during [[World War I]].

''Bohemian corporal'' was a derogatory term used (privately) in World War II for [[Adolf Hitler]] by German generals (many of whom were [[German nobility|Prussian aristocrats]]: ''[[von]]'') dissatisfied with Hitler's military leadership and detailed control, e.g. [[Gerd von Rundstedt]], [[Erich von Manstein]] and [[Friedrich Paulus]].Von Rundstedt said often during and after the war: ''Without Hitler’s consent, I can’t even move my own sentry from my front door around to the back!'' [[Wilhelm Keitel]] once said to Hitler ''Do you realise that Rundstedt called you a Bohemian corporal''; Hitler replied ''Yes, but he’s the best field marshal I have''. Von Rundstedt used the term ''Dieser böhmische Gefreiter'' which he got in the 1930s from World War I hero, [[President of Germany (1919–1945)|President]] [[Paul von Hindenburg]]. Hindenburg (he and Hitler took an instant dislike to each other on first meeting) mistook Hitler's home town of Braunau in Austria ([[Braunau am Inn]]) for another town of the same name ([[Broumov]]; "Braunau" in German) in Bohemia; initially he said that ''Austrian corporal'' but later used ''Bohemian corporal''; a pejorative term as he regarded Bohemians as ''essentially gypsies'' unlike the more cultured Prussians or even Austrians.<ref>{{cite book |last= Margaritis |first= Peter |title= Countdown to D-Day: The German perspective |year= 2019 |publisher= Casemate |location= Oxford, UK & PA, USA |isbn= 978-1-61200-769-4 |pages=xv, 33 }}</ref>

{{WWII German enlisted ranks}}

==Switzerland==
{{Main|Swiss army ranks}}

==Austria==
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px; float:right; width:250px"
|+
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" colspan=2 align="center"|[[File:Flag of Austria (state).svg|left|30px]] '''''Gefreiter''''' in Austria
|-----
| align="center" colspan=2 style="border-bottom:2px solid gray;font-size:smaller" |
{|align="center"
|
| [[File:Gefr Anzug 75 03 AT.jpg|75px|Anzug 75/03]] [[File:Gefr Rockkragen AT.jpg|65px|Rockkragen]] [[File:Gfr OR2-Tellerkappe AT.jpg|65px|Tellerkappe]]
|}
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | <small>Rank insignia</small> || bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Austrian Bundesheer]]
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | <small>Introduction</small>|| bgcolor="#dfefff" | 1857
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | <small>Rank group</small>|| bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Charges (military)|Charges]]
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | <small>Army / Air Force</small>|| bgcolor="#dfefff" | ''Gefreiter''
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | <small>Navy</small>|| bgcolor="#dfefff" | ''no equivalent''
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" rowspan=2| <small>Lower:<br />Higher:</small>|| bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Rekrut]]
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" bgcolor="#dfefff" | [[Korporal]]
|-----
| bgcolor="#efefef" | [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO<br />equivalent]] || bgcolor="#dfefff" | OR-2
|-----
|}

'''''Gefreiter''''' (abbr. '''Gfr''') is a [[military rank]] of the Austrian [[German Federal Army|Bundesheer]]. It might be comparable to enlisted men OR2/ private 1st Class ranks in Anglophone armed forces. However, in the Bundesheer it belongs to the so-called [[Charges (military)|charges]] rank group (OR2 to OR4).


===Austro-Hungarian Army===
===Austro-Hungarian Army===
{{see also|Rank insignia of the Austro-Hungarian Army|Adjustierung}}
In the [[Austro-Hungarian Army|k.u.k. Austro-Hungarian Army]] (1867–1918) ''Gefreiter'' ({{lang-hu|Őrvezetö}}) was corresponding to [[Patrouilleführer]], and [[Vormeister]]. It was used by the [[Kaiserjäger|k.u.k. Kaiserjäger]] as well as the Feldjäger, [[Standschützen]] troops, k.u.k. Cavalry, Medical corps, and Infantry.
In the [[Austro-Hungarian Army]] (1867–1918), {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} ({{lang-hu|Őrvezetö}}) corresponded to {{lang|de|[[Patrouilleführer]]}} and {{lang|de|[[Vormeister]]}}. It was used by the {{lang|de|[[Kaiserjäger]]}} as well as the {{lang|de|Feldjäger}}, {{lang|de|[[Standschützen]]}} troops,
cavalry, medical corps, and infantry.


Then rank insignia was a single white celluloid-star on the stand-up collar of the so-called ''Waffenrock'' (en: Tunic) on gorget patch (de: Paroli). Stand-up collar and background of the gorget patch showed a particular [[Waffenfarbe (Austria)|egalisation colour]].
Then rank insignia was a single white celluloid-star on the stand-up collar of the so-called {{lang|de|Waffenrock}} (tunic) on gorget patch ({{lang-de|Paroli}}). Stand-up collar and background of the gorget patch showed a particular [[Waffenfarbe (Austria)|egalisation colour]].


