View source for Feldwebel

{{Short description|Non-commissioned officer rank}}
{{Italic title}}
'''''{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} ''''' ('''Fw''' or '''F''', {{literally|field usher}}) is a [[non-commissioned officer]] (NCO) rank in several countries. The rank originated in Germany, and is also used in Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and Estonia. The rank has also been used in Russia, Austria-Hungary, occupied Serbia and Bulgaria.

''{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}'' is a contraction of {{lang|de|Feld}} meaning 'field' and {{lang|de|Weibel}}, an archaic word meaning 'usher'. {{lang|de|Weibel}} comes from the [[Old High German]] {{lang|de|weibôn}}, meaning to go back and forth (as in 'wobble').

There are variations on {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}, such as ''[[Oberstabsfeldwebel]]'' ('Superior Staff Field Usher'), which is the highest non-commissioned rank in the German army and air force.

== {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} in different languages ==
The rank is used in several countries: {{langx|sv|fältväbel}}, {{langx|ru|фельдфебель|fel'dfebel'}}, {{langx|bg|фелдфебел|feldfebel}}, {{langx|fi|vääpeli}} and {{langx|et|veebel}}.

In Swiss German the spelling {{lang|de|Feldweibel}} is used.

== {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} in different countries and armed forces ==

===Austria===
{{see also|Rank insignia of the Austro-Hungarian Army}}
'''''{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}''''' was a typical infantry [[military rank|rank]] of the [[Austro-Hungarian Army|k.u.k. Austro-Hungarian Army]] (1867–1918). It might have been comparable to NCO-rank OR8.<ref name="NATO2">The abbreviation "OR" stands for ''"Other Ranks / fr: sous-officiers et militaires du rang / ru:другие ранги, кроме офицероф"''</ref>/ ''Company Sergeant-major'' ranks in the British Army.

In the k.u.k. Austro-Hungarian Army '''''{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}''''' was equivalent to:
*{{Lang|de|Beschlagmeister I. Klasse}} (Master-Blacksmith 1st class) cavalry,
*''[[Feuerwerker]]'' (Master-Sergeant, {{Lit|fire worker}}) artillery,
*''[[Oberjaeger]]'' (Master-Sergeant) of the mountain troops and rifles,
*{{Lang|de|Rechnungs-Unteroffizier I. Klasse}} (Fiscal sergeant 1st class),
*{{Lang|de|Regimentshornist}} (Regimental bugler), 
*{{Lang|de|Regimentstambour}} (Regimental drummer), 
*''[[Wachtmeister]]'' (Master-Sergeant) cavalry,
*{{Lang|de|Waffenmeister I. Klasse}} (Weapon master 1st class) artillery and weapon arsenal,
**{{Lang|de|Einjährig-Freiwilliger-Feldwebel}} (Master-Sergeant – volunteer serving one year), and 
**{{Lang|de|Kadett-Feldwebel}} (Cadet-Master-Sergeant).

The rank insignia was a [[Gorget patches|gorget patch]] on the stand-up collar of the so-called ''[[Waffenrock]]'' (tunic), and consisted of three white stars on 13&nbsp;mm ragged yellow silk [[galloon]]. The gorget patch and the stand-up collar showed the particular [[Waffenfarbe (Austria)|''Waffenfarbe'']] (corps colour).

;Examples (selection): 
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!Designation || colspan=5 |'''Non-commissioned officers OR8/''' {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} '''ranks'''
|- align="center"
!
! rowspan=3 | [[File:K.u.k. Feuerwerker.PNG|120px]]
! rowspan=3 | [[File:K.u.k. Wachtmeister.png|120px]]
! rowspan=3 | [[File:Oberjäger k.k. Gebrigstruppe 1907-18.png|120px]]
! rowspan=3 | [[File:K.u.k. Feldwebel.png|120px]]
! rowspan=3 | [[File:Feldwebel des k.u.k. Militärwachkorps.png|120px]]
|- align="center"
! rowspan=1 |Rank insignia
|- align="center"
!
|- align="center"
! style="background:#ff8800; color:black;"| Rank description
| colspan=1 | {{Lang|de|Feuerwerker}}
| colspan=1 | {{Lang|de|Wachtmeister}}
| colspan=1 | {{Lang|de|Oberjäger}}
| colspan=2 | {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}
|- align="center"
| Branch
| [[Artillery]] || [[Cavalry]] || Mountain<br />infantry || [[Infantry]] || {{Lang|de|Militärwachkorps}}
|- align="center"
|
|colspan=5 bgcolor="#CCCCCC"|
|- align="center"
| (English)
| <small>(Artillery Master-Sergeant)</small>
| <small>(Cavalry Master-Sergeant)</small>
| <small>(Rifle Master-Sergeant)</small>
| <small>(Master-Sergeant)</small>
| <small>(Master-Sergeant mil. guards)</small>
|- align="center"
|}

