Gefreiter#Yefreytor in Russia and the post-Soviet states

File:Hannoversches Jaegar Bataillon Nr.10.png

Historically, the military rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} (female and plural form: {{lang|de|Gefreite}}){{cite web |work=Duden |title=Gefreite |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gefreite |language=de |access-date=26 September 2023}} emerged in 16th-century Europe for the German {{lang|de|Landsknechte}} foot soldiers.{{cite web|work=Duden|title=Landsknecht, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Landsknecht|access-date=26 September 2023}} These soldiers were predominantly composed of German and Swiss mercenary pikemen and supporting infantry foot soldiers.{{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}}{{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}}{{cite book|title=The Landsknechts |first=Douglas |last=Miller |publisher=Osprey |location=Great Britain |year=1976 |isbn=0850452589}}{{cite book|title=Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560 |first=John |last=Richards |publisher=Osprey |location=Great Britain |year=2002 |isbn=1841762431}} Soldiers who proved especially reliable and experienced were appointed to {{lang|goh|gefreyten Knechten}} (exempted/freed servants/soldiers, a cognate to 'knight'). They were positioned in critical battlefield roles and, along with their extra rank privileges, they were generally exempted from sentry duties.{{cite book|first=Lutz |last=Mackensen |title=Vom Ursprung der Wörter. Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache}}{{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}}{{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}}{{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}}

From the 18th century, {{lang|de|Gefreite}} were the frontline members of a military company, with every {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} leading and commanding a section or squad of {{lang|de|Gemeine}}{{cite web|work=Duden|title=Gemeine, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Gemeine_Buchstabe_Soldat|access-date=26 September 2023}} (ordinary-rank soldiers). The rank existed in the cavalry, infantry, pioneers, and artillery, where {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} rank held a higher rank-class status.

{{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was the only enlisted rank within the Royal Prussian Army and the imperial army of the German Empire until 1918, to which an exceptional enlisted soldier could be promoted on the recommendation of the {{lang|de|Hauptmann}} (Captain) or {{lang|de|Rittmeister}} (Cavalry-Master), and ultimately endorsed by the {{lang|de|Regiments-Commandeur}} (Regimental Colonel). An exception to this was the rank of {{lang|de|Obergefreiter}} (since 1859) in the foot artillery, which later replaced the artillery Bombardier (rank) (Corporal) rank.

The {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} rank was also considered a transition rank for promotion to and from which replacements were selected to the {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}} (Corporal){{cite web|work=Duden|title=Korporal, der |url=http://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Korporal|access-date=26 September 2023}} rank. Within the Royal Prussian Army and the imperial army of the German Empire, the rank {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} served as a deputy to the {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}} (Corporal) and was distinguished by the wearing of an {{lang|de|Auszeichnungsknopf}} (rank distinction 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.

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

Since the 1920s, the German rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} has expanded into several additional ranks and duties:

• {{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}} from 1935 to 1944, the {{lang|de|Kriegsmarine}} from 1938 to 1945, and the {{lang|de|Heer}} from 1955)
• {{lang|de|Stabsgefreiter}} (Staff Lance Corporal in the {{lang|de|Reichswehr}} since 1927, the {{lang|de|Kriegsmarine}} until 1945, and the {{lang|de|Luftwaffe}} from 1944, temporarily replacing the {{lang|de|Hauptgefreiter}} rank)
• {{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 currently in use with the German army, air force, and navy.

The female form, {{lang|de|Gefreite}}, is not used by the military; the formal address is {{lang|de|Frau Gefreiter}}.{{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 }}

{{Infobox military rank

| name = {{lang|de|Gefreiter}}

| native_name =

| image = Gfr OR2-Tellerkappe AT.jpg

| image_size = 50

| alt =

| caption = Cap insignia

| image2 = {{nobreak| 50px 50px}}

| image_size2 =

| alt2 =

| caption2 = Service and field insignia

| image3 =

| image_size3 =

| alt3 =

| caption3 =

| country =

| service branch =

| abbreviation = Gfr

| rank group = Charges

| rank =

| NATO rank =

| Non-NATO rank = OR-2{{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 }}

| pay grade =

| formation = 1857

| abolished =

| higher rank = {{lang|de|Korporal}}

| lower rank = {{lang|de|Rekrut}}

| equivalents =

| history =

}}

Gefreiter (abbr. Gfr) is a military rank of the Austrian Bundesheer. It is officially translated as lance corporal.{{sfn|bundesheer}}

{{see also|Rank insignia of the Austro-Hungarian Army|Adjustierung}}

In the Austro-Hungarian Army (1867–1918), {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} ({{langx|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 {{lang|de|Waffenrock}} (tunic) on gorget patch ({{langx|de|Paroli}}). The stand-up collar and background of the gorget patch displayed a particular egalisation colour.