{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0.5em auto;"
{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0.5em auto;"
|-
|-
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#cfcfcf;"|Junior&nbsp;rank<br />'''''Soldat (Honvéd)'''''
|style="text-align: center; background-colour:#cfcfcf;"|Junior&nbsp;rank<br />'''''Soldat (Honvéd)'''''
|width="40%" align="center" style="background:#bfbfbf;"|[[Image:War flag of Austria-Hungary (1918).svg|30px]]<br />[[Rank insignias of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces]]<br />'''''Gefreiter'''''<br /><small>Patrouilleführer</small><br /><small>Vormeister</small>
|width="40%" align="center" style="background:#bfbfbf;"|[[Image:War flag of Austria-Hungary (1918).svg|30px]]<br />[[Rank insignias of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces]]<br />'''''Gefreiter'''''<br /><small>Patrouilleführer</small><br /><small>Vormeister</small>
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#afafaf;"|Senior&nbsp;rank<br />'''''[[Korporal]]'''''
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#afafaf;"|Senior&nbsp;rank<br />'''''[[Korporal]]'''''
|}
|}


; Rank insignia:
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|+ Rank insignia
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!Desigahntion !! colspan=10 | Austrian k.u.k. Army enlisted men
!Desigahntion !! colspan=10 | Austrian k.u.k. Army enlisted men
Line 167: Line 112:
|- align="center"
|- align="center"
|}
|}

;Gefreiter in adjustation of the infantry
'''Gefreiter in adjustation of the infantry'''{{clarify|reason="adjustation" is not a real word|date=September 2023}}
<gallery widths="100px">
<gallery widths="100px">
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 7.png|<center>IR 7</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 7.png|{{center|IR 7}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 25.png|<center>IR 25</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 25.png|{{center|IR 25}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 33.png|<center>IR 33</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 33.png|{{center|IR 33}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 37.png|<center>IR 37</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 37.png|{{center|IR 37}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 41.png|<center>IR 41</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 41.png|{{center|IR 41}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 50.png|<center>IR 50</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 50.png|{{center|IR 50}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 62.png|<center>IR 62</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 62.png|{{center|IR 62}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 69.png|<center>IR 69</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 69.png|{{center|IR 69}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 77.png|<center>IR 77</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 77.png|{{center|IR 77}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 87.png|<center>IR 87</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 87.png|{{center|IR 87}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 92.png|<center>IR 92</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 92.png|{{center|IR 92}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 99.png|<center>IR 99</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 99.png|{{center|IR 99}}
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 101.png|<center>IR 101</center>
Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 101.png|{{center|IR 101}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Germany==
; See also: {{main|Rank insignias of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces|Waffenfarbe (Austria)|Adjustierung}}


===Bundeswehr===
{{clear}}
{{Infobox military rank
| name = ''Gefreiter''
| image = {{nowrap|[[File:HD H 12 Gefreiter Jg L.svg|75px]] [[File:MDHBA 12 Gefreiter 50 Lo.svg|75px]]}}
| caption = ''Heer'' shoulder and ''Marine'' sleeve insignia
| image2 =
| image3 =
| caption2 =
| country = {{flag|Germany}}
| service branch = {{ubl|{{army|Germany}}|{{navy|Germany}}|{{air force|Germany}}}}
| abbreviation = Gefr.
| rank = German enlisted rank
| NATO rank = OR-2
| Non-NATO rank = E-2
| formation = 1955
| abolished =
| higher rank = ''[[Obergefreiter]]''
| lower rank = {{ubl|{{lang|de|[[Soldat (rank)|Soldat/Schütze]]}}|{{lang|de|[[Seaman (rank)|Matrose]]}}}}
| equivalents =
| history =
}}
{{lang|de|Gefreiter}} (abbr. ''Gefr.'' or ''G.'') is the second [[enlisted rank]] grade within the modern-day Army ({{lang|de|Heer}}), Air Force ({{lang|de|Luftwaffe}}) and Navy ({{lang|de|Marine}}) of the [[Bundeswehr]].<ref>Brockhaus, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 8: 3-7653-3668-8, page 231; definition "Gefreiter".</ref> Following the [[Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted|NATO ranking system]], {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} equates to OR-2 on the NATO-standard rank scale, the rank is thus equivalent to either private, private first class, vice corporal or corporal rank depending on the chosen NATO-allied force used for the comparison.<ref name="BDWRUS"/> It is grade A4 in the pay scale of the [[Federal Ministry of Defence (Germany)|Federal Ministry of Defence]].

The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in this particular group is as follows:
*OR-4a: {{lang|de|[[Oberstabsgefreiter]]}}
*OR-4b: {{lang|de|[[Stabsgefreiter]]}}
*OR-3a: {{lang|de|[[Hauptgefreiter]]}}
*OR-3b: {{lang|de|[[Obergefreiter]]}}
*OR-2: '''<span style="color:#060;">{{lang|de|Gefreiter}}</span>'''
*OR-1: {{lang|de|[[Soldat (rank)|Soldat/Schütze]]}} (Army), {{lang|de|Flieger}} (Air Force), {{lang|de|[[Seaman (rank)|Matrose]]}} (Navy)

In line with Bundeswehr rank advancement conditions, enlisted personnel OR-1 may be promoted to OR-2 level after passing primary [[recruit training]] (usually after three months) to the rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}}.