===Bulgaria===
In the [[Bulgarian army]], {{Lang|bg|фелдфебел}} (pronounced {{Lang|bg-latn|feldfebel}}) existed from the late 19th century to the late 1940s, when the German-type military organization was phased out in favor of a new doctrine, identical to the Soviet one.

===Estonia===
The Estonian rank of {{Lang|et|[[veebel]]}} is derived from the name of the German rank {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}.

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;"
! NATO code||colspan=2| OR-9||OR-8||OR-7||OR-6
|- style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"
! Estonian
| {{lang|et|Ülemveebel}}
| {{lang|et|Staabiveebel}}
| {{lang|et|Vanemveebel}}
| {{lang|et|[[Veebel]]}}
| {{lang|et|Nooremveebel}}
|-style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| '''{{army|Estonia}}'''<ref name="Estonia_Army">{{cite web |title=Sümboolika: Maaväe Auastmed |url=https://mil.ee/kaitsevagi/kaitsevae-symboolika/#t-maavae-auastmed |website=mil.ee |publisher=Estonian Defence Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=et}}</ref>
| [[File:Estonia-Army-OR-9b.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Army-OR-9a.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Army-OR-8.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Army-OR-7.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Army-OR-6.svg|50px]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
| Sergeant major of the Land Forces
| [[Sergeant major]]
| [[Master sergeant]]
| [[Sergeant first class]]
| [[Staff sergeant]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| '''{{navy|Estonia}}'''<ref name="Estonia_Navy">{{cite web |title=Sümboolika: Mereväe Auastmed |url=https://mil.ee/kaitsevagi/kaitsevae-symboolika/#t-merevae-auastmed |website=mil.ee |publisher=Estonian Defence Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=et}}</ref>
| [[File:Estonia-Navy-OR-9b.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Navy-OR-9a.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Navy-OR-8.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Navy-OR-7.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Estonia-Navy-OR-6.svg|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Master chief petty officer of the Navy
| [[Master chief petty officer]]
| [[Senior chief petty officer]]
| [[Chief petty officer|Chief petty officer 1st class]]
| [[Chief petty officer|Chief petty officer 2nd class]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| '''{{air force|Estonia}}'''<ref name="Estonia_AirForce">{{cite web |title=Sümboolika: Õhuväe Auastmed |url=https://mil.ee/kaitsevagi/kaitsevae-symboolika/#t-ohuvae-auastmed |website=mil.ee |publisher=Estonian Defence Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=et}}</ref>
| [[File:Õhuväeülemveebel.png|50px]]
| [[File:Õhuväestbveebel.png|50px]] 
| [[File:Õhuväevanemveebel.png|50px]]
| [[File:Õhuväeveebel.png|50px]]
| [[File:Õhuväenooremveebel.png|50px]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
| Chief master sergeant of the Air Force
| [[Chief master sergeant]]
| [[Senior master sergeant]]
| [[Master sergeant]]
| [[Technical sergeant]]
|- style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"
! Estonian
| {{lang|et|Ülemveebel}}
| {{lang|et|Staabiveebel}}
| {{lang|et|Vanemveebel}}
| {{lang|et|[[Veebel]]}}
| {{lang|et|Nooremveebel}}
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;"
! NATO code||colspan=2| OR-9||OR-8||OR-7||OR-6
|}

===Finland===

The [[Finnish Defence Force]] uses the ranks of {{Lang|fi|vääpeli}} and {{Lang|fi|ylivääpeli}} which are the third and second highest NCO ranks, respectively. {{Lang|fi|Vääpeli}} is also the highest rank that can be awarded to a female non-conscript NCO who has not completed the volunteer female military service (equivalent to the male conscription service). The [[Finnish Navy]]'s equivalent rank is {{Lang|fi|pursimies}} ({{Translation|'[[boatswain]]'}}).<ref>{{cite book |author=Pääesikunta |date=2016 |title=Yleinen palvelusohjesääntö |trans-title=General regulations of service |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/documents/1948673/2258487/PEVIESTOS_YLPALVO+2017/3684dac2-c7ac-4d93-b792-34649f6e2f5d/PEVIESTOS_YLPALVO+2017.pdf |isbn=9789512528240|language=Finnish|page=11}}</ref>

