Leadership Duties
Division Kommandur
IIa Adjutanture Ia Command Ib Quartermaster Regimentsführer WH & WL BnFührer Waffen SS BnFührer
Administration Battle Planning Troop Movement Combat Command Kaserne Command Kaserne Command
Kompanie Command
Zug Zug Zug
(Unit CO) (Unit CO) (Unit CO)
IIa Adjutanture Ia Command Ib Quartermaster Regimentsführer WH & WL BnFührer Waffen SS BnFührer
Administration Battle Planning Troop Movement Combat Command Kaserne Command Kaserne Command
Kompanie Command
Zug Zug Zug
(Unit CO) (Unit CO) (Unit CO)
| division_staff_2018.pdf |
The WWIIHA Event Administration functions are designed to replicate the original 1944 U.S. Army Division structure, and both the Allied and Axis re-enactors’ respective chains of command are also organized according to each side’s 1944 divisional structure.
Up until January 2017 the focal point of the Axis 1944 Division model at the Battle of the Bulge has been the German Headquarters and its system of managing impression and behavioral standards through the Soldbuch inspection/Café Trois pass system. In the original Division, this would have fallen under the rear area service known as the Division Staff Adjutanture Unit or IIa.
In 2017, we continued to evolve our replication of the 1944 Division Staff model by staffing up three additional fundamental activities that must occur for success at our event. The original staff model contained other functions (such as veterinarian staff) that do not apply to our event.
These four functions are based on a real world model that served the German Army well, but have been adapted with practicality for contemporary re-enactors:
All four of those elements and their commanders will report directly to the Division Kommandur. His responsibility is to ensure that the four act in concert with each other, give each strategic advice and direction. The Axis Division Kommandur has the ultimate accountability to WWIIHA for their performance and in turn he works to ensure the appropriate WWIIHA support for their operations.
How The Axis Division Chain of Command Will Function
Kaserne Chain of Command
Kaserne/Administrative Structure Definition:
This is the structure and chain of command used throughout the year leading up to the event and during the event in Kaserne for all activities except for Field Operations (“tactical activity”).
In Kaserne, a German unit will be referred to as a Zug. These are the entities officially recognized as having been invited by WWIIHA to participate in the event. The chain of command in Kaserne will start with the Divisional Commander, who is a member of the WWIIHA Executive Board, and be administered through two Divisional Bataillon: Wehrmacht (Heer and Luftwaffe) and Waffen SS. Unit commanders will report directly to their respective Bataillon commander, who in turn reports directly to the Divisional Commander. All garrison functions will be directed through this chain of command. See below:
DIVISION is responsible for overall administrative control. It is supreme in the chain of command and holds overall decision-making responsibility. It controls troop movement to the Training Area for Field Operations and from the Training Area when Field Operations are complete.
BATAILLON has full and direct control of its respective branch of service and is the primary branch of service interface between Division and the various Zuge within Heer, SS and Luftwaffe. (The Luftwaffe Zuge will use the Heer Bataillon unless otherwise ordered by Division.) This includes all administrative reports to Axis HQ and the IIa, including strength reports. All communication up and down the chain of command passes through Bataillon according to branch of service. All ceremonial functions are administered through Bataillon.
ZUG means an individual pre-established unit per event registration. Whether 5 men or 50, we consider these units a Zug and they are expected to report to their respective Battaillon.
REGIMENT, while in Kaserne, is subordinate to Division, but not in the direct chain of command for Kaserne Operations. While in garrison it has no role other than planning/preparation of Field Operations. Regiment will determine all Field Operation subdivisions as needed, including Kampfgruppen and within KG’s, smaller subordinate Kompanien comprised of individual units (Zug) as recognized by WWIIHA registration.
Field Operations Chain of Command
Field Operation/Tactical Structure Definition:
The Division will administer Field Operations through a Regimental Command that has direct tactical command and control once in the combat zone. Regiment will determine the Order of Battle, and will have the authority to arrange Zuge into Kompanie and/or Kampfgruppe based on the mission requirements. The OB and composition of Ko and KG is therefore not static and can change from year to year to be determined by the nature of the scenario we are re-creating.
This is the structure and chain of command used once troops have physically entered the training area.
