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: A pair of second pattern, sewn on, shoulder boards, designed by Egon Jantke and used from 1936 to 1945. The upper surface of the board is comprised of dual rows of doubled silver-aluminum cord, segmented with narrow black chevrons, and a rank pip, indicating the rank of an "Oberfeldmeister" (roughly equivalent to a second lieutenant). Its stiff, black velvet underlay, which extends along the edge to form visible piping.