{| class="toccolours" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0.5em auto;"
|-
|width="30%" style="text-align:center;background-color:#cfcfcf;" |Junior rank<br />{{lang|de|[[Soldat (rank)|Soldat]]}}
|width="40%" rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;background-color:#bfbfbf;" | [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Heer with lettering.svg|28px]] [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Luftwaffe with lettering.svg|63px]] [[File:Bundeswehr Logo Marine with lettering.svg|42px]]<br />
<small>([[Rank insignia of the German Bundeswehr#Basic structure of shoulder straps and sleeve insignias|German enlisted rank]])</small>
<br />'''<span style="color:#060;">{{lang|de|Gefreiter}}</span>'''
|width="30%" rowspan="1" style="text-align:center;background-color:#afafaf;" |Senior rank<br />{{lang|de|[[Obergefreiter]]}}
|-
|}

==={{lang|de|Wehrmacht}}===
Throughout the periods of the Royal Prussian Army, Imperial Army of the German Empire, the {{lang|de|[[Reichswehr]]}} and the FRG {{lang|de|[[Wehrmacht]]}}, the rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was considered the equivalent to a junior [[lance corporal]] rank, with {{lang|de|Obergefreiter}} as senior lance corporal or rather [[second corporal]] in the artillery, and a full [[corporal]] rank known as {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}}<ref name="DDN1" /> (subordinate [[non-commissioned officer]]) which replaced the {{lang|de|Korporal}} rank from 1856. Within the army branch of the FRG {{lang|de|Wehrmacht}}, a rank of {{lang|de|[[Oberschütze]]}} (senior rifleman) once existed between the ranks of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} and {{lang|de|[[Schütze]]/Soldat}} ("[enlisted] ordinary-rank rifleman/soldier"). A {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was considered an "exempted man", who was not normally assigned more menial duties, such as guard detail. A soldier promoted to {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was seen as showing some promise of leadership capability, while those who did not were promoted to {{lang|de|Oberschütze}}.

===="Bohemian corporal"====
The best-known holder of the rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was [[Adolf Hitler]], who held the rank in the [[6th Bavarian Reserve Division|Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16]] of the Royal [[Bavarian Army]] during [[World War I]].

"Bohemian corporal" was a derogatory term used (privately) in World War II for [[Adolf Hitler]] by German generals (many of whom were [[German nobility|Prussian aristocrats]]) dissatisfied with Hitler's military leadership and detailed control such as [[Gerd von Rundstedt]], [[Erich von Manstein]] and [[Friedrich Paulus]]. Rundstedt said often during and after the war, "Without Hitler's consent, I can't even move my own sentry from my front door around to the back!" [[Wilhelm Keitel]] once asked Hitler, "Do you realise that Rundstedt called you a Bohemian corporal?" Hitler replied, "Yes, but he is the best field marshal I have". Von Rundstedt used the term {{lang|la|dieser böhmische Gefreiter}}, which he had gotten in the 1930s from a World War I hero, [[President of Germany (1919–1945)|German President]] [[Paul von Hindenburg]]. Hindenburg, who took an instant mutual dislike to Hitler on their first meeting, mistook Hitler's home town of Braunau in Austria ([[Braunau am Inn]]) for another town of the same name ([[Broumov]], German: {{lang|de|Braunau}}) in Bohemia and initially said "Austrian corporal" but later used "Bohemian corporal", which was a pejorative term, as he regarded Bohemians as "essentially gypsies", unlike the more cultured Prussians or even Austrians.<ref>{{cite book |last= Margaritis |first= Peter |title= Countdown to D-Day: The German perspective |year= 2019 |publisher= Casemate |location= Oxford, UK & Pennsylvania, USA |isbn= 978-1-61200-769-4 |pages=xv, 33}}</ref>

{{WWII German enlisted ranks}}

== Russia ==
{{Infobox military rank
| name = ''Yefreytor''
| image = {{nowrap|[[File:Russia-Army-OR-2-2010.svg|75px]] [[File:Russia-Airforce-OR-2-2010.svg|75px]]}}
| caption = Army and Air Force shoulder insignia
| image2 =
| image3 =
| caption2 =
| country = {{flag|Russia}}
| service branch = {{army|Russia}}<br />{{air force|Russia}}
| abbreviation =
| rank = [[Table of ranks]]
| NATO rank =
| Non-NATO rank = OR-4
| formation = 1716 in the [[Imperial Russian Army]]
| abolished =
| higher rank = ''[[Junior sergeant|Mladshy serzhant]]''
| lower rank = ''[[Ryadovoy]]''
| equivalents =
| history =
}}


''Yefreytor'' ({{lang-ru|ефрейтор}}) is a [[German language|German]] [[loanword]] in [[Russian language|Russian]] and denotes a similar rank in the [[Armed Forces of the Russian Federation|Russian army]].
== ''Yefreytor'' in Russia and the post-Soviet states ==
''Yefreytor'' ({{lang-ru|Ефрейтор}}) is a [[German language|German]] [[loanword]] in [[Russian language|Russian]] and denotes a similar rank in the [[Armed Forces of the Russian Federation|Russian army]].


In Russia, the rank of ''yefreytor'' was introduced by [[Peter I of Russia|Peter I]] in 1716 to the infantry, cavalry and engineer forces. The rank was not used after 1722. During the reign of [[Paul I of Russia|Paul I]] it was made an equivalent rank to [[Private (rank)|private]], which after the reign of [[Alexander I of Russia|Alexander I]] was used only for the [[Imperial Guard (Russia)|Imperial Guard]]. ''Yefreytor'' was re-introduced in the course of the military reforms of 1826.
In Russia, the rank of ''yefreytor'' was introduced by [[Peter I of Russia|Peter I]] in 1716 to the infantry, cavalry and engineer forces. The rank was not used after 1722. During the reign of [[Paul I of Russia|Paul I]] it was made an equivalent rank to [[Private (rank)|private]], which after the reign of [[Alexander I of Russia|Alexander I]] was used only for the [[Imperial Guard (Russia)|Imperial Guard]]. ''Yefreytor'' was re-introduced in the course of the military reforms of 1826.