Gefreiter in the context of infantry

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 7.png|{{center|IR 7}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 25.png|{{center|IR 25}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 33.png|{{center|IR 33}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 37.png|{{center|IR 37}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 41.png|{{center|IR 41}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 50.png|{{center|IR 50}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 62.png|{{center|IR 62}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 69.png|{{center|IR 69}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 77.png|{{center|IR 77}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 87.png|{{center|IR 87}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 92.png|{{center|IR 92}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 99.png|{{center|IR 99}}

Gefreiter im k.u.k. InfRgt 101.png|{{center|IR 101}}

{{Infobox military rank

| name = Gefreiter

| image = {{nowrap|75px 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/Schütze}}|{{lang|de|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.Brockhaus, The encyclopedia in 24 volumes (1796–2001), Volume 8: 3-7653-3668-8, page 231; definition "Gefreiter". Following the NATO ranking system, {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} equates to OR-2 on the NATO-standard rank scale, making the rank equivalent to either private, private first class, vice corporal, lance corporal, or corporal, depending on the chosen NATO-allied force used for the comparison. 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:

• OR-4a: {{lang|de|Oberstabsgefreiter}}
• OR-4b: {{lang|de|Stabsgefreiter}}
• OR-3a: {{lang|de|Hauptgefreiter}}
• OR-3b: {{lang|de|Obergefreiter}}
• OR-2: {{lang|de|Gefreiter}}
• OR-1: {{lang|de|Soldat/Schütze}} (Army), {{lang|de|Flieger}} (Air Force), {{lang|de|Matrose}} (Navy)

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

File:WMacht_H_OR2_Gefr_1935-1945.svg Gefreiter rank insignia, worn on the upper left arm sleeve. The backing is made of blue-green cloth (Version from 1 October 1936 to 1945, previously two chevrons in the Reichswehr).]]

Throughout the periods of the Royal Prussian Army, the Imperial Army of the German Empire, the {{lang|de|Reichswehr}}, the {{lang|de|Wehrmacht}}, and the {{lang|de|Waffen-SS}}, the rank of {{lang|de|Gefreiter}} was considered equivalent to that of a lance corporal.

The {{lang|de|Obergefreiter}} was regarded as senior lance corporal or rather second corporal in the artillery, and the full corporal rank known as {{lang|de|Unteroffizier}} (subordinate non-commissioned officer) replaced the {{lang|de|Korporal}} rank from 1856.

Within the army branch (Heer) of the {{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 typically 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}}.

Since the unmasking of the Luftwaffe on 1 March 1935, the Gefreiter was also part of their ranks. Prior to this, the Luftwaffe operated secretly under the guise of the German Air Sports Association (DLV). The Gefreiter emerged from the Flieger-Gefreiter (Airman Lance Corporal) of the DLV flying corps, where this rank served as an assistant aircraft pilot (DLV-Hilfsflugzeugführer), assistant radio operator (DLV-Hilfsbordfunker), or assistant supervisor (DLV-Unterwart).

File:Luftwaffe collar tabs Gefreiter 3D.svg.]]

The Luftwaffe Gefreiter ranked immediately above the lowest rank, Flieger (Airman, Aviator); there was no equivalent to the army rank of Oberschütze. Instead of the rank insignia of its DLV counterpart, which was three aluminum-colored wings on both collar patches, the Luftwaffe Gefreiter wore only two collar wings. The collar patches were in one of the respective Luftwaffe branch colours. Additionally, the Gefreiter wore a chevron on the left upper arm according to the army pattern, but on a base made of blue-grey fabric. The chevrons were made of aluminium-coloured braid (for service tunic, flight blouse, coat), grey-blue braid (for drill blouse, work protection suit), or dark brown braid (for tropical shirt).