In addition, the Finnish Defence Force uses ''{{Lang|fi|vääpeli}}'' to indicate an NCO position (which might or might not be occupied by an NCO of the rank ''{{Lang|fi|vääpeli}}'') subordinate to the company commander. The unit's ''{{Lang|fi|vääpeli}}'' is in charge of the company's [[personnel management]] as well as supply, provisioning and maintenance, including the maintenance of the premises inhabited by the unit. They are also responsible for maintaining the general order, discipline and unit cohesion.<ref>{{cite book |author=Pääesikunta |date=2016 |title=Yleinen palvelusohjesääntö |trans-title=General regulations of service |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/documents/1948673/2258487/PEVIESTOS_YLPALVO+2017/3684dac2-c7ac-4d93-b792-34649f6e2f5d/PEVIESTOS_YLPALVO+2017.pdf |isbn=9789512528240|language=Finnish|pages=28–29}}</ref> The company's ''{{Lang|fi|vääpeli}}'' is the lowest-ranking FDF position that can conduct a preliminary investigation into suspected service-related crimes. Their powers with regard to punishment are limited to conscripts, who they can punish with either a warning or up to six hours of extra duties.<ref>Laki sotilaskurinpidosta ja rikostorjunnasta puolustusvoimissa (28.3.2014/255) [''Act on Military Discipline and Combating Crime in the Defence Forces''] (in Finnish).</ref>

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background-color:#CCCCCC; text-align:center;"
! Rank group ||colspan=2| Non-commissioned officer
|-style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=2| '''{{army|Finland}}'''<ref name="Finland">{{cite web |title=Sotilasarvot Puolustusvoimissa |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sotilasarvot |website=puolustusvoimat.fi |publisher=Finnish Defence Forces |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=fi}}</ref>
| [[File:Ylivääpeli M05.svg|50px]]
| [[File:Vääpeli M05.svg|50px]]
|-style="text-align:center;"
| {{lang|fi|Ylivääpeli}}<br />{{lang|sv|Överfältväbel}}
| {{lang|fi|Vääpeli}}<br />{{lang|sv|[[Fältväbel]]}}
|}

=== Germany ===

==== German {{Lang|de|Bundeswehr}} ====
{{Infobox military rank
| name           = {{lang|de|Feldwebel}}
| image          = {{nowrap|[[File:HD H 31 Feldwebel Art.svg|75px]] [[File:LD B 31 Feldwebel.svg|75px]]}}
| caption        = ''Heer'' and ''Luftwaffe'' shoulder insignia
| image2         =
| image3         =
| caption2       =
| country        = {{flag|Germany}}
| service branch = {{army|Germany}}<br />{{air force|Germany}}
| abbreviation   = Fw
| rank           = [[Unteroffiziere mit Portepee]] grade<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/slv_2002/__18.html|title=§ 18 SLV - Einzelnorm|website=www.gesetze-im-internet.de|access-date=2020-05-06|archive-date=2019-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093826/https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/slv_2002/__18.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| NATO rank      = OR-6
| pay grade      = A7
| formation      = 1957
| abolished      =
| higher rank    = ''[[Oberfeldwebel]]''
| lower rank     = ''[[Stabsunteroffizier]]''
| equivalents    = ''[[Bootsmann]]''
| history        =
}}

In the modern German {{Lang|de|[[Bundeswehr]]}}, {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} is considered a senior NCO, due in part to the large number of corporal positions which exist as junior grades.

The modern {{Lang|de|Bundeswehr}} NCO grades are as follows:
*Junior NCOs ({{Langx|de|Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee|links=no}}) – {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}}, {{Lang|de|[[Stabsunteroffizier]]}} (NATO-Rank Code OR 5a, 5c)
*{{Lang|de|Fähnrich}} ranks: {{Lang|de|[[Fahnenjunker]]}} (OR-5b), {{Lang|de|[[Fähnrich]]}} (OR-6b) and {{Lang|de|[[Oberfähnrich]]}} (OR-7) are ranks only held by [[Officer aspirant]]s (OA)  ([[Officer candidate]] or [[Officer Designate]])
*{{Lang|de|[[Portepeeunteroffizier]]}} (Senior NCOs)

