Hauptfeldwebel (rank)
| Hauptfeldwebel | |
|---|---|
| Heer and Luftwaffe shoulder insignia | |
| Country | Germany |
| Service branch | German Army German Air Force |
| Abbreviation | HptFw |
| Rank | Unteroffiziere mit Portepee grade |
| NATO rank code | OR-7 / OR-8 |
| Non-NATO rank | E-7 |
| Formation | 1957 |
| Next higher rank | Stabsfeldwebel |
| Next lower rank | Oberfeldwebel |
| Equivalent ranks | Hauptbootsmann |
Hauptfeldwebel (HptFw or HF; lit. 'Head Field Bailiff') is the third highest Non-commissioned officer (NCO) grade in German Army and German Air Force. It is grouped as OR-7 / OR-8 in NATO, equivalent to US Army Sergeant 1st Class and Master Sergeant. In army/air force context, NCOs of this rank were formally addressed as Herr Hauptfeldwebel also informally/short Hauptfeld.