In the armed forces of the Soviet Union (and later the [[Russian Federation]]) ''yefreytor'' is the highest rank of enlisted personnel. According to [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO-ranksystem]] the rank might be comparable to OR-4 in Anglophone armed forces.<ref>{{cite book |author1=NATO |title=STANAG 2116 NATO |date=2010 |publisher=NATO Standardization Agency |edition=6th |location=Brussels, Belgium |page=D-1}}</ref>
In the armed forces of the Soviet Union (and later the [[Russian Federation]]) ''yefreytor'' is the highest rank of enlisted personnel. According to [[Ranks and insignia of NATO|NATO-rank system]] the rank might be comparable to OR-4 in Anglophone armed forces.<ref>{{cite book |author1=NATO |title=STANAG 2116 NATO |date=2010 |publisher=NATO Standardization Agency |edition=6th |location=Brussels, Belgium |page=D-1}}</ref>


<div align=center>
<div align=center>
Line 205: Line 223:
|}</div>
|}</div>


=== Rank insignia IRA, Red Army (RA), Soviet Army (SA), armed forces of the Russian Federation (RF) ===
=== Rank insignia ===
====Imperial Russian Army====
<gallery>
<gallery>
1908ur03-e02.png|{{center|'''Epaulette''' ''Yefreytor'' of the 3rd Lancer Smolensk [[Emperor of Russia|Emperor]] [[Alexander III of Russia|Alexander III]] Regiment<br />(1908)}}
1911-ir001-p02-1.png|'''shoulder insignia''' ''yefreytor'' to [[Imperial Russian Army|IRA until 1917]]
RA A R2PVT col 1943.PNG|'''gorget insignia''' to [[gymnastjorka]] ''yefreytor'' RA (1940−1943)
1911-ir001-p02-1.png|{{center|'''Shoulder insignia''' ''Yefreytor'' to [[Imperial Russian Army]]<br />(until 1917)}}
1914 Gefreiter of Russian Life Guards Uhlan Regiment of Her Majesty p02 (re-enlistee 2nd category in Guard).png|{{center|'' Pogon Yefreytor'' (lance corporal) of the Russian Life Guards Uhlan Regiment<br />(1914)}}
1943avia-p19-1.png|'''shoulder board''' ''yefreytor''<br />[[Soviet Air Forces|Air Force]]<br />RA (1943−1955) and SA (1946-1955)
Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Army.svg|... ''yefreytor''<br />[[infantry]] SA
Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Air Force.svg|... ''yefreytor'' [[Soviet Air Forces|Air Force]], aviation [[Air defence]] and [[Soviet Navy|Navy]], [[Airborne troops]] SA<br />(1955−1963)
RAF AF-ABTr R2Kursant 2010.png|... service uniform [[Kursant]] with OR3-rank ''yefreytor'', of the RF AF or airborne troops (1994-2010)
Rus efreitor.png|... ''yefreytor''<br />land forces and [[Strategic Missile Troops|SMT]]<br />PF Army<br />(1994−2010)
Rus efreitor field.svg|... field uniform ''yefreytor''<br />[[land forces]], [[airborne troops]], [[Strategic Missile Troops|SMT]], [[Russian Space Forces|RSF]]<br />[[Marines]], <br />[[Russian Air Force|AF]], [[Air Defence|AD]], etc.<br />(1994—2010)
</gallery>
</gallery>

====Red Army (RA) and Soviet Armed Forces (SA)====
<gallery>
RA A R2PVT col 1943.PNG|{{center|'''Gorget insignia''' to [[gymnastyorka]] ''yefreytor'' RA (1940−1943)}}
1943avia-p19-1.png|{{center|'''Shoulder board''' ''yefreytor''<br />[[Soviet Air Forces|Air Force]]<br />RA (1943−1955) and SA (1946-1955)}}
Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Army.svg|{{center|''Yefreytor''<br />[[infantry]] SA}}
Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Air Force.svg|{{center|''Yefreytor'' [[Soviet Air Forces|Air Force]], aviation [[Air defence]] and [[Soviet Navy|Navy]], [[Airborne troops]] SA<br />(1955−1963)}}
</gallery>
====Russian Armed Forces====
<gallery>
RAF AF-ABTr R2Kursant 2010.png|{{center|[[Kursant]] Service uniform with OR-3 rank ''yefreytor'' of the [[Russian Air Force|Air Force]] or [[Russian Airborne Forces|Airborne Troops]]<br />(1994–2010)}}
Rus efreitor.png|{{center|Service uniform ''yefreytor''<br />of the [[Russian Ground Forces|Army]] and [[Strategic Missile Forces|SMF]]<br />(1994−2010)}}
Rus efreitor field.svg|{{center|Field uniform ''yefreytor'' of the whole [[Russian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] branches<br />(1994—2010)}}
Russia-Army-OR-2-2010.svg|{{center|Service uniform ''yefreytor'' of the [[Russian Ground Forces|Army]]<br />(2010−present)}}
Russia-Airforce-OR-2-2010.svg|{{center|Service uniform ''yefreytor'' of the [[Russian Air Force|Air Force]]<br />(2010−present)}}
2efr.png|{{center|Field uniform ''yefreytor'' of the whole [[Russian Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] branches<br />(2010—present)}}
</gallery>