The sequence of ranks (top-down approach) in that particular group (''NCOs with portepee or Senior NCOs with portepee'') is as follows:
*OR-9: {{Lang|de|[[Oberstabsfeldwebel]]}} / {{Lang|de|[[Oberstabsbootsmann]]}}
*OR-8: {{Lang|de|[[Stabsfeldwebel]]}} / {{Lang|de|[[Stabsbootsmann]]}}
*OR-7: {{Lang|de|[[Hauptfeldwebel]]}} / {{Lang|de|[[Hauptbootsmann]]}}
*OR-6a: {{Lang|de|[[Oberfeldwebel]]}} / {{Lang|de|[[Oberbootsmann]]}}
*OR-6b: {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} / {{Lang|de|[[Bootsmann]]}}

====19th century and {{Lang|de|Kaiserreich}}====
{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} gained its widest usage under the German military beginning from the early 19th century. The highest-ranking [[Unteroffiziere mit Portepee|non-commissioned officer]] until 1918, the Feldwebel acted as [[Company Sergeant Major]]. By contrast with some other countries, the position and duty of [[Regimental Sergeant Major]] never existed in Germany.

From 1877 veteran NCOs could be promoted to the rank of {{Lang|de|Feldwebel-Leutnant}}. This Army [[military reserves|Reserve]] officer ranked with the [[Commissioned officer|Commissioned Officer]]s, but was always inferior to the lowest {{Lang|de|[[Leutnant]]}}.

From 1887 the {{Lang|de|Offizierstellvertreter}} (Deputy Officer) ranked as a kind of [[Warrant Officer]] (more NCO than officer) between {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} and the commissioned officers.

There were three further NCO ranks: {{Lang|de|Vizefeldwebel}} (Vice {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}, senior NCO), {{Lang|de|Sergeant}} (junior NCO) and {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}} (Lance Sergeant or Corporal, junior NCO). The {{Lang|de|[[Gefreiter]]}} was not an NCO as he had no powers of authority, and was a higher grade of private soldier.

===={{Lang|de|Reichswehr}} and {{Lang|de|Wehrmacht}}====
After [[World War I]], in the German {{Lang|de|[[Reichswehr]]}} and {{Lang|de|[[Wehrmacht]]}}, the {{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} rank group was divided into several grades:

*{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} (deputy), in the meaning of [[platoon sergeant]],
*{{Lang|de|[[Oberfeldwebel]]}} (platoon sergeant, possible appointment to {{Lang|de|[[Hauptfeldwebel]]}} (in the meaning of [[company sergeant major]]),
*{{Lang|de|[[Stabsfeldwebel]]}} (special rank reserved for 25-year volunteers only).

{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}} and above were {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere mit Portepee]]}} (Senior NCOs); {{Lang|de|Unterfeldwebel}} and {{Lang|de|Unteroffiziere}} were {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee]]}} (Junior NCOs). In 1921, the rank of {{Lang|de|Sergeant}} was renamed {{Lang|de|Unterfeldwebel}}. {{Lang|de|Unterfeldwebel}}s did duty as squad/section leaders.

The {{Lang|de|Stabsfeldwebel}} rank was reserved for those who had enlisted for 25 year terms of service in the pre-war German military and those who were enlisted for shorter terms were not eligible to hold this rank.

The appointment of ''[[Hauptfeldwebel (appointment)|Hauptfeldwebel]]'' (Company sergeant major/First sergeant) could be held by {{Lang|de|Stabsfeldwebel}}s or {{Lang|de|Oberfeldwebel}}s only. NCOs of a lower rank ({{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}, {{Lang|de|Unterfeldwebel}}, {{Lang|de|Unteroffizier}}) holding this position were titled {{Lang|de|Hauptfeldwebeldiensttuer}} (i.e. acting {{Lang|de|Hauptfeldwebel}}).

=====Rank insignia {{Lang|de|Wehrmacht}} until 1945=====
{{see also|Ranks and insignia of the German Army (1935–1945)|Ranks and insignia of the Waffen-SS}}
In the German Wehrmacht {{lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee]]}} ({{translation|junior NCO grades}}) and {{lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere mit Portepee]]}} ({{translation|senior NCO grades}}) were rank insignia as follows.

