Marshal of the GDR was the former general field marshal approximately corresponding a rank in the national People's Army of the GDR. Contrary to the rank general field marshal should give it in each case a carrier. As in the Soviet Union the rank of the Generalissimus to the highest commander only in the Kriegsfall to be lent should, was intended same for the Marshal of the GDR.

With the resolution of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic of 25. March 1982 was introduced the rank of a Marshal of the GDR. In the law gazette it means in addition: "„"… The highest military rank in the German Democratic Republic is Marshal of the GDR. The appointment as the Marshal of the GDR takes place in the state of defense or for unusual military achievements on resolution of the Council of State of the German Democratic Republic via its chairmen. This resolution steps at the 1. May 1982 into force. "“. Law gazette of the GDR - GBl. - 1982, part of I, No. 12, P. 230.

The rank Marshal of the GDR was never assigned. The necessity for the rank would have resulted only in the Kriegsfall, since after planning Warsaw Pact the NVA should place then two independently operating armies and/or groups of armies - contrary to earlier planning of only independent divisions under Soviet supreme command. Since everyone of these two armies would have been kommandiert by an army general (today's general of the German Federal Armed Forces), a rank standing over both army generals should be created - similar to for instance the realm marshal over the general field marshals. In the Kriegsfall should it in addition also police (ministry of the Interior) and secret service (public security) be subordinate, which were likewise led by army generals.

In November 1989 the acting Minister for national defense, admiral Theodor Hoffmann, gave which rank, which he also could never have reached.

See also

Marshal - marshal of France - Marshal of the Soviet Union

Related links

• Klaus H. feather/spring: '' Marshal of the GDR - a rank, no the reached '' (pdf, 602kb)

Sources

Articles in category "Marshal of the GDR"

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