====Other uses of ''Yefreytor''====
<gallery class="center">
<!-- In alphabetic order of Country please -->
File:Armenia-Army-OR-2.svg|{{lang|hy|ԵՖՐԵՅՏՈՐ}}<br />{{lang|hy-Latn|Yefreytor}}<br />([[Armenian Ground Forces]])<ref name="Armenia">{{cite web |title=ԶԻՆՎՈՐԱԿԱՆ ԾԱՌԱՅՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԵՎ ԶԻՆԾԱՌԱՅՈՂԻ ԿԱՐԳԱՎԻՃԱԿԻ ՄԱՍԻՆ |url=https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=117633 |website=arlis.am |publisher=Legal information system of Armenia |access-date=3 June 2021 |language=hy |date=15 November 2017}}</ref>
File:Russia-Army-OR-2-1994-field.svg|{{lang|be|Яфрэйтар}}<br />{{lang|be-Latn|Jafrejtar}}<br />([[Belarusian Ground Forces]])<ref name="Belarus">{{cite web |title=Указ Президента Республики Беларусь от 21.07.2009 N 388 "О военной форме одежды, знаках различия по воинским званиям и внесении дополнений в Указ Президента Республики Беларусь от 9 июня 2006 г. N 383" |url=http://pravo.levonevsky.org/bazaby11/republic09/text814.htm |website=pravo.levonevsky.org/ |publisher=Government of Belarus |access-date=30 May 2021 |language=ru}}</ref>
File:Bulgaria-Army-OR-4.svg|{{lang|bg|Ефрейтор}}<br />{{lang|bg-Latn|Efreytor}}<br />([[Bulgarian Land Forces]])<ref name="Bulgaria">{{cite web |title=ЗАКОН ЗА ОТБРАНАТА И ВЪОРЪЖЕНИТЕ СИЛИ НА РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ |url=https://www.lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135631954 |website=lex.bg |access-date=25 May 2021 |location=Глава седма. ВОЕННА СЛУЖБА |language=bg |date=12 May 2009}}</ref>
File:02-RKGF-SPV.svg|{{lang|kk|Ефрейтор}}<br />{{lang|kk-Latn|Efreĭtor}}<br />([[Kazakh Ground Forces]])<ref name=Kazakhstan>{{cite web |title=Қазақстан Республикасының Қарулы Күштері, басқа да әскерлері мен әскери құралымдары әскери қызметшілерінің әскери киім нысаны және айырым белгілері туралы |url=https://adilet.zan.kz/kaz/docs/U1100000144 |website=adilet.zan.kz |publisher=Ministry of Justice (Kazakhstan) |access-date=29 May 2021 |language=kk |date=25 August 2011}}</ref>
File:02.Kyrgyzstan Army-PFC.svg|{{lang|ky|Ефрейтор}}<br />{{lang|ky-Latn|Efreytor}}<br />([[Kyrgyz Army]])<ref name="Kyrgyzstan">{{cite web |title=Кыргыз Республикасынын жарандарынын жалпыга бирдей аскердик милдети жөнүндө, аскердик жана альтернативдик кызматтар жөнүндө |url=http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ky-kg/202536 |website=cbd.minjust.gov.kg/ |publisher=Ministry of Justice (Kyrgyzstan) |access-date=3 June 2021 |language=ky |date=9 February 2009}}</ref>
File:Tajikistan-Army-OR-4.png|{{lang|tg|Ефрейтор}}<br />{{lang|tg-Latn|Efreytor}}<br />([[Tajik Ground Forces]])<ref name="Tajikistan">{{cite web |title=ҚОНУНИ ҶУМҲУРИИ ТОҶИКИСТОН ДАР БОРАИ ЎҲДАДОРИИ УМУМИИ ҲАРБӢ ВА ХИЗМАТИ ҲАРБӢ |url=https://majmilli.tj/%D2%9B%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%83%D0%BD%D0%B8-%D2%B7%D1%83%D0%BC%D2%B3%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B8-%D1%82%D0%BE%D2%B7%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B8-35/ |website=majmilli.tj |publisher=The National Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan |access-date=2 June 2021 |language=tg |date=13 April 2017}}</ref>
</gallery>

==Switzerland==
{{Main|Swiss army ranks}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[German Army (German Empire)#Ranks of the Imperial German Army|Ranks of the Imperial German Army]]
* [[Military ranks of the German Empire]]
* [[World War II German Army ranks and insignia]]
* [[World War II German Army ranks and insignia]]
* [[Rank insignia of the German armed forces]]
* [[Rank insignia of the German armed forces]]
* [[Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted]]
* [[Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted]]
* [[History of Russian military ranks]]


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}{{German military ranks}}
<references/>

{{German military ranks}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


Revision as of 18:15, 25 May 2024

Gefreiter ([ɡəˈfraɪ̯tɐ], abbr. Gefr.; plural Gefreite, English: private, in the military context) is a German, Swiss and Austrian military rank that has existed since the 16th century. It is usually the second rank or grade to which an enlisted soldier, airman or sailor could be promoted.[1][2]

The word has also been lent into the Russian language yefreytor (Russian: ефрейтор) and is in use in several Russian and post-Soviet militaries.