{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! colspan=6| Rank insignia {{lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]e}}
|- style="text-align:center; background:#efefef;"
| '''Rank group'''
| colspan=3| '''{{lang|de|Unteroffiziere mit Portepee}}'''
| colspan=2| '''{{lang|de|Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee}}'''
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Shoulder insignia
| [[File:WMacht H OR8 StFw Inf.svg|50px]]
| [[File:WMacht H OR7 OFw Inf.svg|50px]]
| [[File:WMacht H OR6 Fw Inf.svg|50px]]
| [[File:WMacht H OR5a UFw Inf.svg|50px]]
| [[File:WMacht H OR5b Uffz Inf.svg|50px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Camouflage suit sleeve
| [[File:StFw Stuscha OR8 cam slv 1945.svg|100px]]
| [[File:OFw Hscha OR7 cam slv 1945.svg|100px]]
| [[File:Fw Oscha OR6 cam slv 1945.svg|100px]]
| [[File:UFw Scha OR5a cam slv 1945.svg|100px]]
| [[File:Uffz Uscha OR5b cam slv 1945.svg|100px]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Army
| {{lang|de|[[Stabsfeldwebel]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Oberfeldwebel]]}}
| {{lang|de|'''Feldwebel'''}}
| {{lang|de|[[Unterfeldwebel]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| colspan=6| {{hr}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Cavalry and artillery
| {{lang|de|[[Stabswachtmeister]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Oberwachtmeister]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Wachtmeister]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Unterwachtmeister]]}}
| {{lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| colspan=6| {{hr}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| Waffen–SS
| {{lang|de|SS–[[Sturmscharführer]]}}
| {{lang|de|SS–[[Hauptscharführer]]}}
| {{lang|de|SS–[[Oberscharführer]]}}
| {{lang|de|SS–[[Scharführer]]}}
| {{lang|de|SS–[[Unterscharführer]]}}
|}

====Rank insignia GDR National People's Army until 1990====
In the [[GDR|German Democratic Republic]] [[National People's Army]] {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere ohne Portepee]]}} (junior NCO grades) were replaced by {{Lang|de|Unteroffiziere volunteer}}, and {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffiziere mit Portepee]]}} (senior NCO grades) were called {{Lang|de|Unteroffiziere profesional}}. The shoulder board rank insignia were as follows.
{|align=center class=wikitable width=35%
!colspan=5 style="background:#bfbfbf"| '''Rank insignia {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]e}}''' [[shoulder board]] 
|-
!colspan=2 style="background:#dfdfdf"| {{Lang|de|Unteroffiziere volunteer}}
!colspan=3 style="background:#afafaf"| {{Lang|de|Unteroffiziere profesional}}
|-
! {{Lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}} !! {{Lang|de|[[Unterfeldwebel]]}}
! <span style="color:#FF0000;">'''<big>{{Lang|de|Feldwebel}}</big>'''</span>
! {{Lang|de|[[Oberfeldwebel]]}} !!colspan=2| {{Lang|de|[[Stabsfeldwebel]]}}

|-align="center"
| style="background:#FF99CC"| <small>Armoured troops</small>
| style="background:#00a068"| <small>Border troops</small>
| style="background:black; color:white;"|<small> Military engineering </small>
| style="background:#FBBA00"| <small>Signal corps</small>
| style="background:#dd1111; color:white;"| <small>Missile troops and artillery</small>
|-align="center"
| [[File:GDR Army OR5b Unteroffizier Pz.png|50px]] || [[File:GDR Border Troops OR5a Unterfeldwebel.gif|60px]]
| [[File:GDR Army OR6 Feldwebel.gif|60px]] || [[File:GDR Army OR7 Oberfeldwebel.gif|60px]] || [[File:GDR Army OR8 Stabsfeldwebel.gif|60px]] 
|-align="center"
! OR-5b !! OR-5a !! OR-6 !! OR-7 !! OR-8
|}
{{clear}}

