BACKGROUND: The basis of the RAD, "Reichs Arbeitsdienst" (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. This law also decreed that all military conscripts serve a nine month term.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Second pattern sew on shoulder board, designed by Egon Jantke and used from 1936 until 1945. The upper surface of the board is comprised of interwoven, doubled silver-aluminum cords, segmented with narrow black chevrons with a double rank pips indicating the rank of an "Oberstarbeitsführer". The cords form a button loop beyond where it is sewn to its stiffened, black velvet underlay, which extends along the edge to form visible piping.