History

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

Historically the military rank of Gefreiter (female and plural form: Gefreite)[3] emerged in 16th-century Europe for the German Landsknechte foot soldiers,[4] predominantly made up of German and Swiss mercenary pikemen and supporting infantry foot soldiers.[5][6][7][8] Those soldiers who proved especially reliable and experienced were appointed to gefreyten Knechten (exempted/freed servants/soldiers; a cognate to 'knight') and were installed in critical battlefield positions; along with their extra rank privileges they were exempted in general from sentry duties.[1][5][6][9][10][11][12]

From the 18th century, Gefreite were the first line members of a military company, and every Gefreiter led and commanded a section or squad of Gemeine[13] (ordinary-rank soldiers). The rank existed in the cavalry, infantry, pioneers, and artillery where Gefreiter rank received a greater rank-class status.[5][6] Gefreiter was the only enlisted rank until 1918 within the Royal Prussian Army and respectively the imperial army of the German Empire to which an exceptional enlisted soldier could be promoted on the recommendation of the Hauptmann (Captain) or Rittmeister (Cavalry-Master otherwise Captain) and ultimately endorsed by the Regiments-Commandeur (Regimental Colonel), with exception of the rank Obergefreiter (since 1859) in the foot artillery which later replaced the artillery Bombardier (Corporal) rank.[5] The Gefreiter rank was also considered a transition rank for promotion to and wherefrom replacements were selected to the Unteroffizier (Corporal)[14] rank.[5] Within the Royal Prussian Army and respectively the imperial army of the German Empire, the rank Gefreiter was a deputy to the Unteroffizier (Corporal), and were distinguished by the wearing of an Auszeichnungsknopf (award button) known as the Gefreitenknopf (Gefreiter button) on each side of their uniform collar, similar to the slightly larger rank collar side-buttons worn by both the Sergeant and Feldwebel ranks.[5]

In the Royal Prussian Army until its reorganization after 1806, there existed along with Gefreiter the rank of Gefreite-Korporale[5] who wore a silver Portepee (sword lanyard). These were officer cadets specifically selected for higher advancement, they stood equal with their officer cadet counterpart the Portepee-Fähnriche.[5] The Gefreite-Korporale was a rank that also existed along with Gefreiter in the Austrian Army during the Thirty Years' War.[5]

From the 1920s the German rank of Gefreiter has expanded into several additional ranks and duties, those being Obergefreiter (Senior Lance Corporal otherwise Second Corporal in the Prussian Army since 1859); Hauptgefreiter (Leading Lance Corporal in the Luftwaffe during 1935–1944, the Kriegsmarine during 1938–1945, and the Heer from 1955); Stabsgefreiter (Staff Lance Corporal in the Reichswehr since 1927, the Kriegsmarine until 1945, the Luftwaffe from 1944 temporarily replacing Hauptgefreiter rank); and Oberstabsgefreiter (Senior Staff Lance Corporal in the Kriegsmarine since 1940, not in the Heer or Luftwaffe until 1996). All Gefreiter ranks are now in use with the German army, air force, and navy.

The female form, Gefreite, is not used by the military; the formal address is Frau Gefreiter.[15]

Austria

Gefreiter
Cap insignia
Service and field insignia
AbbreviationGfr
Rank groupCharges
Non-NATO rankOR-2[16]
Formation1857
Next higher rankKorporal
Next lower rankRekrut

Gefreiter (abbr. Gfr) is a military rank of the Austrian Bundesheer. It is officially translated as Lance corporal.[17]

Austro-Hungarian Army

See also: Rank insignia of the Austro-Hungarian Army and Adjustierung

In the Austro-Hungarian Army (1867–1918), Gefreiter (Hungarian: Őrvezetö) corresponded to Patrouilleführer and Vormeister. It was used by the Kaiserjäger as well as the Feldjäger, Standschützen troops, cavalry, medical corps, and infantry.

Then rank insignia was a single white celluloid-star on the stand-up collar of the so-called Waffenrock (tunic) on gorget patch (German: Paroli). Stand-up collar and background of the gorget patch showed a particular egalisation colour.

Junior rank
Soldat (Honvéd)
Rank insignias of the Austro-Hungarian armed forces
Gefreiter
Patrouilleführer
Vormeister 		Senior rank
Korporal
Rank insignia
Desigahntion Austrian k.u.k. Army enlisted men
insignia
description Patrouilleführer Gefreiter Vormeister
k.u.k. Mountain
troops 		k.u.k.
Rifles 		Machine-gun
units 		Infantry
IR 7
branch Rifles Cavalry Infantry Military
engineering 		Artillery
(equivalent) (Rifle 1st class) (Private 1st class) (Gunner 1st class)

Gefreiter in adjustation of the infantry[clarification needed]

  • IR 7
    IR 7
  • IR 25
    IR 25
  • IR 33
    IR 33
  • IR 37
    IR 37
  • IR 41
    IR 41
  • IR 50
    IR 50
  • IR 62
    IR 62
  • IR 69
    IR 69
  • IR 77
    IR 77
  • IR 87
    IR 87
  • IR 92
    IR 92
  • IR 99
    IR 99
  • IR 101
    IR 101

Germany

Bundeswehr

Gefreiter
Heer shoulder and Marine sleeve insignia
Country Germany
Service branch
AbbreviationGefr.
RankGerman enlisted rank
NATO rank codeOR-2
Non-NATO rankE-2
Formation1955
Next higher rankObergefreiter
Next lower rank

Gefreiter (abbr. Gefr. or G.) is the second enlisted rank grade within the modern-day Army (Heer), Air Force (Luftwaffe) and Navy (Marine) of the Bundeswehr.[18] Following the NATO ranking system, Gefreiter equates to OR-2 on the NATO-standard rank scale, the rank is thus equivalent to either private, private first class, vice corporal or corporal rank depending on the chosen NATO-allied force used for the comparison.[2] It is grade A4 in the pay scale of the Federal Ministry of Defence.

