BACKGROUND: The basis of the "Reichsarbeitsdienst" (National-labor-service) dates back, at least, to 1929 with the formation of the AAD, "Anhalt Arbeitsdienst" (Anhalt Labor-service), and the FAD-B, "Freiwillingen Arbeitsdienst-Bayern" (Volunteer Labor-service [of]-Bavaria). Shortly after Hitler's appointment as Chancellor, on January 30th 1933, the NSDAP consolidated these, and other labor organizations, into the NSAD, "Nationalsozialist Arbeitsdienst" (National-socialist Labor-service); a national labor service. In June of 1935 the NSAD was re-designated RAD. In July of the same year RAD service became compulsory, with all German citizens between 19 and 25 years of age required to enlist for a six month term. Of Note: This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine month term.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Alloy cap badge being the RAD emblem of an upright spade head, whose vertically ribbed border is painted red, with a mobile swastika, cross-hatched and painted black, to its center, and with sprigs of barley extending upward from either side of the spade’s base. Both prongs complete. Maker marked. Very nice!