===Russia===
The rank of '''{{lang|ru-latn| feldfebel}}''' ({{Langx|ru| фельдфебель}}; plural: {{lang | ru | фельдфебели}}  {{transliteration | ru | feldfebeli}}) existed in the [[Imperial Russian Army]] from 1722 to 1917. A {{lang|ru-latn| feldfebel}} held the highest non-commissioned officer ({{Lang|de|[[Unteroffizier]]}}, {{Langx|ru|унтер-офицер|unter-ofitser}}) rank from 1722 (the introduction of [[Peter the Great]]'s [[Table of Ranks]]) until 1826 (the introduction of the still-higher {{Lang|de|Unteroffizier}} ranks {{Lang|ru-latn|[[Podpraporshchik]]}} ({{Langx|ru|подпрапорщик}} {{literally|Junior {{Lang|ru-latn|praporschschik}}}} OR-7 and later {{Lang|ru-latn|[[Zauryad-praporshchik]]}} ({{Lang|ru|зауряд-прапорщик}}; {{lit|{{Lang|ru-latn|Praporshchik}} deputy}}) OR-8 in 1884). {{Lang| ru | Feldfebeli}}, even after the introduction of these senior ranks, were usually the most senior non-commissioned officers in a unit and held the positions of the unit's CO senior assistant or {{Lang|ru-latn|[[Starshina]]}} ({{lang|ru|старшина}}; Sergeant Major). When they were promoted to {{lang|ru-latn|Zauryad-praporshchik}} OR-8 or {{lang|ru-latn|Podpraporshchik}} OR-7 ranks, but still held the {{lang|ru-latn|Feldfebel}} OR-6 positions, they were authorized to still wear the {{lang|ru-latn|Feldfebel}}'s bands on their [[shoulder board]]s. The [[cavalry]] equivalent of this rank was the [[Wachtmeister#Russia|'''''vakhtmistr''''']] or '''{{lang|ru-latn|vakhmistr}}''' ({{lang|ru|вахмистр}}, derived from German {{lang|de|[[Wachtmeister]]}}), also OR-6.

Since 1917, Soviet and Russian armies have used the rank of {{Lang|ru-latn| starshina}} as the rough equivalent of the old {{lang|ru-latn| feldfebel}}.

{| class="wikipedia sortable" border="1"
|-
|+ '''Sequence of ranks'''
|-
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#cfcfcf;"| junior rank:<br />[[Senior Sergeant|''Starshy unterofitser'']]
|width="35%" align="center" style="background:#bfbfbf;"|<br />[[File:Lesser Coat of Arms of Russian Empire.svg|30px]][[File:Герб Российского государства.png|30px]] <br />'''{{lang|ru-latn|Feldvebel}}'''<br /><small>({{lang|ru-latn|Wakhtmistr}})</small>
|width="30%" align="center" style="background:#afafaf;"| senior rank:<br />{{lang|ru-latn|[[Podpraporshchik]]}}<br /><small></small>
|}

; Rank insignia:
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:85%; margin: 12px 12px 12px 12px;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
!designation || colspan=8| Rank insignia as to the years 1904-1917
|- align="center"
! [[shoulder board|shoulder<br /> board]]<br />[[epaulette]]<br />
| [[File:1904ir036-p05.png|60px]]
| [[File:1907-gr13-p05.png|60px]]
| [[File:1907ossr11-p05.png|60px]]
| [[File:1908ur03-e05.png|80px]]
| [[File:1911ur03-p05s.png|60px]]
| [[File:1906ossr11-p07.png|60px]]
|- align="center"
! style="background:#ff8800; color:black;" rowspan=1| military<br />rank
| {{lang|ru-latn|Feldfebel}} <br />(1904)
| {{lang|ru-latn|Feldfebel}} <br />(1907)
| {{lang|ru-latn|Feldfebel}} <br />of the Dowager Empress <br />[[Maria Feodorovna (Dagmar of Denmark)|Maria Fyodorovna]]'s <br />11th East Siberian rifle regiment <br />(1904) 
| {{lang|ru-latn|Wakhtmistr}} <br />(1908)
| {{lang|ru-latn|Wakhtmistr}} <br /> long-serving, with a monogram <br />from the 1881 to 1894 reign <br />of Emperor [[Alexander III of Russia|Alexander III]]<br /> (1911)
| {{lang|ru-latn|Podpraporshchik}} <br />on assignment <br />{{lang|ru-latn|Feldvebel}}<br /> (1914)
|}

===Switzerland===
'''{{lang|gsw|Feldweibel}}''' is the lowest rank of higher non-commissioned officers in the Swiss Army. Until the Reform XXI agenda, there were two branches of {{lang|gsw|Feldweibel}}s: technical and company level.

The {{lang|gsw|Feldweibel}} oversees unit-level military service and operations. In 2004, the rank of {{lang|gsw|Hauptfeldweibel}} was introduced. Since then, only technical specialists have remained in the rank of {{lang|gsw|Feldweibel}}.

==See also==
* [[History of Russian military ranks]]
* [[Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Enlisted|Ranks and insignia of NATO Armies Enlisted (Army)]]
* [[Ranks and insignia of NATO]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Sources ==
*BROCKHAUS, Die Enzyklopädie in 24 Bänden (1796–2001), Band 5: 3-7653-3665-3, S. 487, '''''Feldwebel'''''

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

[[Category:Military ranks of Germany]]