{{WWII German enlisted ranks}}

The best-known holder of the rank of {{lang|de|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. Among the generals were Gerd von Rundstedt, Erich von Manstein, and Friedrich Paulus.

Rundstedt often remarked 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 Hitler had acquired in the 1930s from 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 hometown of Braunau in Austria (Braunau am Inn) for another town of the same name (Broumov, German: {{lang|de|Braunau}}) in Bohemia. Initially, he 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.{{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}}

{{Infobox military rank

| name = Yefreytor

| image = {{nowrap|75px 75px}}

| caption = Army and Air Force shoulder insignia

| image2 =

| image3 =

| caption2 =

| country = {{flag|Russia}}

| service branch = {{army|Russia}}
{{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 = Mladshy serzhant

| lower rank = Ryadovoy

| equivalents =

| history =

}}

Yefreytor ({{langx|ru|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.{{cite book |author1=NATO |title=STANAG 2116 NATO |date=2010 |publisher=NATO Standardization Agency |edition=6th |location=Brussels, Belgium |page=D-1}}

1908ur03-e02.png|{{center|Epaulette Yefreytor of the 3rd Lancer Smolensk Emperor Alexander III Regiment
(1908)}}

1911-ir001-p02-1.png|{{center|Shoulder insignia Yefreytor to Imperial Russian Army
(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
(1914)}}

RA A R2PVT col 1943.PNG|{{center|Gorget insignia to gymnastyorka yefreytor RA (1940−1943)}}

1943avia-p19-1.png|{{center|Shoulder board yefreytor
Air Force
RA (1943−1955) and SA (1946-1955)}}

Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Army.svg|{{center|Yefreytor
infantry SA}}

Rank insignia of ефрейтор of the Soviet Air Force.svg|{{center|Yefreytor Air Force, aviation Air defence and Navy, Airborne troops SA
(1955−1963)}}

RAF AF-ABTr R2Kursant 2010.png|{{center|Kursant Service uniform with OR-3 rank yefreytor of the Air Force or Airborne Troops
(1994–2010)}}

Rus efreitor.png|{{center|Service uniform yefreytor
of the Army and SMF
(1994−2010)}}

Rus efreitor field.svg|{{center|Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches
(1994—2010)}}

Russia-Army-OR-2-2010.svg|{{center|Service uniform yefreytor of the Army
(2010−present)}}

Russia-Airforce-OR-2-2010.svg|{{center|Service uniform yefreytor of the Air Force
(2010−present)}}

2efr.png|{{center|Field uniform yefreytor of the whole Armed Forces branches
(2010—present)}}

File:Armenia-Army-OR-2.svg|{{lang|hy|ԵՖՐԵՅՏՈՐ}}
{{lang|hy-Latn|Yefreytor}}
(Armenian Ground Forces){{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}}

File:Russia-Army-OR-2-1994-field.svg|{{lang|be|Яфрэйтар}}
{{lang|be-Latn|Jafrejtar}}
(Belarusian Ground Forces){{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}}

File:Bulgaria-Army-OR-4.svg|{{lang|bg|Ефрейтор}}
{{lang|bg-Latn|Efreytor}}
(Bulgarian Land Forces){{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}}

File:02-RKGF-SPV.svg|{{lang|kk|Ефрейтор}}
{{lang|kk-Latn|Efreĭtor}}
(Kazakh Ground Forces){{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}}

File:02.Kyrgyzstan Army-PFC.svg|{{lang|ky|Ефрейтор}}
{{lang|ky-Latn|Efreytor}}
(Kyrgyz Army){{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}}

File:Tajikistan-Army-OR-4.png|{{lang|tg|Ефрейтор}}
{{lang|tg-Latn|Efreytor}}
(Tajik Ground Forces){{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}}

{{Main|Swiss army ranks}}

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• World War II German Army ranks and insignia
• Rank insignia of the German armed forces
• Ranks and insignia of NATO armies enlisted
• History of Russian military ranks

{{Reflist}}{{German military ranks}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Military ranks of Germany

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Category:Military ranks of Austria

Category:Military ranks of the Soviet Union

Category:Military ranks of Russia