DIVISION maintains overall operational control, addresses over-arching logistical issues that may arise, is the POC for event management issues that may arise (WWIIHA, FIG Range Control) and controls combat flow via comms with enemy (Allied) counterparts. It does not directly control subordinate tactical units. Division controls movement to and from the Training Area.
REGIMENT assumes full and direct tactical control of all subordinate tactical units once command is released from Division at Startex. In relinquishes control back to Division at Endex or if WWIIHA or FIG authorities intercede due to an event level issue. The Regimental Commander will be a senior officer with the highest level of field operations experience and demonstrated performance.
KAMPFGRUPPEN are ad hoc constructs used to organize multiple subordinate assets into a cohesive fighting force to achieve specific ends. The quantity, composition and leadership of Kampfgruppen is adaptable to the particular needs of Regiment based on the capabilities/specializations of the assets and expertise of specific commanders. KG’s are driven by need, may combine subordinate units from different branches and are temporary.
KOMPANIE is the primary element in the tactical structure. A Kompanie can be comprised of one or more individual units (Zuge). One example of this is combining all Gebirgsjager and Jager Zuge into a GJ Ko with a single commander. This combines three Zuge of similar assets (light infantry) but different sizes (large, medium and small) into a larger more effective fighting force. It is also more efficient to deploy these units under a single Ko commander. The quantity, composition and leadership of Kompanie is adaptable to the particular needs of Regiment (or KG, if being used), and is based on the capabilities/specializations of the assets and expertise of specific commanders. Kompanien are driven by need, and may combine subordinate Zuge from different branches.
The links at the top of this page go to a description of each of those assignments, using the original duties of 1944/45 as a foundation, but adapted for this event so that the key tasks required for this event are executed successfully. There is some significant change and clearer definition of responsibility, primarily to remove operational silos which hinder seamless execution of the Division Commander’s orders and intention.
Up until January 2017 the focal point of the Axis 1944 Division model at the Battle of the Bulge has been the German Headquarters and its system of managing impression and behavioral standards through the Soldbuch inspection/Café Trois pass system. In the original Division, this would have fallen under the rear area service known as the Division Staff Adjutanture Unit or IIa.
In 2017, we continued to evolve our replication of the 1944 Division Staff model by staffing up three additional fundamental activities that must occur for success at our event. The original staff model contained other functions (such as veterinarian staff) that do not apply to our event.
These four functions are based on a real world model that served the German Army well, but have been adapted with practicality for contemporary re-enactors:
- Administration & Discipline (originally the Division Staff Adjutanture Unit or IIa)Standards of behavior and appearance must be established, widely understood and enforced. Additionally, event management must have a central point of contact for all administrative issues surrounding event registration, housing, parking, post regulations.
- Battle Planning (originally the Division Staff Command Unit or Ia)The objective of the battle must be clearly understood via analysis of terrain, combat capabilities of the Division’s front line and the combat capabilities of the enemy. That analysis must be ongoing and developed into recommendations of action for the Commander.
- Ammunition Management & Troop Movement (originally the Division Staff Quartermaster Unit or Ib)Daily movement of troops happens in this order: Appell, Ammunition Distribution, Convoy Assembly and Deployment to the field. Since there are multiple convoys and routes into the field, these must be coordinated from a central point of management that ensures the order of march to the field is properly maintained and that control of all elements is maintained upon arrival.
- Combat Effectiveness (this is delivered by the Regiment(s), or the front line of the Division).Full strength divisions were organized into multiple regiments supported by several back line services. The Regiment has a commander solely focused on translating the Divisional Commander’s Intent into success on the battlefield via the regiment’s Kompanie commanders, men and assets.
All four of those elements and their commanders will report directly to the Division Kommandur. His responsibility is to ensure that the four act in concert with each other, give each strategic advice and direction. The Axis Division Kommandur has the ultimate accountability to WWIIHA for their performance and in turn he works to ensure the appropriate WWIIHA support for their operations.
How The Axis Division Chain of Command Will Function
- Kaserne Operations is the chain of command to be used when the troops are in garrison
- Field Operations is the chain of command to be used when the troops are in the field.