The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in this particular group is as follows:

In line with Bundeswehr rank advancement conditions, enlisted personnel OR-1 may be promoted to OR-2 level after passing primary recruit training (usually after three months) to the rank of Gefreiter.

Junior rank
Soldat

(German enlisted rank)
Gefreiter

Senior rank
Obergefreiter

Wehrmacht

Throughout the periods of the Royal Prussian Army, Imperial Army of the German Empire, the Reichswehr and the FRG Wehrmacht, the rank of Gefreiter was considered the equivalent to a junior lance corporal rank, with Obergefreiter as senior lance corporal or rather second corporal in the artillery, and a full corporal rank known as Unteroffizier[14] (subordinate non-commissioned officer) which replaced the Korporal rank from 1856. Within the army branch of the FRG Wehrmacht, a rank of Oberschütze (senior rifleman) once existed between the ranks of Gefreiter and Schütze/Soldat ("[enlisted] ordinary-rank rifleman/soldier"). A Gefreiter was considered an "exempted man", who was not normally assigned more menial duties, such as guard detail. A soldier promoted to Gefreiter was seen as showing some promise of leadership capability, while those who did not were promoted to Oberschütze.

"Bohemian corporal"

The best-known holder of the rank of Gefreiter was Adolf Hitler, who held the rank in the Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment 16 of the Royal Bavarian Army during World War I.

"Bohemian corporal" was a derogatory term used (privately) in World War II for Adolf Hitler by German generals (many of whom were Prussian aristocrats) dissatisfied with Hitler's military leadership and detailed control such as Gerd von Rundstedt, Erich von Manstein and Friedrich Paulus. Rundstedt said often during and after the war, "Without Hitler's consent, I can't even move my own sentry from my front door around to the back!" Wilhelm Keitel once asked Hitler, "Do you realise that Rundstedt called you a Bohemian corporal?" Hitler replied, "Yes, but he is the best field marshal I have". Von Rundstedt used the term dieser böhmische Gefreiter, which he had gotten in the 1930s from a World War I hero, German President Paul von Hindenburg. Hindenburg, who took an instant mutual dislike to Hitler on their first meeting, mistook Hitler's home town of Braunau in Austria (Braunau am Inn) for another town of the same name (Broumov, German: Braunau) in Bohemia and initially said "Austrian corporal" but later used "Bohemian corporal", which was a pejorative term, as he regarded Bohemians as "essentially gypsies", unlike the more cultured Prussians or even Austrians.[19]

Final ranks to enlisted men until 1945
Waffen-SS Heer (Army) Luftwaffe (Air Force) Kriegsmarine (Navy)
SS-Schütze Schütze Flieger Matrose
SS-Oberschütze Oberschütze
SS-Sturmmann Gefreiter Matrosengefreiter
SS-Rottenführer Obergefreiter Matrosenobergefreiter
No equivalent Hauptgefreiter Matrosenhauptgefreiter
No equivalent Stabsgefreiter Matrosenstabsgefreiter
No equivalent Matrosenoberstabsgefreiter

Russia

Yefreytor
Army and Air Force shoulder insignia
Country Russia
Service branch Russian Ground Forces
 Russian Air Force
RankTable of ranks
Non-NATO rankOR-4
Formation1716 in the Imperial Russian Army
Next higher rankMladshy serzhant
Next lower rankRyadovoy

Yefreytor (Russian: ефрейтор) is a German loanword in Russian and denotes a similar rank in the Russian army.

In Russia, the rank of yefreytor was introduced by Peter I in 1716 to the infantry, cavalry and engineer forces. The rank was not used after 1722. During the reign of Paul I it was made an equivalent rank to private, which after the reign of Alexander I was used only for the Imperial Guard. Yefreytor was re-introduced in the course of the military reforms of 1826.

In the armed forces of the Soviet Union (and later the Russian Federation) yefreytor is the highest rank of enlisted personnel. According to NATO-rank system the rank might be comparable to OR-4 in Anglophone armed forces.[20]

Sequence of ranks
junior rank:
Ryadovoy

Yefreytor 		senior rank:
Junior sergeant

Rank insignia

Imperial Russian Army

  • Epaulette Yefreytor of the 3rd Lancer Smolensk Emperor Alexander III Regiment (1908)
    Epaulette Yefreytor of the 3rd Lancer Smolensk Emperor Alexander III Regiment
    (1908)
  • Shoulder insignia Yefreytor to Imperial Russian Army (until 1917)
    Shoulder insignia Yefreytor to Imperial Russian Army
    (until 1917)
  • Pogon Yefreytor (lance corporal) of the Russian Life Guards Uhlan Regiment (1914)
    Pogon Yefreytor (lance corporal) of the Russian Life Guards Uhlan Regiment
    (1914)