- Divisional command will retain command over both Kaserne Operations and Field Operations, but will administer each through separate chains of command
Kaserne Chain of Command
Kaserne/Administrative Structure Definition:
This is the structure and chain of command used throughout the year leading up to the event and during the event in Kaserne for all activities except for Field Operations (“tactical activity”).
In Kaserne, a German unit will be referred to as a Zug. These are the entities officially recognized as having been invited by WWIIHA to participate in the event. The chain of command in Kaserne will start with the Divisional Commander, who is a member of the WWIIHA Executive Board, and be administered through two Divisional Bataillon: Wehrmacht (Heer and Luftwaffe) and Waffen SS. Unit commanders will report directly to their respective Bataillon commander, who in turn reports directly to the Divisional Commander. All garrison functions will be directed through this chain of command. See below:
DIVISION is responsible for overall administrative control. It is supreme in the chain of command and holds overall decision-making responsibility. It controls troop movement to the Training Area for Field Operations and from the Training Area when Field Operations are complete.
BATAILLON has full and direct control of its respective branch of service and is the primary branch of service interface between Division and the various Zuge within Heer, SS and Luftwaffe. (The Luftwaffe Zuge will use the Heer Bataillon unless otherwise ordered by Division.) This includes all administrative reports to Axis HQ and the IIa, including strength reports. All communication up and down the chain of command passes through Bataillon according to branch of service. All ceremonial functions are administered through Bataillon.
ZUG means an individual pre-established unit per event registration. Whether 5 men or 50, we consider these units a Zug and they are expected to report to their respective Battaillon.
REGIMENT, while in Kaserne, is subordinate to Division, but not in the direct chain of command for Kaserne Operations. While in garrison it has no role other than planning/preparation of Field Operations. Regiment will determine all Field Operation subdivisions as needed, including Kampfgruppen and within KG’s, smaller subordinate Kompanien comprised of individual units (Zug) as recognized by WWIIHA registration.
Field Operations Chain of Command
Field Operation/Tactical Structure Definition:
The Division will administer Field Operations through a Regimental Command that has direct tactical command and control once in the combat zone. Regiment will determine the Order of Battle, and will have the authority to arrange Zuge into Kompanie and/or Kampfgruppe based on the mission requirements. The OB and composition of Ko and KG is therefore not static and can change from year to year to be determined by the nature of the scenario we are re-creating.
This is the structure and chain of command used once troops have physically entered the training area.
DIVISION maintains overall operational control, addresses over-arching logistical issues that may arise, is the POC for event management issues that may arise (WWIIHA, FIG Range Control) and controls combat flow via comms with enemy (Allied) counterparts. It does not directly control subordinate tactical units. Division controls movement to and from the Training Area.
REGIMENT assumes full and direct tactical control of all subordinate tactical units once command is released from Division at Startex. In relinquishes control back to Division at Endex or if WWIIHA or FIG authorities intercede due to an event level issue. The Regimental Commander will be a senior officer with the highest level of field operations experience and demonstrated performance.
KAMPFGRUPPEN are ad hoc constructs used to organize multiple subordinate assets into a cohesive fighting force to achieve specific ends. The quantity, composition and leadership of Kampfgruppen is adaptable to the particular needs of Regiment based on the capabilities/specializations of the assets and expertise of specific commanders. KG’s are driven by need, may combine subordinate units from different branches and are temporary.
KOMPANIE is the primary element in the tactical structure. A Kompanie can be comprised of one or more individual units (Zuge). One example of this is combining all Gebirgsjager and Jager Zuge into a GJ Ko with a single commander. This combines three Zuge of similar assets (light infantry) but different sizes (large, medium and small) into a larger more effective fighting force. It is also more efficient to deploy these units under a single Ko commander. The quantity, composition and leadership of Kompanie is adaptable to the particular needs of Regiment (or KG, if being used), and is based on the capabilities/specializations of the assets and expertise of specific commanders. Kompanien are driven by need, and may combine subordinate Zuge from different branches.
The links at the top of this page go to a description of each of those assignments, using the original duties of 1944/45 as a foundation, but adapted for this event so that the key tasks required for this event are executed successfully. There is some significant change and clearer definition of responsibility, primarily to remove operational silos which hinder seamless execution of the Division Commander’s orders and intention.