Red Army (RA) and Soviet Armed Forces (SA)

Russian Armed Forces

  • Kursant Service uniform with OR-3 rank yefreytor of the Air Force or Airborne Troops (1994–2010)
    Kursant Service uniform with OR-3 rank yefreytor of the Air Force or Airborne Troops
    (1994–2010)
  • Service uniform yefreytor of the Army and SMF (1994−2010)
    Service uniform yefreytor
    of the Army and SMF
    (1994−2010)
  • Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches (1994—2010)
    Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches
    (1994—2010)
  • Service uniform yefreytor of the Army (2010−present)
    Service uniform yefreytor of the Army
    (2010−present)
  • Service uniform yefreytor of the Air Force (2010−present)
    Service uniform yefreytor of the Air Force
    (2010−present)
  • Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches (2010—present)
    Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches
    (2010—present)

Other uses of Yefreytor

Switzerland

Main article: Swiss army ranks

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Duden; Definition of Gefreiter, in German. [1]
  2. ^ a b Official Website (Bundeswehr): Dienstgrade und Uniformen der Bundeswehr (Service Ranks and Uniforms of the German Federal Defence Forces), in German. [2]
  3. ^ "Gefreite". Duden (in German). Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  4. ^ "Landsknecht, der". Duden. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ersch, Johann Samuel; Gruber, Johann Gottfried (1852). "Section 1: A–G". Gefreiter. Allgemeine Encyclopädie der Wissenschaften und Künste [Universal Encyclopaedia of the Sciences and Arts] (in German). Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus. pp. 471–472.
  6. ^ a b c Lünig, Johann Christian (1723). Corpus Juris Militaris Des Heiliges Römisches Reich [Military Law of the Holy Roman Empire] (in German). Vol. 2. Leipzig.
  7. ^ Miller, Douglas (1976). The Landsknechts. Great Britain: Osprey. ISBN 0850452589.
  8. ^ Richards, John (2002). Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560. Great Britain: Osprey. ISBN 1841762431.
  9. ^ Mackensen, Lutz. Vom Ursprung der Wörter. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache.
  10. ^ "Notes and Queries". Oxford University Press. 3 June 1880 – via Google Books.
  11. ^ Carruthers, Bob (30 June 2015). Hitler's Violent Youth: How Trench Warfare and Street Fighting Moulded Hitler. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473833517 – via Google Books.
  12. ^ Carruthers, Bob (30 June 2015). Hitler's Propaganda Pilgrimage. Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781473833500 – via Google Books.
  13. ^ "Gemeine, der". Duden. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Korporal, der". Duden. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  15. ^ "VSB-Statement 'weibliche Dienstgrade'". Verband der Soldaten der Bundeswehr. Archived from the original on August 5, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  16. ^ "Rank Insignias". bundesheer.at. Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  17. ^ bundesheer.
  18. ^ Brockhaus, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 8: 3-7653-3668-8, page 231; definition "Gefreiter".
  19. ^ Margaritis, Peter (2019). Countdown to D-Day: The German perspective. Oxford, UK & Pennsylvania, USA: Casemate. pp. xv, 33. ISBN 978-1-61200-769-4.
  20. ^ NATO (2010). STANAG 2116 NATO (6th ed.). Brussels, Belgium: NATO Standardization Agency. p. D-1.
  21. ^ "ԶԻՆՎՈՐԱԿԱՆ ԾԱՌԱՅՈՒԹՅԱՆ ԵՎ ԶԻՆԾԱՌԱՅՈՂԻ ԿԱՐԳԱՎԻՃԱԿԻ ՄԱՍԻՆ". arlis.am (in Armenian). Legal information system of Armenia. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  22. ^ "Указ Президента Республики Беларусь от 21.07.2009 N 388 "О военной форме одежды, знаках различия по воинским званиям и внесении дополнений в Указ Президента Республики Беларусь от 9 июня 2006 г. N 383"". pravo.levonevsky.org/ (in Russian). Government of Belarus. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  23. ^ "ЗАКОН ЗА ОТБРАНАТА И ВЪОРЪЖЕНИТЕ СИЛИ НА РЕПУБЛИКА БЪЛГАРИЯ". lex.bg (in Bulgarian). Глава седма. ВОЕННА СЛУЖБА. 12 May 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2021.
  24. ^ "Қазақстан Республикасының Қарулы Күштері, басқа да әскерлері мен әскери құралымдары әскери қызметшілерінің әскери киім нысаны және айырым белгілері туралы". adilet.zan.kz (in Kazakh). Ministry of Justice (Kazakhstan). 25 August 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Кыргыз Республикасынын жарандарынын жалпыга бирдей аскердик милдети жөнүндө, аскердик жана альтернативдик кызматтар жөнүндө". cbd.minjust.gov.kg/ (in Kyrgyz). Ministry of Justice (Kyrgyzstan). 9 February 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  26. ^ "ҚОНУНИ ҶУМҲУРИИ ТОҶИКИСТОН ДАР БОРАИ ЎҲДАДОРИИ УМУМИИ ҲАРБӢ ВА ХИЗМАТИ ҲАРБӢ". majmilli.tj (in Tajik). The National Assembly of the Republic of Tajikistan. 13 April 2017. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
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